Hoof boot with a reaction-force measuring plate

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hoof boot (15) with 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 walking on the ground, comprising a support plate (3) with a first surface (3a) facing the hoof during use and an opposite, second surface (3b) facing the ground, a plurality of flat force-measuring sensors (5) positionally fixed on the first surface of the support plate, a plurality of elastic force-transmitting studs (7) which are fixed to the free surfaces of the force-measuring sensors, wherein the hoof boot has a hoof boot sole which completely encloses the reaction force measuring plate with respect to the ground, and wherein the hoof boot has a hoof boot wall which is formed in one piece with the hoof boot sole or is fixedly connected to the hoof boot sole, wherein the hoof boot wall encloses the reaction-force measuring plate and, during use, the hoof at least in some sections, preferably at least substantially.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Hoof boot with a reaction force measuring plate

[0003] The invention relates to a hoof boot with a reaction force measuring plate for determining a surface reaction force distribution when a hoof of a hoofed animal hits the ground.

[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] One object of the present invention is to improve the possibilities for measuring the force exerted on the foot of a hoofed animal as it strikes the ground. In particular, a preferably compact sensor plate with discrete sensor positions and a force introduction into the plate is to be created, resulting in stable and robust sensor characteristics. Additionally or alternatively, force transmission is to be provided without force shunts in order to enable the measurement of absolute forces and to minimize potential errors in the measured force distribution. In any case, this should be as simple, cost-effective, space-saving, and / or weight-saving as possible. At the very least, an alternative to the known possibilities should be created.

[0013] This object is achieved according to the invention by a hoof boot having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0014] Thus, the invention relates to a hoof boot with a reaction force measuring plate for detecting the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact surface of the foot of a hoofed animal when it strikes the ground, comprising a preferably rigid support plate with a first surface facing the hoof during use and an opposite second surface facing the ground, 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, wherein the hoof boot has a hoof boot sole which completely encloses the reaction force measuring plate relative to the ground, and wherein the hoof boot has a hoof boot wall which is formed integrally with the hoof boot sole or is fixedly connected to the hoof boot sole,wherein the hoof shoe wall encloses the reaction force measuring plate and, in use, the hoof at least partially, preferably at least substantially.

[0015] The invention is therefore based on the idea of ​​forming the desired measuring device of a hoof shoe with a carrier plate that is essentially both rigid and incompressible (but possibly elastically flexible), on 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] In principle, a configuration is also possible in which force transmission studs with a larger base area are used, which are assigned not to a single force sensor, but to two or more force sensors together, and which transmit the resulting ground reaction forces to them. In extreme cases, the measuring plate could even have only a single force transmission stud, the base area of ​​which covers all force sensors, provided that this force transmission stud, due to its design and its mounting on the support plate, allows for differentiated force transmission to the various sensors.

[0018] For common practical applications, a number of 3-8 force sensors, especially 4-6 sensors, is currently sufficient. Preferably, at least five force sensors can be used.

[0019] 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 required.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the hoof boot further comprises an electronic hoof component which is electrically conductively connected to the force measuring sensors of the reaction force measuring plate by means of a connecting element, wherein the connecting element passes through a connecting element opening in the hoof boot wall, preferably directly above the hoof boot sole and / or laterally. The electronic hoof component can comprise electronics for data acquisition, data conditioning such as signal filtering and / or data processing or data preprocessing, as well as options for data storage and / or data transmission, preferably wirelessly. Electrical energy can also be stored there to power the electronics. In any case, it can be advantageous to pass a corresponding connection for data or signal and / or energy transmission through the connecting element opening in the hoof boot wall.This allows a sensor output from the reaction force measuring plate to be routed through an opening near the sole base into the outer area of ​​the hoof boot. This can protect the connection from stress, especially from walking on the ground.

[0024] Preferably, the sensor output can be routed out of the shoe through an opening in the side wall, which can provide further relief or protection compared to an opening positioned at the tip of the hoof. In either case, the sensor output can be routed outward on the outward-facing side of the shoe (right hoof shoe, right output, left hoof shoe, left output) to prevent contact between the connection and, in particular, the electronic hoof component with the other hoof. In either case, the electronic hoof component can be connected to the force measuring sensors as an electronic unit and positioned laterally, outside the hoof shoe.

[0025] 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 reaction force measuring plate. In any case, external influences or environmental influences such as dirt, mud, moisture or water, stones, and the like can be kept away from the force measuring sensors, ensuring their functionality and improving their longevity.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 has a hoof component protector that surrounds the electronic hoof component at least from below, preferably also at least on one side, particularly preferably on both sides. The hoof component protector can be an individual part, a part of the hoof shoe wall, or a part of the electronic hoof component itself.

