Force measuring device

Abstract

Force measuring device (100) for measuring a force acting on the body of an animal, comprising a) a base body (1) with a receiving device (2) projecting into the base body, wherein a force measuring unit with strain gauges (3), which is designed to measure forces acting on the force measuring device (100), a bearing (4), which enables a moment-free force introduction, and a data unit, which is designed to receive, process and transmit the measured forces in the form of signals, are arranged within the base body (1), b) a blocking element (10) which projects into the receiving device (2) of the base body (1) and is designed to receive one end of a device for controlling an animal (30), and c) a clamping device (20) arranged on the base body, which is designed to receive and fix one end of a device for guiding an animal (40).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a force measuring device for measuring a force acting on the body of an animal, and to a system comprising this force measuring device. The invention is particularly applicable to horses and dogs, but is not limited to these applications.

[0002] When riding horses, the question arises as to how to give the right aids to guide the horse gently. There are various ways and approaches to leading a horse. In particular, weight, leg and rein aids are worth mentioning. Many riders sit tensely on the horse and exert too much pressure and / or pull on the horse for too long. When riding, rein forces of up to 15 kilograms are therefore not uncommon. However, excessive rein forces can lead to physical damage, behavioral problems and a loss of trust in the horse. Even very sensitive riders often add up to two to three kilograms to each rein when riding with a connection to the horse's mouth.

[0003] DE 20 2004 015 824 U1 describes a rein device for use in riding. This rein device serves to control the maximum force exerted on a horse's head by the rider. A predetermined breaking point with a defined breaking load is provided between the reins and the attachment to the horse's bit. If a maximum force is exceeded, this point breaks, thus making it later detectable that the maximum force to be exerted has been exceeded. The connection is secured by a chain. If the predetermined breaking point breaks, the chain allows continued control over the reins after a noticeable jerk.

[0004] US Pat. No. 5,435,318 A discloses a device for displaying the pulling force exerted by a rider on the reins of horses. The specific design includes a tension measuring device that is applied parallel to the reins.

[0005] DE 102009 011 926 A1 discloses a force measuring device for measuring tensile force using an electronic load cell. The tensile force measuring device is incorporated into a dog leash, which is attached to the animal's body via a collar or harness. In response to the dog's excessive pulling on the leash, a measure is taken to counteract the dog's excessive pulling, thus disciplining the dog.

[0006] In summary, the known solutions do not offer a satisfactory combination of high measurement precision at low forces, easy integration into a device for guiding an animal and sufficient resistance to tensile loads without causing structural weakening or an abrupt interruption of the animal's guidance.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a force measuring device by means of which the force acting on the body of an animal is precisely measured, thereby enabling the behavior of the user guiding the animal to be optimized in real time. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a force measuring device that can be easily connected to a device for guiding an animal and yet ensures that the connection does not break as soon as a force acts on it. Furthermore, this should be achieved using a measuring device that is as compact as possible and does not disturb or influence the animal.

[0008] The object of the invention is achieved by providing a force measuring device for measuring a force acting on the body of an animal, comprising a) a base body with a receiving device projecting into the base body, wherein within the base body a force measuring unit with strain gauges, which is designed to measure forces acting on the force measuring device, a bearing, which enables moment-free force introduction, and a data unit, which is designed to receive, process and transmit the measured forces in the form of signals, are arranged, b) a blocking element which projects into the receiving device of the base body and is designed to receive one end of a device for controlling an animal, and c) a clamping device arranged on the base body, which is designed to receive and fix one end of a device for guiding an animal.

[0009] In the sense of the present invention, the force measuring device for application on animals is intended for use with dogs, horses, donkeys, mules and other animals that are led on leashes or reins.

