Device and method for recording a contact pressure of a riding saddle, computer program product

Abstract

Device for recording a contact pressure of a riding saddle on a riding animal and for displaying a pressure distribution, characterized in that saddle cushions (20) of the riding saddle (1) each have at least one pressure sensor (24) via a contact surface (28) with which they rest on the riding animal, wherein an evaluation device (32) is provided with which at least local overloads and a pressure distribution on the contact surface (28) can be determined from pressure values ​​of the at least one pressure sensor (24).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for recording the contact pressure of a riding saddle on a mounted animal and for displaying the pressure distribution. The invention also relates to a computer program product.

[0002] Such devices and methods are known from the prior art. For example, the document DE 10 2017 101 634 A1 describes a riding saddle and a method for monitoring a riding saddle. For this purpose, up to nine pressure sensors are distributed across the saddle, which measure the contact intensity or pressure acting at defined points. The pressure thus determined is then compared with a target value. The target value is determined while the riding saddle still has an optimal fit. However, this only determines the strain on the animal at discrete measuring points. Overload at other locations cannot be detected.

[0003] Furthermore, DE 10 2013 105 052 A1 discloses a system and method for measuring the pressure of a transport support, i.e., a saddle, on an animal's back. This requires an additional pressure measuring mat, which must be placed under the saddle during the measurement. However, this method limits movement with the animal, and the saddle cannot be used under all conditions, such as show jumping. This limits the possible applications, and the measured values ​​remain incomplete, especially under high loads.

[0004] The German patent document DE 101 59 943 A1 describes a system for determining compressive, tensile, and contact forces, particularly in riding saddles and harnesses. A flexible, sandwich-shaped insert equipped with chambers for an electrically variable pressure medium allows undesirable loads on the rider and horse to be precisely detected and displayed. This data can be displayed in real time on an electronic device to precisely record the loads and initiate corrective measures, thus improving the riding experience and the health of both horse and rider.

[0005] GB 2 536 791 A describes a system for analyzing the weight distribution of a person, particularly a rider, sitting on a seat (such as a saddle). It uses sensors embedded in a pad or mat to measure the rider's pressure and weight distribution and transmits this data to a mobile device. The data can be evaluated in real time to provide the rider with feedback to improve their posture. The system can also detect falls and trigger appropriate alarms.

[0006] US Pat. No. 5,375,397 A discloses a sensor pad for measuring pressure distribution under a saddle on a horse's back. The pad consists of flexible membranes with integrated sensors that can measure pressure at various points while adapting to the contours of the horse's back. The data is transmitted to a computer, which generates a graphical representation of the pressure distribution. This technology makes it possible to improve the fit of the saddle and increase comfort for the horse by identifying pressure points and adjusting them accordingly.

[0007] A system for assisting riders in maintaining their balance while riding is known from the publication US 2014 / 0 253 337 A1. It includes a sensor pad positioned between the rider and the saddle that measures the forces the rider exerts on the saddle. This data is sent to a control unit, which evaluates the measurements and calculates differences between the left and right sides. If an imbalance is detected, the system notifies the rider through visual, acoustic, or vibrating signals to indicate the necessary correction.

[0008] The publication US 2017 / 0 336 273 A1 describes a force measuring device that uses magnetic field generators and sensors to measure forces, pressure, and shear forces. The device is versatile and can be integrated into shoe soles, mattresses, seats, saddles, and other surfaces where force measurement is important. The use of magnetic focusing elements increases the sensitivity of the sensors, enabling more precise measurements. This technology can be used in various fields such as medicine, sports, and rehabilitation to collect accurate data on force distribution and improve the user experience.

[0009] The publication DE 10 2007 030 583 A1 describes a pressure measuring mat for horse saddles, designed to precisely measure the pressure distribution on a horse's back. The mat consists of a flexible pressure measuring unit consisting of comb-like sections with several movable measuring fingers. These measuring fingers adapt to the surface contour of the horse's back to ensure that the pressure sensors lie flat and enable accurate measurements. The goal is to prevent pressure sores and overloads that could lead to health problems in the horse.

