Hoof-boot system comprising a hoof boot having a sensor system, and comprising electronic hoof components

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hoof-boot system (15, 25) comprising: a hoof boot (15) which has at least one sensor system (1) and a hoof boot wall (15c) having a hoof component holder (15h); and an electronic hoof component (25) which is held by the hoof component holder (15h) and is designed to read the sensor system (1) of the hoof boot (15).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Hoof shoe system with hoof shoe with sensors and with electronic hoof component

[0003] The invention relates to a hoof shoe system comprising a hoof shoe with a sensor system, preferably with a reaction force measuring plate for determining a surface reaction force distribution when a hoof of a hoofed animal hits the ground, and with an electronic hoof component.

[0004] For the gait and health analysis of a horse or other hoofed animal (e.g., a camel), it is desirable to record the reaction forces generated when the animal hits the ground not only at a single point, but with a certain degree of resolution across the entire hoof impact area. The measured values ​​should allow conclusions to be drawn about the animal's health, for example, with regard to lameness or overloading of the gait apparatus.

[0005] While there are a number of solutions for corresponding tasks in the fields of medical diagnostics, training status analysis, and rehabilitation in humans, the availability of corresponding systems for hoofed animals is limited. There is a commercially available product from Tekscan, as well as systems with a similar purpose, but based on measuring acceleration rather than reaction forces.

[0006] From GB 2 482 192 B, it is known to attach force sensors for such purposes to a horseshoe and to store their signals locally and / or transmit them via a wireless transmitter to a remote receiving and evaluation station. According to DE 10 2011 016 344 A1, force sensors are inserted into an elastomer body for a corresponding purpose. The elastomer body, which in turn is to be inserted into a hoof shoe, is intended to enable the use of commercially available resistive force sensors with their limited force measurement range for reaction force analysis in horses with their relatively high ground pressure.

[0007] US 2020 / 319044 A1 teaches another system for the area-resolved recording of reaction forces on the hooves of an ungulate, which transmits the sensor signals to a remote evaluation unit via a wireless transmitter. This system has a complex construction consisting of a base plate and a floor plate, which are precisely guided relative to each other and between which several force application cylinders and a plurality of resistive force measuring sensors are housed, as well as a microprocessor unit, a communication unit, and a battery for powering the components. The function of the "force application cylinders" is not disclosed in the document, nor is the method of attachment to the hoof.

[0008] DE 102021 211 795.3 (unpublished) describes a reaction force measuring plate for detecting the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact surface of the foot of a hoofed animal or the foot of a human when it steps on the ground, comprising a rigid support plate with a first surface facing the ground during use and a second surface facing the hoof or foot, a plurality of flat force measuring sensors fixed in a fixed position on the first surface of the support plate, and a plurality of elastic force transmission studs, in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force measuring sensors, which are fixed to the free surfaces of the force measuring sensors. A disadvantage of the known possibilities of this type for measuring the force of the foot of a hoofed animal or the foot of a human when it steps on the ground, i.e.in case of ground contact, is that only force distributions can be measured, but not total forces, since force shunts occur in addition to the discrete sensor positions.

[0009] A disadvantage of using individual force transmission studs per force measuring sensor of the reaction force measuring plate according to DE 10 2021 211 795.3 is that a slight offset between the force transmission stud and the force measuring sensor during operation changes the characteristics or calibration curve of the force measuring sensor (measured value vs. applied force). This can result in significant inaccuracies in the measured force.

[0010] Another disadvantage is that, for example, different hoof shapes and / or soil properties can lead to undefined force input and dissipation. This can result in force shunts, which prevents the load from being directed to the discrete sensor positions as desired.

[0011] Another disadvantage is that when used on hoofed animals with iron shoes (e.g., horses), irregularities in the shoeing, e.g., due to protruding nails, can occur. These can significantly influence the force distribution on a rigid plate. This would not be the case in the reference condition without a measuring system on soft ground, as small unevenness in the ground sinks and can thus be compensated. This could lead to incorrect interpretation of the measurement results.

[0012] A further disadvantage is that in the prior art the electronics either have to be connected directly to the horse using complex cabling or only acceleration signals are recorded, so that no special external interfaces to an external sensor need to be provided in the design. One object of the present invention is to improve the options for using sensors on the hoof or leg of a hoofed animal, in particular a horse. In particular, the electronics of the sensor system should be compact, visually appealing, easy to use, robust and / or tightly constructed and attached to the hoof boot. Preferably, its maintenance and removal should be possible at all and preferably as quickly and easily as possible. Additionally or alternatively, the force measurement of the foot of a hoofed animal when it hits the ground should be improved.In particular, a preferably compact sensor plate with discrete sensor positions and a force introduction into the plate should be created, resulting in stable and robust sensor characteristics. Additionally or alternatively, force transmission without force shunts should be implemented to enable the measurement of absolute forces and minimize potential errors in the measured force distribution. In any case, this should be achieved as simply, cost-effectively, and with minimal space and / or weight as possible. At the very least, an alternative to the existing options should be created.