[0010] The base body of the force measuring device according to the invention is preferably made of aluminum, whereby the base body is waterproof and lightweight. For the purposes of the present invention, a force acting on the body of an animal is a tensile force. As soon as the force-measuring device according to the invention is subjected to a tensile force, the base body stretches. This stretch is transferred to the strain gauges within the force-measuring device, preferably a load cell. A strain gauge consists of a fine, meandering resistance wire or a foil structure. The stretching of the strain gauge increases its electrical resistance. This change in resistance is measured within the data unit using a force sensor, preferably a load cell, and converted into a force. The thus indirectly measured force is output using the unit kg. By using a force device with strain gauges, the force-measuring device has a very high sensitivity.This makes it possible to use the force measuring device to measure very small forces, for example only a few grams, with great precision.

[0011] In the sense of the present invention, the measured forces are transmitted in the form of signals wirelessly by means of radio connections via Bluetooth or via Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRa).

[0012] The bearing can be designed as a ball bearing or with joints. The advantage of using a moment-free bearing is that it only transmits forces, but does not absorb torques. This eliminates deformation caused by moments. Furthermore, the overall service life of the force measuring device is increased, as it only needs to be designed for tensile or compressive forces and is therefore simpler and less prone to failure.

[0013] The end of a device for controlling or leading an animal is the section-side termination of a flexible or rigid element that serves to specifically influence the movement or behavior of an animal. Additional elements can be connected to this termination.

[0014] The locking element serves as a break-proof device. Due to the locking element, the force-measuring device according to the invention will not be torn apart as soon as a tensile force is exerted on it.

[0015] The clamping device is a device that serves to hold or fix one end of a device for guiding an animal in a defined position by means of clamping force.

[0016] The force measuring device according to the invention enables precise measurement of the force acting on the animal. Even the smallest tensile forces can be measured.

[0017] A force measuring device according to the invention is preferred, by means of which forces can be measured in a measuring range from -200 kg to 200 kg.

[0018] Furthermore, a force measuring device according to the invention is preferred in which the locking element and the clamping device are arranged on opposite sides of the base body.

[0019] Particularly preferred is a force measuring device according to the invention in which two spaced-apart, opposing legs protrude from the base body on one side, each having a through-opening for receiving a connecting element in the region of the respective leg protruding from the base body. Within the meaning of the present invention, "protruding" means that the legs extend out of the base body away from the surface or edge of the base body.

[0020] A through hole is an opening in a leg that extends completely from one side to the opposite side. The opening is not limited by the bottom, allowing the connecting element to pass completely through it. The through hole can be cylindrical, conical, or of another geometry.

[0021] A fastener is an element that mechanically connects the opposing legs. A fastener can be a pin, a bolt, a screw, or a rivet.

[0022] Particularly preferred is a force measuring device according to the invention in which the clamping device comprises a connecting element and an eccentric, wherein the connecting element is designed to be inserted into the through openings of the base body. An eccentric, within the meaning of the present invention, is arranged as a separately movable component on the connecting element and refers to a mechanical device that has an eccentrically mounted or shaped bearing or shape. This enables targeted force application or movement transmission within the connection between the eccentric and the connecting element. An eccentric enables efficient force transmission with low actuation force. This makes it possible to clamp or lock one end of the device for guiding an animal to the base body of the force-measuring device according to the invention using the eccentric.

[0023] Furthermore, a force measuring device according to the invention is preferred in which the receiving device of the base body has at least one locking region. A locking region is a defined area in the receiving device that is designed to positively receive a component.

[0024] Furthermore, a force measuring device according to the invention is preferred in which the locking element has a base element which is designed to be received in the receiving device of the base body, and wherein the base element is designed to receive the bearing.

[0025] A force measuring device according to the invention is preferred in which the base element has at least one anti-fracture device designed for positive engagement in at least one engagement area of ​​the receiving device. The positive engagement enables a defined fixation of the anti-fracture device within the receiving device of the base body. The use of a anti-fracture device ensures that the force measuring device according to the invention can withstand tensile forces of 150 kg without being damaged or destroyed.