[0026] Thus, a holder for the electronic hoof component can be provided, which extends over the cable and partially over the electronics, protecting them from damage and / or securing 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 encloses 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 secured to the outer wall of the shoe. The hoof component protector can preferably be formed integrally with the electronic hoof component, preferably its housing.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof boot wall facing away from the support plate has a sole profile. This can improve surefootedness on the ground.

[0028] 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 force measuring sensors relative to the hoof. This allows the force measuring sensors to be better protected from dirt and moisture. According to a further aspect of the invention, the inner protective element has a seal on its edge that seals off the inside of the hoof boot wall. This can improve the protective effect.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Preferably, the rigid load distribution plate can be made of a material with very high strength and rigidity while maintaining good maximum elongation. Polyamide with an additional reinforcement 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.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof boot further comprises at least one, preferably elastomeric, force-transmitting 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. The elastic force-transmitting studs are fixed to the free surface of the force-transmitting surface element directly opposite one of the force-measuring sensors. The force-transmitting surface element is also arranged between the carrier plate and the load-distribution plate.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission studs and / or the force transmission surface element is / 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. 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission surface element is bonded to the force measuring sensors or a sensor carrier film, facing away from the force transmission studs. 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the invention, in material-related embodiments, it can be provided 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 of 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. Advantages and expediencies of the invention will become apparent from the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 the structure of an exemplary reaction force measuring plate in a perspective top view of the elastomeric force transmission surface element;

[0046] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the inner protective element of the reaction force measuring plate;

[0047] 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;

[0048] Fig. 4 a cross-section through the hoof shoe with the reaction force measuring plate of Figs. 1 to 3;

[0049] Fig. 5 a side view of the hoof boot including electronic hoof component;

[0050] Fig. 6 shows the representation of Fig. 5 directly from the front; and

[0051] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the reaction force measuring system according to the invention, in the form of a block diagram.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows, in a perspective view from below, the structure of an exemplary

[0054] Reaction force measuring plate 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 uniform rectangular basic shape are mounted on the first surface 3a at equal distances from one another. The free surface of each of the force measuring sensors 5 points downward toward a horse's hoof H (see Fig. 8), 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 (not shown), which is facilitated or achieved by the appropriate material combination.At the same time, due to the vulcanized connection between the carrier film 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.

[0057] 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 toward 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.

[0058] A rigid load distribution plate 13 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 axis. This plate rests against the force transmission studs 7. Thus, force can be transmitted 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.

[0059] According to the invention, the reaction force measuring plate 1 is arranged or integrated within the interior (not designated) of a hoof shoe 15, which is made of an elastomeric material or a material with elastomeric properties, such as TPE, TPU, PU, ​​and the like. The hoof shoe sole 15a encloses the support 3 in a planar, parallel manner on its underside, forming 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 (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 region 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The force sensors 5 are contacted 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] An electronic hoof component 25, which will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 7, is arranged on the outside of the hoof shoe 15 and is connected to the force measuring sensors 5 via the connector outlet 16, facing outwardly from the other hoof (not shown) in the transverse direction Y. The electronic hoof component 25 is surrounded downwards, laterally, to the front and rear in a U-shaped manner by a hoof component protector 15f. The hoof shoe 15 can be opened and closed using a hoof shoe fastener 15g in order to attach or remove the hoof shoe 15 to the hoof.

[0064] Fig. 7 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] All of the above-mentioned components are advantageously arranged in the electronic hoof component 25.

[0067] 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.

[0068] Finally, a display unit 35 serves to display the

[0069] Evaluation results, for example for a therapist or trainer. The components of the sensor signal reception, evaluation and

[0070] Display devices can be implemented, for example, in a notebook, tablet or smartphone with a suitable evaluation app.