[0013] The object is achieved according to the invention by a hoof shoe system, a hoof shoe, and an electronic hoof component having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0014] The invention thus relates to a hoof shoe system comprising a hoof shoe with at least one sensor and a hoof shoe wall with a hoof component holder and with an electronic hoof component which is held by the hoof component holder and is designed to read the sensors of the hoof shoe. The electronic hoof component can be designed to be non-destructively removable from the hoof component holder, which can facilitate charging, reading, and / or replacement in the event of damage. This can be done quickly and easily, for example by means of a snap-in connection or the like, or in a more durable but more complex way, for example by means of screws, in which case the replacement can serve more as a replacement in the event of damage.

[0015] Preferably, the electronic hoof component can also be permanently separated from the hoof component holder, for example, by means of a riveted connection. This can provide a particularly robust and durable connection that can withstand the high stresses on the foot of a hoofed animal.

[0016] The electronic hoof component can, in particular, enable one-way or unidirectional or two-way or bidirectional, preferably wireless, communication. The electronic hoof component can, in particular, have a preferably rechargeable electrical energy storage device for supplying and operating the electronic hoof component and, preferably, also the sensor system.

[0017] In any case, the electronic hoof component can accommodate electronic components such as data acquisition units, data conditioning units (e.g., for signal filtering), data processing units, and / or data transmission units, also known as ECUs (Electronic Control Units), as individual components or as combined components. These components can be used on the hoof but do not need to be located beneath the hoof, thus avoiding the associated stresses. This also applies to the aforementioned optional electrical energy storage unit. A radio module of a data transmission unit can protrude from the electronic hoof component, at least via an antenna.

[0018] In addition to the sensors of the hoof boot, the electronic hoof component can also incorporate additional sensors, such as a 3-axis acceleration sensor, a 3-axis gyroscope, and / or a temperature sensor. This allows additional sensor information to be obtained from the hoof.

[0019] In any case, the information collected by the sensors of the hoof boot itself and, if applicable, the sensors of the electronic hoof component can be used to analyze the movement or health status of the hoofed animal, as will be described in more detail below using specific sensors.

[0020] As a complete system for use on hoofed animals, up to four such electronic hoof components can be used, which can communicate with each other, particularly wirelessly. One of the electronic hoof components in the system can communicate with a display device, such as a smartphone with an app. This electronic hoof component represents the peripheral device to the display device and thus functions as the central electronic hoof component compared to the other electronic hoof components.

[0021] This central electronic hoof component can also be switched during use depending on the operating conditions, for example, to always use the electronic hoof component with the best reception strength relative to the receiving unit as a "peripheral." Alternatively, all electronic hoof components can function as "peripherals" relative to the display unit. Optionally, the system's range can be extended with a Bluetooth repeater. The repeater can be positioned, for example, near the hoofed animal's head.

[0022] The hoof shoe wall can also comprise a so-called "upper" of the hoof shoe, which can be a textile combination (fabric, leather, plastic, etc.) that can be applied to the sole. According to one aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component is received in a receptacle, preferably in an interior space, of the hoof component holder and held there. This can enable a secure hold, particularly due to the movements of the hoof of the hoof animal. The hoof component holder can thus exert a sufficient holding force on the received electronic hoof component to hold it in such a way that, even during strong movements of the hoof, relative movement between the electronic hoof component and the hoof component holder, and thus the hoof shoe, can be excluded.

[0023] Preferably, the hoof component holder has a protective edge to protect a gap between the received electronic hoof component and the hoof component holder from contamination. This can prevent contamination from entering this gap, which could lead to a widening of this gap, weakening the durability of the fixed connection between the hoof component holder and the received electronic hoof component, as well as enlarging the gap, which could accelerate the weakening.

[0024] Designing the protective edge so that it can preferably be folded up elastically can still make it possible to reach the rear wall of the accommodated electronic hoof component in the area of ​​the gap to the hoof component holder, for example in order to guide a bow-shaped charging clip from above over the accommodated electronic hoof component and to reach the corresponding charging contacts on one of the sides or on both sides of the accommodated electronic hoof component.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof component holder has a stop edge along the joining direction, and the electronic hoof component has a corresponding stop edge opposite the joining direction. This allows the movement of the electronic hoof component being inserted into the hoof component holder to be definedly limited. Such a defined stop can also promote stability during movement. Furthermore, it can prevent a gap at this location into which dirt could penetrate, as previously described.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof component holder has a pressure compensation element perpendicular to the joining direction and / or the electronic hoof component has a pull-out protection device perpendicular to the joining direction opposite.

[0027] The pull-out protection can create a positive connection perpendicular to the joining direction, which can improve the hold. In particular, this can ensure a sufficiently secure hold so that even with strong hoof movements, relative movement between the electronic hoof component and the hoof component holder, and thus the hoof boot, can be prevented. This type of holder or connection can be arranged alternatively or additionally in any other position with sufficient space or installation space.

[0028] The pressure equalization element can be designed as a semi-permeable membrane, which allows air exchange and is simultaneously waterproof.