[0026] A force measuring device according to the invention is particularly preferred in which the fracture protection is designed as at least one projection which is rigidly connected to the base element, wherein the at least one projection is designed such that it can be positively engaged in the at least one locking region of the receiving device of the base body. A projection is a structure protruding from a surface of the base element. The projection can be in the form of a nose, a cone or another raised shape. A projection in the form of a nose refers to a small, protruding, round or pointed elevation. A projection in the form of a cone represents a conical, tapered elevation. By using a projection which is designed as a nose or cone, a precise insertion of the projection into the locking region of the base body and its fixation is possible.

[0027] Particularly preferred is a force-measuring device according to the invention in which a calibration unit and / or an acceleration sensor and / or a real-time clock are further arranged within the base body. The calibration unit automatically calibrates the force sensor, preferably a load cell, before each measurement, whereby the force sensor within the force-measuring device is set to 0 before each measurement. Automatic calibration enables precise measurement because it ensures that no force is actually acting on the system before the measurement. The use of an acceleration sensor makes it possible to detect the position of the device for guiding an animal on the force-measuring device.

[0028] A further object of the present invention is to provide a system for measuring a force acting on the body of an animal, comprising a force measuring device, by means of which it is possible to monitor the force acting on the animal in real time and, if necessary, to immediately optimize it. Furthermore, dynamic force measurement should be possible. In particular, the measurement should not have any influences or effects on the animal, since the user and their behavior should be monitored and improved, not the behavior of the animal.

[0029] The further object of the invention is achieved by providing a system for measuring a force acting on the body of an animal, comprising (a) a device for guiding an animal; (b) a device for controlling an animal; and c) at least one force measuring device according to the invention, wherein the locking element of the at least one force measuring device receives one end of the device for controlling an animal, and the clamping device of the at least one force-measuring device receives one end of the device for guiding an animal and fixes it between the clamping device and the at least one force-measuring device. The advantage of using a clamping device is that the force-measuring device does not hang in an uncontrolled manner at the end of the device for guiding an animal and cannot easily become detached from the connection or irritate the animal. The clamping device enables uncomplicated fixation, and the device for guiding an animal forms a virtually rigid line with the force-measuring device.

[0030] Particularly preferred is a system according to the invention which further comprises a data processing device which receives data from the data unit, evaluates it, displays it graphically and / or outputs it acoustically and / or outputs it haptically and / or forwards it.

[0031] For the purposes of the present invention, the data processing device is selected from the group consisting of a smartphone, a camera, a laptop, a computer, a tablet, a smartwatch and / or a gateway. By means of the data processing device, a user of the system according to the invention has the option of receiving and evaluating the signals from the data unit of the force measuring device according to the invention on the data processing device via Bluetooth or via an intermediate gateway. For the purposes of the present invention, a gateway is a device or a software component that serves as an intermediary point between the data unit and a data processing device. The advantage of using a gateway compared to Bluetooth is that a greater range is possible and, in addition, several users can participate in the live monitoring of a training session simultaneously.This will enable everyone to learn more effectively how to handle the animals more gently. Training sessions can be recorded via Bluetooth or the gateway to analyze riding behavior and improve human-horse communication. This additional feature is also applicable to dog training, for example.

[0032] Through graphical representation, for example in the form of diagrams, acoustic output, for example in the form of warning tones, or haptic output, for example in the form of vibrations, the user receives information about the measured force acting on an animal's body and can immediately adapt or optimize their behavior. This can improve the overall human-animal relationship.

[0033] Particularly preferred is a system according to the invention in which the device for guiding an animal is a rein, a rope or a leash.

[0034] Furthermore, a system according to the invention is preferred in which the device for fixing an animal is a snaffle, a bitless bridle, a muzzle loop, a lead loop, a head holder or a harness.

