System for attaching modular ear tags to the ears of animals, with passive transponder coil in the elastic component
The modular ear tag system with a rigid ABS housing and elastic component addresses the lack of flexibility in existing ear tags by enabling secure attachment and accommodation of additional modules, enhancing adaptability and reducing maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202024002118
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing ear tag systems for animal identification lack modularity, limiting flexibility in adapting or replacing RFID components and sensors, complicating maintenance and increasing costs due to non-modular designs.
A modular ear tag system with a rigid ABS housing and an elastic component that houses a passive transponder coil, allowing for secure attachment and protection of electronic components, and accommodating additional modules for identification and monitoring.
Enables flexible adaptation to different animal species and husbandry conditions, reduces maintenance complexity, and lowers costs by allowing component upgrades without replacing the entire system.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]The invention relates to a system for fastening ear tags to the ears of animals, in particular for the identification and monitoring of livestock using RFID or similar transponder technology accommodated in the elastic component of the ear tag.[Prior Art]In the animal identification, ear tag systems already exist which contain active, electronically transmitting components. These systems are designed to transmit information such as the identity or location of the animal. However, in these systems, the RFID modules are either fixedly integrated into the rigid housing of the ear tag or RFID technology is completely dispensed with. These fixed integrated solutions, while providing a stable electronic identification beyond the active-transmitting components, do not allow flexibility for the matching or replacement of the RFID components.[Problem]A central problem in existing sensor systems for activity monitoring and behavior analysis of livestock is their often closed-off and non-modular construction. These systems are often designed to provide only the fixed integrated functions without the possibility of expansion or adaptation. This lacks flexibility to retrofit the system with additional modules such as passive RFID coils for identification or optical flags for visual animal recognition.The lack of a modular structure results in the entire sensor system and electronics being installed in a closed housing. As a result, the system is not only limited in its functionality, but it also makes it difficult to adapt to different application cases or to easily maintain and replace components. When new requirements arise or existing modules are damaged, the entire system must frequently be replaced, which leads to higher costs and increased costs.Another problem is that such systems cannot be adapted to the specific requirements of different animal species or posture conditions. A system of modular design, on the other hand, would make it possible to combine the core functions of the sensor system with additional elements such as identification modules, markings or extensions for environmental parameters and to flexibly adapt the possible uses.[Intention of Invention]The object of this utility model is to provide a system that combines the functionality of a modular ear tag with the advantages of activity monitoring. The design focuses on the integration of a passive transponder coil and optional monitoring sensors that operate without interfering with the natural movements of the animal. The shape and material selection are selected such that the ear tag remains stable even when exposed to intensive stress and the electronic component is protected from damage.[Summary of the Invention]The invention relates to a system for fastening ear tags to the ears of animals, comprising a modular ear tag having a rigid ABS housing (Figs. 4, 7) for receiving battery and electronic components (5&6) and a resilient cylindrical member (1&3). This resilient member has an opening for receiving a commercially available spike for the attachment of animal identification tags and may include a passive transponder coil (2) or similar proximity detection system. The elastic component is inserted into the ABS housing in a form-fitting, force-fitting or firmly bonded manner, whereby a secure connection between the ear tag and the animal is ensured and the electronic component is protected.List of reference characters1 Upper part of the elastic member 2 passive transponder coil 3 Lower part of the elastic member 4 Upper part of the ABS housing 5 Battery 6 PCB board 7 Lower part of the ABS housing
Claims
A system for fastening modular ear tags to the ears of animals, comprising: ◯ a modular ear tag having a rigid ABS housing (4, 7) and an elastic component (1&3) with a cylindrical receptacle, ◯ wherein the ABS housing (4&7) has an opening for receiving the elastic component, ◯ wherein the elastic component (1&3) has an opening for receiving a pin, ◯ characterized in that the elastic component (1&3) is inserted into the ABS housing (4&7) in a positive locking, non-positive locking or firmly bonded manner and can contain a passive transponder coil (2) or a similar proximity detection system, ◯ wherein the elastic component (1&3) can optionally have a recess which reproduces a negative shape of the upper housing (4) so that the elastic component can no longer rotate.The system according to claim 1, wherein the rigid ABS housing (4, 7) contains electronic components such as a PCB board (6) and a battery (5).The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passive transponder coil (2) or the proximity detection system in the elastic component (1&3) is protected from external influences.The system of any preceding claim, wherein the rigid ABS housing (4&7) and the resilient member (1&3) are connectable together prior to attachment of the system to the animal.The system according to claim 4, wherein the connection between the rigid ABS housing (4&7) and the elastic component (1&3) can be positive locking, non-positive locking or firmly bonded.The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle of the elastic component (1&3) is cylindrical and is inserted in a form-fitting manner into the receptacle in the rigid ABS housing.The system of any preceding claim, wherein the rigid ABS housing (4&7) is reusable after replacing the resilient member (1&3) and the mandrel.The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rigid ABS housing (4&7) or the elastic component (1&3) can contain markings for optically identifying the animal or can be extended by it.The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passive transponder coil (2) can be offset in the elastic member (1&3) such that an underlying receiving antenna is exposed.The system of claim 9, wherein the receiving antenna is configured for Bluetooth or similar communication system.