[0029] This can prevent a vacuum in the electronics and the “intake” of water.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component has at least one charging port, preferably a pair of charging contacts. This can enable or simplify the placement of a preferably bow-shaped charging clip on the received electronic hoof component in order to electrically recharge the received electronic hoof component. According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component has an operating element, preferably an on / off switch, which is accessible from the outside, preferably laterally and facing away from the hoof during use. This can enable at least simple or elementary operating actions, such as switching on and off, to be carried out directly on the electronic hoof component. Preferably, for example, querying the charge level, coupling a wireless data connection and the like can also be possible.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component has at least one display element that is visible from the outside, preferably to the side and facing away from the hoof during use. This can make it possible to display at least simple information such as the condition or status directly on the electronic hoof component. When several hoof shoe systems according to the invention are used on a hoofed animal, the respectively configured assignment between hoof component and hoof can be displayed by means of the display element. For this purpose, four display elements can be used per hoof component, which can be arranged in a suitable manner relative to one another, so that a user can directly and intuitively recognize the hoof on which precisely this hoof component is to be used due to an activated or illuminated display element. Accordingly, the hoof component can be attached to the appropriate hoof orbe configured to the correct hoof so that the assignment of hoof component and hoof is correct, for example in an app.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, further display options such as battery level indication, charging indication during electrical charging, coupling mode of a wireless communication connection, and the like can be provided. According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component has four outwardly visible display elements, preferably laterally and facing away from the hoof during use. These display elements are arranged and configured to display the respective hoof during use. This can make it easier for the user to attach the respective hoof boot system to the corresponding hoof of the hoofed animal.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof boot has a sole that completely encloses the sensor system relative to the ground, and the hoof boot wall is formed integrally with the sole and encloses the sensor system and, during use, the hoof at least partially, preferably at least substantially. This can represent a simple and at the same time particularly protective implementation option.

[0034] Preferably, the hoof boot wall has a sole profile facing away from the support plate. This can improve surefootedness on the ground.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component is electrically connected to the sensor system of the reaction force measuring plate by means of a connecting element, wherein the connecting element extends through a connecting element opening in the hoof shoe wall, preferably directly above the sole and / or laterally. Thus, a sensor output of the sensor system can be routed through an opening near the sole base into the outer area of ​​the hoof shoe. This can protect the connection from stress, particularly from walking on the ground.

[0036] Preferably, the sensor outlet can be led out of the shoe through an opening in the side wall, which can provide further relief or protection compared to arranging the opening at the tip of the hoof. In either case, the sensor outlet can be led outward on the outward-facing side of the shoe (right hoof shoe, right outlet, left hoof shoe, left outlet) to prevent contact between the connection and, in particular, the electronic hoof component with the other hoof. In any case, the electronic hoof component can be connected as an electronic unit to the hoof shoe's sensor system and positioned laterally, outside the hoof shoe.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, the connecting element opening is at least partially, preferably completely, closed by a connecting element clamp. This can prevent or at least impede the entry of dirt and liquid into the interior of the hoof boot, into the area between the underside of the hoof and the sensor at this point. In any case, external influences or environmental factors such as dirt, mud, moisture or water, stones, and the like can be kept away from the sensor, ensuring its functionality and improving its longevity.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component is arranged on the outside of the hoof shoe wall, wherein the hoof shoe wall has a hoof component protector which surrounds the electronic hoof component at least from below, preferably also at least on one side, particularly preferably on both sides. Thus, a holder for the electronic hoof component can be provided which lies over the cable and partially over the electronics, protects them from damage and / or fixes them to the outer wall of the shoe. Furthermore, a protective edge can be formed from the sole and / or the wall, which at least partially surrounds the holder and thus protects it from impact and dirt. Alternatively, the holder can be manufactured as part of the sole, which is subsequently folded up and attached to the outer wall of the shoe.According to a further aspect of the invention, the sensor system is a reaction force measuring plate for detecting the ground reaction force distribution over the ground contact surface of the foot of a hoofed animal when it steps on the ground, with a preferably rigid support plate with a first surface facing the hoof in use and an opposite second surface facing the ground, or conversely, a plurality of flat force measuring sensors fixed in a fixed position on the first surface of the support plate, a plurality of elastic force transmission studs, in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force measuring sensors, which are fixed to the free surfaces of the force measuring sensors.

[0039] This aspect of the invention is based on the idea of ​​using a reaction force measuring plate as the hoof shoe's sensor system to detect the ground reaction force distribution. This hoof shoe measuring device can be formed with a substantially rigid and incompressible (but possibly elastically flexible) support plate, to one surface of which a plurality of force measuring sensors are attached, and the other surface of which is placed on the underside of the hoof during use and is in active contact with the underside of the hoof.

[0040] As explicitly formulated and described above, the support plate can be positioned with the first surface facing the ground during use and the second opposite surface facing the hoof. However, the arrangement can also be reversed, with the support plate positioned with the first surface facing the hoof during use and the second opposite surface facing the ground. This can increase the usage and design possibilities.