[0035] The present invention is explained in more detail with the accompanying drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 a perspective top view of an embodiment of the force measuring device according to the invention, and Fig. 2 a graphic representation of an embodiment of the system according to the invention.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective top view of an embodiment of a force measuring device 100 according to the invention for measuring a force acting on the body of an animal. The force measuring device 100 comprises a base body 1, which is preferably made of aluminum. A force measuring unit with strain gauges 3 is arranged within the base body 1. By means of the force measuring unit with strain gauges 3, forces acting on the force measuring device 100, in particular tensile forces, can be measured very precisely. The strain gauges are stretched by tensile forces, thereby changing their resistance. This change in resistance is detected by a force sensor and converted into a force. The force sensor is arranged in a data unit (not shown) within the base body 1. The measured force can be transmitted wirelessly in the form of signals to a data processing device.Furthermore, the base body has a receiving device 2 with two locking areas 5. The locking areas 5 are designed such that the break-proof devices 6 arranged on the base element of the locking element 10 can engage in a form-fitting manner. In the present embodiment, the break-proof devices are designed as projections on the base element of the locking element 10. In particular, the projections can be designed as lugs or cones. Due to the form-fitting engagement of the projections in the locking area 5, the force-measuring device 100 according to the invention can withstand a tensile force of up to 150 kg.

[0037] The force measuring unit with strain gauges 3 is connected to a bearing within the base body 1, which enables moment-free force transmission. According to the illustrated embodiment, these are two ball bearings. The base element of the locking element 10 is designed to accommodate a ball bearing.

[0038] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, it is shown that the locking element 10 is designed to receive one end of a device for controlling an animal. In the context of the present invention, a receptacle is a through-opening in the base element of the locking element 1. The receptacle can have any geometry, for example, round, oval, or slot-shaped, and serves for the defined guidance, positioning, or fastening of the reins within the structure.

[0039] Furthermore, in the Fig. In the embodiment of the force measuring device 100 according to the invention shown in Figure 1, a clamping device is shown, which is arranged on the opposite side of the locking element 10 on the base body 1. On this side of the base body 1, two spaced-apart, opposite legs 21 protrude or protrude from the surface of the base body 1. The legs 21 each have a through-opening for receiving a connecting element 20a. The connecting element 20a can be a pin, a bolt, or a rivet. In the present embodiment, the connecting element 20a is a bolt. A receptacle for a device for guiding an animal is formed between the connecting element 20a, which is inserted into the through-holes, and the base body 1. Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment shows an eccentric 20b, which is arranged on the connecting element 20a.The eccentric 20b and the connecting element 20a together form the clamping device of the force measuring device 100 according to the invention. A strong clamping effect can be achieved by means of the eccentric.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a graphical representation of an embodiment of the system according to the invention. In the present embodiment, the system according to the invention is used to measure the tensile force acting on a horse's bit. The force measuring device 100 according to the invention is arranged between one end of a device for guiding an animal 40, in this case a horse, and one end of a device for controlling an animal 30. The system according to the invention can also be used to measure the tensile force acting on, for example, the body of a dog.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the device for controlling an animal 30 is a bridle, one end of which is connected to the force-measuring device 100 according to the invention via the receiving area of ​​the locking element 10. The device for guiding an animal 40 shown in the illustrated embodiment is a rein, which is connected to the force-measuring device 100 according to the invention on the opposite side of the locking element 10 by means of a clamping device 20. The clamping device 20 makes it possible to fix the rein to the force-measuring device 100 according to the invention. Fixing is even easier if the clamping device 20 comprises an eccentric. In addition, by fixing the rein to the force-measuring device 100 according to the invention with the aid of an eccentric, the risk of the connection between the rein and the force-measuring device 100 becoming accidentally released is reduced.The system according to the invention preferably comprises two force-measuring devices 100 according to the invention, which are attached to the left and right sides of a horse's reins. The force-measuring devices 100 according to the invention precisely measure the rein forces exerted by the rider on the horse's mouth. The measured forces are wirelessly transmitted as data to a data processing unit 50 in the form of signals by means of the data unit arranged in the force-measuring device 100.