[0010] The publication DE 10 2004 005 848 A1 describes a device for precisely measuring pressure distribution under a horse's saddle. This pressure measuring mat consists of a flexible structure with multiple pressure sensors that adapts to the contours of the horse's back. The measured data allows for precise determination of the pressure load to prevent health problems in the horse and optimize the fit of the saddle. The aim of the invention is to ensure even and gentle pressure distribution during riding.

[0011] From the publication DE 10 2009 045 829 A1, a device for measuring the pressure distribution beneath a saddle on a horse's back is known. This device consists of a saddle pad containing several pressure-sensing zones, each made of materials of varying hardness. The harder materials face the saddle, while the softer materials face the horse's back. A sensor is embedded in each pressure-sensing zone, which records the pressure distribution and provides the rider with information on the correct sitting position via a display. The goal is to reduce the strain on the horse's back and improve rider posture.

[0012] The existing devices are complex, particularly due to the additional sensor mats required, and do not represent a measurement system that can be used by laypeople. They have a poor fit; in particular, the saddle is not adjusted to the thickness of a measuring pad; they are too thick and offer little flexibility, thus distorting the measurement results. They lead to skin irritation because they are not breathable. Often, no area measurement is used, but rather only individual measuring points are defined. It is a matter of chance whether a pressure peak occurs at these measuring points.

[0013] A significant disadvantage is also due to the fact that an additional measuring pad placed between the mount and the saddle only records the vector acting perpendicularly to the measuring pad, which does not correspond to the actual pressure. In particular, a vertically acting vector is not recorded, thus missing a significant portion of the load.

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device according to the preamble with which the contact of the riding saddle on the riding animal and the pressure acting thereon can be permanently determined under all conditions of use of the riding saddle.

[0015] This object is achieved by a device for recording the contact pressure of a riding saddle on a mounted animal and for displaying a pressure distribution. According to the invention, saddle pads of the riding saddle, in particular those formed in pairs, each have at least one pressure sensor on a contact surface with which they rest on the animal. An evaluation device, with which at least local overloads and a pressure distribution on the contact surface can be determined, and, according to an advantageous embodiment, also a transmission device for transmitting measured values ​​from the pressure sensors to the evaluation device, are provided.

[0016] Advantageously, at least one base of the saddle cushion is provided with at least one pressure sensor, which is designed as a multi-layer cushion insert. The pressure sensor comprises an elastic compression layer and at least one distance sensor. The measured distance corresponds to a force acting on the elastic compression layer, for example, a felt, which is thereby partially compressed. The compression corresponds to a specific force acting and, taking the base area into account, thus to a measured value for a specific pressure, a pressure value. The distance sensor is preferably designed as a capacitive sensor.

[0017] It has proven advantageous to use a textile pressure sensor. A carrier material such as felt is coated with pressure sensors using strain gauge technology. The sensors are embroidered onto the carrier material at the desired measurement density to obtain a comprehensive measurement image. Embroidered sensors, as known from the state of the art, can detect physical and technical variables. The advantages of this embroidery technology lie in the ability to equip large areas with sensors cost-effectively.

[0018] The sensor materials used are metallic materials in wire form or coated conductive or conductive yarns. The sensor material is affixed to a fleece, felt, or other technical textile using embroidery technology. A wire can be placed using the tailored fiber placement process and fixed to the fleece with a thread. The geometries are, in principle, freely selectable. Capacitive, inductive, or resistive sensors can be implemented. Resistance wires made of constantan are used as the sensor material for strain sensors, similar to strain gauges. Copper wire can also be used for capacitive or inductive sensors. Coated or conductive yarns can also be processed. The selection of the wire material depends on the intended use and the space available at the installation site. Wire diameters range from 40 to 100 µm.After the embroidery process, the electrical contact is made by soldering the sensor wire to contact plates.