[0041] In particular, the arrangement of the carrier plate with the first surface facing the hoof during use is advantageous because the force measuring sensors and elastic force transmission studs then act against the hoof. Accordingly, the carrier plate does not have to be connected directly to the hoof or horseshoe. Instead, it can be fixed, for example, using a hoof shoe, which can also be formed by a protective element of the reaction force measuring plate itself, as will be described in more detail below. In any case, the force measuring sensors and elastic force transmission studs can then act towards the underside of the hoof, and a cable outlet for the force measuring sensors can be led out of the hoof shoe directly above the sole base of the hoof shoe and without relative movement between the cable outlet Z-clamp and the cable, where it can be electrically connected to the electronic hoof component.

[0042] Furthermore, the invention includes the idea of ​​assigning a force transmission stud adapted to the effective area of ​​the sensor to each of the force measuring sensors on its free surface. A configuration is also possible in which force transmission studs with a larger base area are used, which are assigned not to a single, but to two or more force measuring sensors together, and which transmit the resulting ground reaction forces into them. In extreme cases, the measuring plate could even have only a single force transmission stud whose base area covers all force measuring sensors, provided that this force measuring stud, due to its design and its mounting on the support plate, enables differentiated force transmission to the various sensors.

[0043] For common practical applications, a number of 3 to 8 force sensors, in particular 5 to 7 sensors, is currently sufficient. Preferably, at least five force sensors can be used. Preferably, at least, and particularly preferably, exactly seven force sensors can be used, which can be arranged along the edges. In any case, the force sensors can be arranged at equal distances from one another in the circumferential direction. This can enable representative recording of the force values ​​while simultaneously limiting the effort.

[0044] Such a reaction force measuring plate has a simple design and is therefore inexpensive to manufacture, robust in practical use, and easy to handle. It also allows for the measurement of reaction forces across the entire surface of the hoof with sufficient resolution, minimal force spillovers, and therefore high accuracy. Its flat and lightweight construction makes it not only easy to use but also easy to transport.

[0045] In any case, the corresponding features and advantages can be integrated into a hoof boot. For this purpose, the reaction force measuring plate can be fixed inside the hoof boot, thus coming into contact with the underside of the hoof of the hoofed animal during use.

[0046] The sole of the hoof boot can be designed in a largely semi-oval shape, one piece with the side wall of the hoof boot, i.e. integrally, and can laterally position and guide the reaction force measuring plate. The hoof boot wall or collar can preferably comprise at least % of the sole and preferably be designed to be completely circumferential. In any case, the side wall of the hoof boot, i.e. the hoof boot wall, can be at least the height of the reaction force measuring plate. The sole of the hoof boot, i.e. the hoof boot sole, can preferably be designed in a largely semi-oval shape with one or more bulges to prevent rotation of one or more of the elements of the reaction force measuring plate. This can preferably be in the form of two "fins" in the heel area.

[0047] The invention also relates to a hoof boot for use in a hoof boot system as described above. Thus, a hoof boot can be provided to implement and utilize the previously described properties and advantages. The invention further relates to an electronic hoof component for use in a hoof boot system as described above. Thus, an electronic hoof component can be provided to implement and utilize the previously described properties and advantages.

[0048] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof boot further comprises an inner protective element that runs parallel to the support plate and encloses at least the sensor system or force measuring sensors relative to the hoof. This allows the sensor system or force measuring sensors to be better protected from dirt and moisture.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the invention, the inner protective element has a seal at its edge, which seals off the inside of the hoof boot wall. This can improve the protective effect.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof boot further comprises at least, preferably precisely, one rigid load distribution plate, which is arranged parallel to the support plate and facing away from the support plate on the elastic force transmission studs and facing the hoof. Thus, the rigid load distribution plate spans several to all force measuring sensors or the distances between them. This allows force to be transmitted to each force measuring sensor without force shunting, which can improve the quality of the force measurements.

[0051] The rigid load distribution plate can preferably be made of a material with very high strength and rigidity with good maximum elongation. Polyamide with an additional strength carrier can preferably be used for this purpose. Particularly preferably, the rigid load distribution plate can be implemented as an organic sheet made of polyamide with glass fiber reinforcement. According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof boot further comprises at least one, preferably elastomeric, force transmission surface element, which is fixed in a fixed position to the force measuring sensors parallel to the carrier plate and facing away from the first surface, wherein the elastic force transmission studs are fixed to the free surface of the force transmission surface element directly opposite one of the force measuring sensors. The force transmission surface element is also arranged between the carrier plate and the load distribution plate.

[0052] This aspect of the present invention is based on the finding that the ground contact forces can be transmitted to the respective force sensors by means of the force transmission studs, each of which is arranged directly opposite one of the force measuring sensors, as described in DE 10 2021 211 795.3. In addition, however, by having a force transmission surface element accommodate the force transmission studs and thus position them relative to one another and relative to the force measuring sensors, an offset between the force transmission studs and the force measuring sensor during operation can be avoided or at least sufficiently reduced in order to avoid a change or influencing of the characteristics or the calibration characteristic curve, or at least to reduce it sufficiently to be able to measure the forces with sufficient accuracy.

[0053] The force transmission surface element can also be referred to as a pressure-conducting element. In any case, the force transmission surface element can be designed as a thin, flat plane, which can preferably be bonded to a carrier film in a material-to-material manner, in particular by vulcanization, as will be described in more detail below.