[0042] Wireless transmission can occur via Bluetooth. In this case, the data processing unit 50 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet. However, wireless transmission can also occur via LoRa. In this case, the data processing unit 50 additionally comprises a gateway, which serves as an intermediary between the data unit and the data processing unit 50. When using Bluetooth, a shorter data transmission range is possible than with LoRa in conjunction with a gateway. Data transmission via a gateway can currently be stable up to over 100 meters. The measured force in the form of signals is transmitted to the data processing unit in real time and can be displayed graphically and / or provided as an acoustic output. Real-time transmission enables the user to check the force exerted on an animal and, if necessary, optimize it.Due to the highly precise measurement provided by the force-measuring device according to the invention, even the smallest changes in the force applied by the user can be measured. The measured data can also be recorded so that the applied forces can be analyzed at a later time and behaviors can be optimized even more effectively. This enables feedback between the user of the system or force-measuring device according to the invention and the animal being subjected to a force, particularly a tensile force. List of reference symbols 1 base body 2 Recording device 3 Force measuring device with strain gauges 4 camps 5 Rest area 6 Break protection 10 locking element 20 clamping device 20a connecting element 20b eccentric 21 legs 30 Device for controlling an animal 40 Device for guiding an animal 50 data processing device 100 force measuring device QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2004 015 824 U1

[0003] US 5,435,318 A

[0004] DE 102009 011 926 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Force measuring device (100) for measuring a force acting on the body of an animal, comprising a) a base body (1) with a receiving device (2) projecting into the base body, wherein a force measuring unit with strain gauges (3), which is designed to measure forces acting on the force measuring device (100), a bearing (4), which enables a moment-free force introduction, and a data unit, which is designed to receive, process and transmit the measured forces in the form of signals, are arranged within the base body (1), b) a blocking element (10) which projects into the receiving device (2) of the base body (1) and is designed to receive one end of a device for controlling an animal (30), and c) a clamping device (20) arranged on the base body, which is designed to receive and fix one end of a device for guiding an animal (40). [2] Force measuring device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that forces in a measuring range from -200 kg up to 200 kg can be measured by means of the force measuring device (100). [3] Force measuring device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the locking element (10) and the clamping device (20) are arranged on opposite sides of the base body (1). [4] Force measuring device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that two spaced-apart, opposing legs (21) protrude from the base body (1) on one side, each having a through-opening for receiving a connecting element in the region of the respective leg protruding from the base body. [5] Force measuring device (100) according to claim 4, characterized bythat the clamping device (20) comprises a connecting element and an eccentric (22), wherein the connecting element is designed to be inserted into the through openings of the base body (1). [6] Force measuring device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receiving device (2) of the base body (1) has at least one locking area (5). [7] Force measuring device (100) according to claim 6, characterized by that the locking element (10) has a base element which is designed to be received in the receiving device (2) of the base body (1), and wherein the base element is designed to receive the bearing (4). [8] Force measuring device (100) according to claim 7, characterized by that the base element has at least one break protection device (6) which is designed for positive locking in the at least one locking area (5) of the receiving device (2). [9] Force measuring device (100) according to claim 8, characterized by that the break protection device (6) is designed as at least one projection which is rigidly connected to the base element, wherein the at least one projection is designed such that it can be positively latched into the at least one latching region (5) of the receiving device (2) of the base body (1). [10] Force measuring device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a calibration unit and / or an acceleration sensor and / or a real-time clock is further arranged within the base body (1). [11] System for measuring a force acting on the body of an animal, comprising a) a device for guiding an animal (40); b) a device for controlling an animal (30); and c) at least one force measuring device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the locking element (10) of the at least one force measuring device (100) receives one end of the device for controlling an animal (30), and the clamping device (20) of the at least one force measuring device (100) receives one end of the device for guiding an animal (40) and fixes it between the clamping device (20) and the at least one force measuring device (100). [12] System according to claim 11, characterized by that the system further comprises a data processing device (50) which receives data from the data unit, evaluates it, displays it graphically and / or outputs it acoustically and / or haptically and / or forwards it. [13] System according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the device for guiding an animal (40) is a rein, a rope or a leash. [14] System according to one of claims 11 to 13 characterized bythat the device for controlling an animal (30) is a snaffle, a bitless bridle, a muzzle loop, a lead loop, a head halter or a harness.

Images