Variable-Width Hoof Rasp for Easier Start and Higher Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional hoof rasps require significant strength to initiate rasping due to their constant width and weight distribution, leading to inefficiencies and increased physical strain, while wider rasps are cumbersome and heavier, and thinner ones lack productivity.

Innovation Solution

A hoof rasp design featuring a narrowed initial stroke area with fewer teeth for easier starting, transitioning to a wider, more productive central section with standard teeth for efficient rasping, balancing weight and reducing physical effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the rasp has a constant width and standard teeth density, then productivity is maintained, but significant strength is required to initiate rasping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverasping productivityVSAvoidforce required to initiate rasping
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The rasp blade features variable width along its length: a narrower first portion (44.5mm) for initiating rasping with reduced force, and a wider second portion (53mm) for intensive work. This local variation in geometry allows each section to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between ease of initiation and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the rasp is made wider to increase productivity, then more teeth are provided, but weight increases and physical strength requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverasping productivityVSAvoid rasp weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the entire rasp wider, only the second portion is widened to 53mm while the first portion remains at 44.5mm. This localized widening provides more teeth for intensive work without proportionally increasing the overall weight, as the narrower first portion compensates for the weight increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The rasp blade is segmented into two distinct portions with different widths: a narrower first portion for initiation and a wider second portion for productivity. This segmentation allows the tool to achieve high productivity in the working section without the entire tool becoming excessively heavy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Weight of moving object

If the rasp is made thinner to reduce weight, then ease of use is improved, but productivity decreases due to fewer teeth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve rasp weightVSAvoidrasping productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The second portion of the rasp is made wider (53mm) to provide more teeth for intensive rasping work, compensating for the reduced thickness. This local widening ensures that productivity is maintained in the working section even though the overall rasp is kept thinner for reduced weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If the rasp has a narrow width, then weight is reduced and ease of use is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidrasping productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rasp features a narrow first portion (44.5mm) for ease of initiation and handling, and a wider second portion (53mm) for intensive productivity. This local variation allows the tool to be easy to use during initiation while maintaining high productivity during the main rasping work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3692790B1Hoof rasp
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 KERCKHAERT HOEFIJZERFAB BV
  • EP3692790B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a hoof rasp (1) for filing/rasping and tidying the hoof of a horse, comprising at least one rasping side provided with a rasping section (2) with length L and width W between a rasp-free first and second end (3, 4) over a respective length L1 and L2, whereby the first end (3) tapers into a tang (5) intended for a handle and the second end (4) is for holding the hoof rasp (1), whereby the rasping section (3), toward the second end (4), comprises a narrowed area (6). The invention also relates to a method for filing/rasping a hoof with such a hoof rasp.