Shock-absorbing shoulder brace for slant load trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Equine leg injuries and muscle strain occur due to the uneven stress distribution in slant load trailers, particularly affecting the right front leg during transportation, leading to soreness and lameness in horses.
Innovation Solution
A shock-absorbing bumper is installed on the interior wall of slant load trailers, positioned to contact the equine's shoulder during deceleration, reducing stress on the right front leg by allowing it to lean into the bumper and absorb forces more evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If horses are hauled in slant load trailers to increase capacity and reduce trailer length, then more horses can be transported in shorter trailers, but the right front leg and left hind leg bear uneven stress causing muscle strain and leg injuries
Solution Approach 1:
A shoulder brace is introduced as an intermediary device between the horse and the trailer wall. The brace contacts the horse's shoulder and distributes the lateral forces generated during acceleration and deceleration, preventing these forces from being concentrated on the right front leg. This mediator absorbs and redistributes the harmful stresses while allowing the slant load configuration to maintain its high capacity advantage
2Productivity
If horses are crammed tightly in slant load trailers to maximize capacity, then trailer space is optimized, but horses cannot move their head and neck normally to maintain balance, increasing muscle strain
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder brace provides localized support at the shoulder region where forces are concentrated. By reinforcing this specific area with a padded brace that can move independently, the system allows horses to maintain balance through head and neck movements while preventing excessive lateral motion at the shoulder. This localized intervention preserves the horse's ability to control balance without compromising the tight spacing required for high capacity
3Device complexity
If no shoulder brace is used to simplify the trailer structure, then the trailer design remains simple and cost-effective, but the right front leg absorbs all deceleration forces causing suspensory strains and leg injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder brace serves as a preventive cushioning device installed beforehand in the trailer. The padded brace is positioned to contact the horse's shoulder before harmful forces are applied during deceleration or turning. This pre-positioned protective element distributes lateral forces across a larger area including the shoulder and upper chest, preventing the concentration of forces on the right front leg that would otherwise cause suspensory strains and other leg injuries
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bumper effectively reduces leg injuries and muscle strain by distributing the force of acceleration and deceleration more evenly, alleviating stiffness and lameness issues in horses during long-distance transport.
Implementation Method 1
A shock-absorbing bumper installed on an interior wall and precisely positioned to contact the shoulder of the hauled equine when it is thrown forward upon movement of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Shock-absorbing bumpers that are adapted and configured to be attached to an interior wall of an animal hauling slant load trailer and positioned to contact the shoulder of an equine when the equine is driven forward by a deceleration or braking of the trailer. The bumper(s) are positioned to contact and restrain the equine shoulder allowing it to lean into it, thereby preventing the unnecessary extension of and stress on the animal's right front leg and hoof.