[0019] Embroidery has proven to be an advantageous technology for producing textile sensors as pressure sensors and as a transmission device for RFID antenna structures for the present invention. Firstly, there is a high degree of flexibility in the yarn placement, allowing any structure to be reproduced. Secondly, there is considerable freedom in the choice of materials. This is particularly important when processing sensitive materials (the finest strands, coated threads, etc.). Added to this is the precise positioning accuracy of the embroidery machines. These embroidered, textile antenna structures offer several advantages over conventional hard tags. Firstly, very high reading ranges can be achieved, and secondly, one advantage of the elements is their purely textile nature.

[0020] Embroidery can be used to produce highly conductive, wash-resistant, and low-wear electrical sensors, for example, for pressure measurement on a surface (area sensors). Textile pressure sensors based on this technology are also known, implementing capacitive and resistive measurement principles. In addition to the individual dimensions, number, and positioning of the pressure points, pressure detection can be performed for large and small areas.

[0021] In the preferred manufacturing process, the carrier material is then further processed with sanded leather to create a finished panel insert for the riding saddle according to the invention. This insert is applied to the panel base with or without a latex layer, depending on the application. The panel is then padded and reattached to the saddle for further use.

[0022] Advantageously, the pressure sensor is arranged between the support surface and a stuffing material, wherein it is introduced during the manufacture of a new riding saddle or subsequently, for example to retrofit the riding saddle with the technology according to the invention.

[0023] The pressure sensors are preferably connected to an external power supply. The data is transmitted via a combined transmission and evaluation device, for example, which can be attached to the saddle. The transmitted data can also be evaluated and visually displayed using a computer running a computer program, allowing the forces acting on the horse to be accurately mapped.

[0024] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for recording the contact pressure of a riding saddle on a mounted animal and for displaying a pressure distribution. According to the invention, local pressure values ​​are determined, particularly for paired saddle panels of the riding saddle, via a contact surface with which they rest on the animal, using at least one pressure sensor each. The values ​​are transmitted to an evaluation device. The evaluation device determines at least local overloads and a pressure distribution on the contact surface.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the evaluation device determines the pressure peak and overload events with spatial resolution, allowing local pressure peaks and overloads to be identified, as well as the duration of these events. This allows a clear picture of the occurring load to be obtained, also by referring back to the previous use of the mount.

[0026] An advantageous further development of the evaluation device determines the rider's balance and posture, the preferred even load distribution of the horse, as well as the current fit of the saddle on the mount. Furthermore, the evaluation device is designed to detect wear of the padding in the saddle panels and any misalignment of the saddle relative to the mount.

[0027] Preferably, the evaluation device is arranged locally on the saddle and includes a display device also arranged there. Alternatively, transmission to a remote evaluation device that includes the display device is provided, wherein the display device enables immediate or retrievable display of the determined data as well as the issuance of warnings. This combined evaluation device with display device can be a smartphone.

[0028] The present invention enables a comparison of the data averaged after an adjustment over a defined period of time. Furthermore, saving the measured values ​​has proven advantageous, allowing long-term measurement with evaluation and conclusions about long-term changes in the saddle, mount, and rider, as well as a warning function for visual or other monitoring of the situation. Thanks to the continuous pressure monitoring option, riders are able to improve the current situation themselves, for example, through the targeted use of a pad. The effectiveness of this pad can, in turn, be easily verified.

[0029] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the description of embodiments and their representation in the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic rear view of an embodiment of a riding saddle 1, which, in a manner known per se, has two knee rolls 4, a seat 6 and a rear panel 10. The underside is provided with two saddle pads 20, which transfer the weight of the rider and the saddle 1 to the riding animal. One of the two saddle pads 20 is shown in a sectional detail view (see circular section) in Fig. 2 shown.