[0071] List of reference symbols (part of the description)

[0072] X longitudinal direction; depth

[0073] Y transverse direction; width

[0074] Z vertical direction; height

[0075] X, Y horizontals; horizontal plane

[0076] I Reaction force measuring plate

[0077] 3 Carrier plate

[0078] 3a first surface

[0079] 3b second surface

[0080] 5 force measuring sensor

[0081] 7 (elastomeric) elastic power transmission studs; (elastomeric) elastic

[0082] Pressure guide tunnel

[0083] 9 Sensor carrier film

[0084] II (elastomeric) force transmission surface element; (elastomeric) pressure guide element

[0085] 13 Load distribution plate

[0086] 14 inner protective element

[0087] 14a Seal; sealing lip

[0088] 15 Hoof boot; outer protective element

[0089] 15a Hoof shoe sole

[0090] 15b Sole profile

[0091] 15c hoof shoe wall

[0092] 15d Connection element opening; cable opening

[0093] 15e Connection element clamp; cable clamp

[0094] 15f Hoof component protection

[0095] 15g hoof boot closure

[0096] 16 Connection element; plug outlet; cable outlet

[0097] 16a plug 16b cable protection

[0098] 17 Reaction force measuring system

[0099] 19 Sensor signal preprocessing unit

[0100] 21 wireless sensor signal transmitter 23 energy source

[0101] 25 electronic hoof components

[0102] 27 Sensor signal Sensor signal reception, evaluation and

[0103] Display device

[0104] 29 wireless sensor signal receiver 31 signal evaluation unit

[0105] 33 program memories

[0106] 35 display unit

Claims

Patent claims 1. A hoof shoe (15) with a reaction force measuring plate (1) for detecting the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact surface of the foot of a hoofed animal when it strikes the ground, comprising a preferably rigid support plate (3) with a first surface (3a) facing the hoof (H) during use and an opposite second surface (3b) facing the ground, 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 transmission 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), wherein the hoof shoe (15) has a hoof shoe sole (15a) which completely encloses the reaction force measuring plate (1) with respect to the ground, and wherein the hoof shoe (15) has a hoof shoe wall (15c),which is formed in one piece with the hoof shoe sole (15a) or is fixedly connected to the hoof shoe sole (15a), wherein the hoof shoe wall (15c) encloses the reaction force measuring plate (1) and, in use, the hoof (H) at least in sections, preferably at least substantially.

2. Hoof shoe (15) according to claim 1, further comprising an electronic hoof component (25) which is electrically conductively connected to the force measuring sensors (5) 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.

3. Hoof shoe (15) according to claim 2, wherein the connecting element opening (15d) is otherwise at least partially, preferably completely, closed by a connecting element clamp (15e).

4. Hoof shoe (15) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) is arranged on the outside of the hoof shoe wall (15c), wherein the hoof shoe (15) has a hoof component protector (15f) which surrounds the electronic hoof component (25) at least from below, preferably further at least on one side, particularly preferably on both sides, wherein the hoof component protector (15f) is preferably formed in one piece with the electronic hoof component (25), preferably its housing.

5. Hoof shoe (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hoof shoe wall (15c) facing away from the support plate (3) has a sole profile (15b).

6. Hoof shoe (15) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an inner protective element (14) which runs parallel to the carrier plate (3) and encloses at least the force measuring sensors (5) relative to the hoof (H).

7. Hoof shoe (15) according to claim 6, wherein the inner protective element (14) has a seal (14a) on the edge side, which seals off the inside of the hoof shoe wall (15c).

8. Hoof shoe (15) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least, preferably exactly, one rigid load distribution plate (13) which is arranged parallel to the support plate (3) and facing away from the support plate (3) on the elastic force transmission studs (7) and facing the hoof (H).

9. Hoof shoe (15) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one, preferably elastomeric, force transmission surface element (11) which is fixed in a fixed position to the force measuring sensors (5) parallel to the carrier plate (3) and facing away from the first surface (3a), wherein the elastic force transmission studs (7) are fixed to the free surface of the force transmission surface element (11) directly opposite exactly one of the force measuring sensors (5).

10. Hoof shoe (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier plate (3) has the shape of a closed horseshoe, circular ring or U or polygon, in particular with a recess in the central region.

11. Hoof shoe (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force measuring sensors (5) together with associated sensor signal lines and optionally power supply lines are realized on a continuous sensor carrier film (9) which is fixed in particular on the first surface (3a) of the carrier plate (3).

12. Hoof shoe (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force measuring sensors (5) or the sensor carrier film (9) are glued to the carrier plate (3) and / or the force transmission studs (7) are glued to the force measuring sensors (5).

13. Hoof shoe (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the effective area of ​​the force measuring sensors (5) is in the range between 0.5 cm2 and 10 cm2, in particular 2 cm2 and 5 cm2.

14. Hoof shoe (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all force measuring sensors (5) are substantially rectangular in shape and have the same geometric shape and effective area.

15. Hoof shoe (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force measuring sensors (5) are resistive-dielectric sensors, which in particular comprise a first conductive layer, on this a dielectric layer which is surrounded and delimited by a spacer determining the shape of the force measuring sensor (5), and on the dielectric layer and the spacer a second conductive layer.

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