[0054] The force transmission surface element can also serve as a thin protective layer and can be designed in size and shape such that the force transmission surface element at least largely covers the force measuring sensors or their sensor carrier film and thus protects them.

[0055] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission studs and / or the force transmission surface element are formed from an elastomeric material. This can effect or enable elastic force transmission. The hardness of the elastomer or the elastomeric material of the force transmission studs and / or the force transmission surface element can, in particular, be between 30 and 85 ShA.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission studs are formed integrally with the force transmission surface element. Thus, the force transmission studs and the force transmission surface element are formed integrally. This can be done with the same material or with different materials, whereby the latter can increase the manufacturing effort but also the design flexibility.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission studs have a linear or trapezoidal contact surface with the ground and / or the respective force sensor. A linear or elongated contact surface is preferably provided on the side facing away from the force sensor, and a larger, wider contact surface is preferred toward the force sensor. This can be achieved, for example, by a trapezoidal shape, but also by a vertically straight design of the force transmission studs. In either case, this can influence the force transmission.

[0058] According to a further aspect of the invention, the

[0059] The force transmission surface element is glued to the force measuring sensors or a sensor carrier film, facing away from the force transmission stud. This can represent a possible connection, which can thus be made directly between the force measuring sensors and the force transmission surface element. If the force measuring sensors are arranged on a sensor carrier film, in particular printed, as will be described in more detail below, the sensor carrier film can also be covered and protected by the force transmission surface element.

[0060] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission surface element is vulcanized to a carrier film facing away from the force transmission studs, and the carrier film is adhesively bonded to the force measuring sensors or a sensor carrier film. Thus, a surface can be created by means of the carrier film in order to improve the adhesive effect on the force measuring sensors or a sensor carrier film. The carrier film can preferably consist of a material chemically similar to the sensor carrier film in order to enable or promote a material-to-material connection with the sensor carrier film. In any case, the carrier film can preferably consist of a thermoplastic or elastomeric material (e.g. TPE, NR, EPDM), which can be materially bonded to the sensor carrier film, preferably using a vulcanization process or an injection molding process.

[0061] According to a further aspect of the invention, in geometric configurations adapted for use in various ungulates or other vertebrates (including humans), the support plate has the shape of a closed horseshoe, circular ring, U, or polygon with a recess in the central region.

[0062] According to a further aspect of the invention, in a technologically advantageous embodiment, the force measuring sensors together with associated sensor signal lines and optionally power supply lines are realized on a continuous sensor carrier film which is fixed on the first surface of the carrier plate.

[0063] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force measuring sensors or the sensor carrier film are glued to the carrier plate and / or the force transmission studs are glued to the force measuring sensors. This can represent a simple implementation of the force measuring sensors or the aforementioned sensor carrier film with the carrier plate.

[0064] According to a further aspect of the invention, the effective area of ​​the force measuring sensors is in the range between 0.5 cm2 and 10 cm2, in particular 2 cm2 and 5 cm2. It is understood that when using a relatively large number of sensors, and especially in configurations of the measuring plate intended for animals with a relatively small hoof area, the effective area can be relatively small, whereas in configurations with a relatively small number of sensors and for animals with a large detection area, it can be closer to or even higher than the upper limit stated as preferred.

[0065] According to a further aspect of the invention, in the interest of technologically easy and cost-effective manufacture of the sensors and configurability of different designs of the measuring plate, all force measuring sensors have essentially the same geometric shape and effective area.

[0066] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force measuring sensors are resistive-dielectric sensors, which in particular comprise a first conductive layer, a dielectric layer on top of this layer, which is surrounded and delimited by a spacer that determines the shape of the force measuring sensor, and a second conductive layer on top of the dielectric layer and the spacer. In addition to the structure mentioned here as a variant, such resistive force sensors can also have a different, known structure. In principle, in addition to resistive-dielectric sensors, piezoelectric, capacitive, or inductive sensors, or electroactive polymers can also be used in the reaction force measuring plate.

[0067] According to a further aspect of the invention, the material-related embodiments can be designed such that the carrier plate is made of organic sheet, spring steel, or plastic, and / or the force transmission studs are made of elastomer, and / or the load distribution plate is made of organic sheet, spring steel, or plastic, preferably polyamide with a strength carrier, preferably a glass fiber reinforcement. The hardness of the elastomer of the force transmission studs can specifically be between 30 and 85 ShA.

[0068] Advantages and usefulness of the invention will become apparent from the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 shows the structure of an exemplary reaction force measuring plate in a perspective top view of the elastomeric force transmission surface element;

[0069] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the inner protective element of the reaction force measuring plate;

[0070] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a section of Fig. 2 as an exploded view with an underside of a hoof boot according to the invention;

[0071] Fig. 4 a cross-section through the hoof shoe with the reaction force measuring plate of Figs. 1 to 3;

[0072] Fig. 5 a side view of the hoof boot including electronic hoof component;

[0073] Fig. 6 shows the representation of Fig. 5 directly from the front;

[0074] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the electronic hoof component;

[0075] Fig. 8 is a rear plan view of the hoof component holder; Fig. 9 is a perspective view obliquely from above of the electronic hoof component in the hoof component holder; and

[0076] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the reaction force measuring system according to the invention, in the form of a block diagram.