[0031] Fig.Figure 2 shows a schematic, sectional view of an embodiment of a saddle pad 20 of a riding saddle 1 according to the invention in detail. To compensate for the pressure acting on the animal's back and for padding, stuffing material 22 is inserted into the saddle pad 20. A pressure sensor 24 is arranged between the stuffing material 22 and a support surface 28 on the bottom 23 of the saddle pad 20. The pressure sensor 24 is designed using a capacitive distance sensor 26, which interacts with a compression layer 25 that is compressed when a force is applied. The resulting change in distance is then determined.

[0032] The measured values ​​of the pressure sensor 24 are fed to a transmission device 30, which transmits them (shown by a dashed line) to an evaluation device 32. The evaluation device 32 has a measured value memory 36 for long-term storage of the measured values ​​and carries out their corresponding evaluation over a longer period. Furthermore, the measured values ​​and the results of the evaluation can be displayed on a display device 34, which is also a component of the preferred evaluation device 32. List of reference symbols 1 riding saddle 4 flat rate 6 Seat 10 mirrors 20 saddle pads 22 stuffing material 23 Floor 24 pressure sensor 25 compression layer 26 Distance sensor, capacitive distance sensor 28 support surface 30 Transmission device 32 Evaluation device 34 Display device 36 measured value memories

Claims

[1] Device for recording the contact pressure of a riding saddle on a riding animal and displaying a pressure distribution, characterized by that saddle cushions (20) of the riding saddle (1) each have at least one pressure sensor (24) via a support surface (28) with which they rest on the riding animal, wherein an evaluation device (32) is provided with which at least local overloads and a pressure distribution on the support surface (28) can be determined from pressure values ​​of the at least one pressure sensor (24). [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein a transmission device (30) is provided for transmitting the pressure values ​​of the pressure sensors (24) to the evaluation device (32). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one base (23) of the saddle cushions (20) is provided with the at least one pressure sensor (24) and this is designed as a multi-layer cushion insert which has an elastic compression layer (25) and at least one distance sensor (26). [4] Device according to claim 3, wherein the distance sensor (26) is designed as a capacitive sensor. [5] Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressure sensor (24) is designed as a textile sensor. [6] The device of claim 5, wherein the textile sensor comprises embroidered strain sensors. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure sensor (24) is arranged between the support surface (28) and a stuffing material (22). [8] Method for recording the contact pressure of a riding saddle on a riding animal and displaying a pressure distribution, characterized bythat saddle cushions (20) of the riding saddle (1) have local pressure values ​​determined via a support surface (28) with which they rest on the riding animal, via at least one pressure sensor (24) in each case, and are transmitted to an evaluation device (32), wherein the evaluation device (32) determines at least local overloads and a pressure distribution on the support surface (28) from the pressure values. [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the evaluation device (32) determines the pressure peak and overload events in areal resolution as well as the duration of these events. [10] Method according to claim 8, wherein the evaluation device (32) determines the balance and posture of the rider as well as a uniform load on the riding animal and the fit of the riding saddle (1). [11] Method according to claim 8, wherein the evaluation device (32) determines a wear of padding in the saddle pad (20) and a misalignment of the riding saddle (1) relative to the riding animal. [12] Method according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the evaluation device (32) according to a first embodiment is arranged locally on the riding saddle (1) and / or comprises a display device (34) or according to a second embodiment, a transmission to a remote evaluation device (32) which comprises the display device (34) takes place, wherein the display device (34) enables an immediate or retrievable display of the determined data and the output of warnings. [13] Method according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the measured values ​​are stored in a measured value memory (36), whereby a long-term measurement with evaluation and conclusion about long-term changes in the riding saddle (1), the riding animal and the rider is made possible. [14] Computer program product for carrying out a method according to one of claims 8 to 13, when the computer program is executed in an evaluation device (32).

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