[0077] The description of the above figures is given in Cartesian coordinates with a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and a vertical direction Z perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y. The longitudinal direction X can also be referred to as depth X, the transverse direction Y as width Y and the vertical direction Z as height Z. The longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y together form the horizontal X, Y, which can also be referred to as the horizontal plane X, Y. The longitudinal direction X, the transverse direction Y and the vertical direction Z can together be referred to as spatial directions X, Y, Z or as Cartesian spatial directions X, Y, Z.

[0078] Fig. 1 shows, in a perspective bottom view, the structure of an exemplary reaction force measuring plate 1 as a sensor system 1 with a closed, horseshoe-shaped, rigid support plate 3 having a first surface 3a and a second surface 3b. Seven resistive force measuring sensors 5 with a consistent rectangular basic shape are attached to the first surface 3a at equal distances from one another. The free surface of each of the force measuring sensors 5 points downward in the direction of a horse's hoof (see Fig. 4), and thus away from the ground (not shown). The force measuring sensors 5 can also be referred to as force sensors 5 or force sensor elements 5.

[0079] The force sensors 5 are integrally implemented on a sensor carrier film 9, which also carries sensor signal lines as conductor tracks (not shown) for connecting each sensor. The sensor carrier film 9, together with the force sensors 5 formed thereon, can be manufactured using conventional means of printed circuit board technology, which are known per se to those skilled in the art. The sensor carrier film 9 is applied with its back side to the first surface 3a of the carrier 3. This is done using an adhesive or an adhesive layer, such as double-sided adhesive tape.

[0080] Furthermore, an elastomeric force transmission surface element 11 is present, which, like the sensor carrier film 9, approximately corresponds to the area of ​​the rigid carrier plate 3. The elastomeric force transmission surface element 11 can also be referred to as an elastomeric pressure conducting element 11. The elastomeric force transmission surface element 11 has a carrier film 15 facing the rigid carrier plate 3 or the sensor carrier film 9, which is bonded to the force transmission surface element 11 by vulcanization and also approximately corresponds to the area of ​​the rigid carrier plate 3. The force transmission surface element 11 is also glued to the sensor carrier film 9 by means of the carrier film 15, which is facilitated or achieved by the appropriate material combination.At the same time, due to the vulcanized connection between the carrier film 15 and the force transmission surface element 11, an elastomeric material can be used for the force transmission surface element 11 and yet can be bonded to the sensor carrier film 9 by means of the carrier film 15.

[0081] On the elastomeric force transmission surface element 11, several elastomeric force transmission studs 7, which can also be referred to as elastomeric pressure guide studs 7, are formed, which point towards the ground or away from the force measuring sensors 5 or the sensor carrier film 9. Each force measuring sensor 5 is assigned exactly one force transmission stud 7, so that the force measuring sensor 5 and its force transmission stud 7 are congruent and positioned relative to one another. This positioning is ensured by the fact that the force transmission studs 7 are formed integrally with the elastomeric force transmission surface element 11. A rigid load distribution plate 13, which bears against the force transmission stud 7, is arranged along the vertical axis Z, facing away from the force transmission surface element 11 and parallel to it in the horizontal X, Y.Thus, force can be transferred from the ground via the force transmission studs 7 to the rigid load distribution plate 13, allowing the loads to act on the force measuring sensors 5 without force shunts. The rigid load distribution plate 13 is made of a polyamide composite sheet with glass fiber reinforcement.

[0082] According to the invention, the reaction force measuring plate 1 is arranged within or integrated into the interior (not designated) of a hoof shoe 15, which is made of an elastomeric material, encloses the support 3 flatly parallel to its underside as a hoof shoe sole 15a, see Fig. 3, and further in the vertical direction Z from the edge or border of the support 3 via the sensor carrier film 9, the force transmission surface element 11 and the rigid load distribution plate 13 at the edge upwards (not shown in Fig. 3). The hoof shoe sole 15a has a sole profile 15b facing downwards away from the reaction force measuring plate 1. The latter area represents a hoof shoe wall 15c, see Fig. 4. As a result, the sensor carrier film 9 including the force measuring sensors 5 and the force transmission surface element 11 including the force transmission stud 7 are sealed off from the outside and thus protected from external influences.

[0083] Furthermore, an inner protective element 14 is provided, which adjoins the inside of the hoof shoe wall 15c in the opposite direction by means of a seal 14a in the form of a sealing lip 14a and encloses and protects the carrier 3 on the back as described above.

[0084] The force sensors 5 are connected and readable via the printed sensor signal lines, as will be described in more detail below. For this purpose, a connection element 16 in the form of a connector outlet 16 is provided, which terminates in a connector 16a. The connector outlet 16 and an internal part of the connector 16a are enclosed by a cable protector 16b, thus protecting them from external influences.

[0085] The plug outlet 16 leads out through a connection element opening 15d in the form of a cable opening 15d and is otherwise completely closed by a connection element clamp 15e in the form of a cable clamp 15e in a spring-elastic manner.

[0086] An electronic hoof component 25, which will be described in more detail with reference to Figs. 7 to 10, is fixedly arranged on the outside of the hoof shoe 15 and connected to the force measuring sensors 5 by means of the plug outlet 16, facing outwards from the other hoof (not shown) in the transverse direction Y. The electronic hoof component 25 is essentially enclosed on the outside by a housing which is formed by a front housing half 25a facing away from the hoof shoe wall 15c and a rear housing half 25b facing the hoof shoe wall 15c. The hoof component holder 15h is designed in one piece. The hoof component holder 15h accommodates the electronic hoof component 25 along a joining direction, as described in more detail below. Then the hoof component holder 15h together with the mounted electronic hoof component 25 is connected to the hoof shoe 15 or the hoof shoe 15 by means of screw connections 15k or rivets (not shown).fixedly connected to its hoof shoe wall 15c.

[0087] The electronic hoof component 25 has four display elements 37 in the form of light guides 37, which are arranged around a horseshoe symbol, symbolizing the orientation of the hoof of the hoofed animal, and can be illuminated in such a way that the hoof on which the respective hoof shoe system 15, 25 is being used can be displayed. The electronic hoof component 25 also has an operating element 41 in the form of an on / off switch 41 for switching the electronic hoof component 25 on and off.

[0088] The electronic hoof component 25 further comprises a charging connection 39 in the form of a pair of charging contacts 39, which serve to charge an electrical energy storage device (not shown) of the electronic hoof component 25.

[0089] As already mentioned, the electronic hoof component 25 is inserted from above into the hoof component holder 15h and held there in a form-fitting and friction-locking manner. A gap (not shown) forming internally between the hoof component holder 15h and the rear housing half 25b is closed from above along the joining direction by an elastically foldable protective edge 15i to protect the gap between the accommodated electronic hoof component 25 and the hoof component holder 15h from contamination.

[0090] Furthermore, the hoof component holder 15h forms a pressure equalization element 151 facing the rear housing half 25b. The pressure equalization element 151 is designed as a semipermeable membrane, which allows air exchange while simultaneously being waterproof.

[0091] Furthermore, a spring-elastic projection (not shown) of the hoof component holder 15h engages with a corresponding pull-out lock 45 of the front housing half 25a of the electronic hoof component 25, which can press perpendicular to the joining direction onto the rear housing half 25b of the electronic hoof component 25, thereby creating a positive fit, so that a sufficiently secure hold can be achieved even during strong movement. At the same time, the front housing half 25a of the electronic hoof component 25 and the hoof component holder 15h form corresponding stop edges 15j, 43 as collars 15j, 43, which abut or rest against one another, thus improving the hold and also sealing against contamination. This ensures a firm hold of the hoof component holder 15h and the electronic hoof component 25 in order to be able to work together with the hoof shoe 15 orto be firmly connected to the hoof shoe wall 15c by screwing or riveting.

[0092] The protective edge 15i is designed to be elastically foldable upwards in order to be able to reach the charging contacts 39 by means of a bow-shaped charging clip (not shown).

[0093] The hoof component holder 15h is surrounded by a U-shaped hoof component protector 15f at the bottom, sides, front, and back. The hoof boot 15 can be opened and closed using a hoof boot fastener 15g to attach or remove the hoof boot 15 to the hoof.

[0094] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of a reaction force measuring system 17, which can be formed, in particular, with a reaction force measuring plate according to one of Figs. 1 to 4. The illustration is in the form of a functional block diagram and is not intended to show the exact structural implementation of the system components.

[0095] In addition to the force measuring sensors 5 already shown in Figs. 1 to 4 with their sensor signal lines, the reaction force measuring system 17 comprises a sensor signal preprocessing unit 19, which is connected to the force measuring sensors 5 via the sensor signal lines and serves to preprocess and format the sensor signals in a manner advantageous for external signal transmission. On the output side, the sensor signal preprocessing unit 19 is connected to a wireless sensor signal transmitter 21, which can operate according to the Bluetooth standard, for example, but depending on the application, also according to another standard for wireless communication. A power source 23 is assigned to the aforementioned components, which in the simplest case is a commercially available primary cell or a rechargeable battery.If a rechargeable battery is used, it can be assigned a charging socket (not shown in the figure) for recharging when installed.

[0096] All of the above-mentioned components are advantageously arranged in the electronic hoof component 25.

[0097] When the system is in use, the electronic hoof component 25 is in wireless signal communication via the sensor signal transmitter 21 with a sensor signal receiving, evaluation, and display device 27 located remotely from the animal to be examined. The device 27 comprises a wireless sensor signal receiver 29 configured to communicate with the sensor signal transmitter 21 on the electronic hoof component 25 and feeds the received signals to a signal evaluation unit 31, where they are evaluated according to a program stored in a program memory 33.

[0098] Finally, a display unit 35 serves to present the evaluation results, for example, to a therapist or trainer. The components of the sensor signal reception, evaluation, and display device can be implemented, for example, in a notebook, tablet, or smartphone with a suitable evaluation app. List of reference symbols (part of the description)

[0099] X longitudinal direction; depth

[0100] Y transverse direction; width

[0101] Z vertical direction; height

[0102] X, Y horizontals; horizontal plane

[0103] I Sensor technology; reaction force measuring plate

[0104] 3 Carrier plate

[0105] 3a first surface

[0106] 3b second surface

[0107] 5 force measuring sensor

[0108] 7 (elastomeric) elastic power transmission studs; (elastomeric) elastic

[0109] Pressure guide tunnel

[0110] 9 Sensor carrier film

[0111] II (elastomeric) force transmission surface element; (elastomeric) pressure guide element

[0112] 13 Load distribution plate

[0113] 14 inner protective element

[0114] 14a Seal; sealing lip

[0115] 15 Hoof boot; outer protective element

[0116] 15a Hoof shoe sole

[0117] 15b Sole profile

[0118] 15c hoof shoe wall

[0119] 15d Connection element opening; cable opening

[0120] 15e Connection element clamp; cable clamp

[0121] 15f Hoof component protection

[0122] 15g hoof boot closure

[0123] 15h hoof component holder

[0124] 15i Protective edge of the hoof component holder 15h j Stop edge or collar of the hoof component holder 15hk Screw connections of the hoof component holder 15h 1 Pressure compensation element of the hoof component holder 15h

[0125] Connection element; plug outlet; cable outlet a plug b cable protection

[0126] Reaction force measuring system

[0127] Sensor signal preprocessing unit wireless sensor signal transmitter

[0128] Energy source electronic hoof component a front housing half b rear housing half

[0129] Sensor signal Sensor signal reception, evaluation and

[0130] Display device wireless sensor signal receiver

[0131] Signal evaluation unit

[0132] Program memory

[0133] Display unit

[0134] Display elements; light guides

[0135] Charging port; charging contacts

[0136] Control element; on / off switch

[0137] Stop edge or collar of the electronic hoof component 25

[0138] Pull-out protection

Claims

Patent claims 1. Hoof shoe system (15, 25) with a hoof shoe (15) with at least one sensor system (1 ) and a hoof shoe wall (15c) with a hoof component holder (15h) and with an electronic hoof component (25) which is held by the hoof component holder (15h) and is designed to read the sensor system (1 ) of the hoof shoe (15).

2. Hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) is received in a receptacle, preferably in an interior space, of the hoof component holder (15h) and held there, wherein the hoof component holder (15h) preferably has a protective edge (15i), preferably which can be folded up elastically, in order to protect a gap between the received electronic hoof component (25) and the hoof component holder (15h) from contamination.

3. Hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hoof component holder (15h) has a stop edge (15j) along the joining direction and the electronic hoof component (25) has a corresponding stop edge (43) opposite the joining direction.

4. Hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hoof component holder (15h) has a pressure compensation element (151) perpendicular to the joining direction and / or the electronic hoof component (25) has a pull-out protection device (45) perpendicular to the joining direction opposite.

5. Hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) has at least one charging connection (39), preferably a pair of charging contacts (39).

6. Hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) has an operating element (41), preferably an on / off switch (41), which is accessible from the outside, preferably laterally and facing away from the hoof during use.

7. Hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) has at least one display element (37) visible from the outside, preferably laterally and facing away from the hoof during use.

8. Hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) has four display elements (37) visible from the outside, preferably laterally and facing away from the hoof in use, which display elements are arranged and configured to display the respective hoof in use.

9. Hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hoof shoe (15) has a hoof shoe sole (15a) which completely encloses the sensor system (1) with respect to a ground, and wherein the hoof shoe wall (15c) is formed integrally with the hoof shoe sole (15a) and encloses the sensor system (1) and, during use, the hoof at least in sections, preferably at least substantially, wherein the hoof shoe wall (15c) has a sole profile (15b), preferably facing away from the carrier plate (3).

10. Hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) is electrically conductively connected to the sensor system (1) of the reaction force measuring plate (1) by means of a connecting element (16), wherein the connecting element (16) passes through a connecting element opening (15d) of the hoof shoe wall (15c), preferably directly above the hoof shoe sole (15a) and / or laterally.

11. Hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to claim 10, wherein the connecting element opening (15d) is otherwise at least partially, preferably completely, closed by a connecting element clamp (15e).

12. Hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) is arranged on the outside of the hoof shoe wall (15c), wherein the hoof shoe wall (15c) has a hoof component protection (15f) which surrounds the electronic hoof component (25) at least from below, preferably further at least on one side, particularly preferably on both sides.

13. Hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (1) is a reaction force measuring plate (1) for detecting the ground reaction force distribution over the ground contact surface of the foot of a hoofed animal when it steps on the ground, with a preferably rigid support plate (3) with a first surface (3a) facing the hoof (H) in use and an opposite second surface (3b) facing the ground, or conversely, a plurality of flat force measuring sensors (5) fixed in a fixed position on the first surface (3a) of the support plate (3), a plurality of elastic force-transmitting studs (7), in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force-measuring sensors (5), which are fixed to the free surfaces of the force-measuring sensors (5).

14. Hoof shoe (15) for use in a hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Electronic hoof component (25) for use in a hoof shoe system (15, 25) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

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