Reaction force measuring plate and reaction force measuring system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reaction force measuring plate (1) for measuring the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact surface of the foot of a hoofed animal or the foot of a human being when walking on the ground, comprising: a preferably rigid support plate (3) having a first surface (3a) facing the ground during use and an opposite second surface (3b) facing the hoof or foot; a plurality of flat force-measuring sensors (5) fixed in position on the first surface (3a) of the support plate (3); a plurality, in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force-measuring sensors (5), of resilient force-transmitting studs (7) which are fixed on the free surfaces of the force-measuring sensors (5); and at least one, preferably precisely one, rigid load-distribution plate (13) which is arranged on the resilient force-transmitting studs (7) so as to be in parallel with the support plate (3), facing away from the support plate (3), and facing the ground, or vice versa.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Reaction force measuring plate and reaction force measuring system

[0003] The invention relates to a reaction force measuring plate, particularly intended for use with a hoof boot, hoof, or shoe, and suitable for determining a surface reaction force distribution when a hoof of an ungulate or a human foot strikes the ground. It further relates to a reaction force measuring system comprising such a measuring plate, and a horseshoe, hoof boot, or shoe equipped with such a measuring plate is also claimed.

[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 to transmit them via a wireless transmitter to a remote receiving and evaluation station.

[0007] 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 boot, 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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 planar 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.

[0010] A disadvantage of the known possibilities of measuring the force of the foot of an ungulate or the foot of a human when it hits the ground, ie when it comes into contact with the ground, is that only force distributions can be measured, but not total forces, since force shunts occur in addition to the discrete sensor positions.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] An object of the present invention is to improve the possibilities for

[0015] To improve the force measurement of the foot of an ungulate or a human foot when it strikes the ground. In particular, a preferably compact sensor plate with discrete sensor positions and a force introduction into these positions should be created, resulting in stable and robust sensor characteristics. Additionally or alternatively, force transmission should be implemented without force shunts to enable the measurement of absolute forces and 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 existing options should be created.

[0016] The object is achieved according to the invention by a reaction force measuring plate, a reaction force measuring system, and a hoof boot, a horseshoe, or a shoe having the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0017] Thus, the present invention relates to 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 preferably rigid support plate having a first surface facing the ground during use and an opposite second surface facing the hoof or foot, a plurality of planar force measuring sensors fixed in a fixed position to 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, and at least, preferably exactly, 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 ground, or vice versa.The ground represents a subsurface, which can, in principle, be of any desired nature or made of any desired material. The invention includes the idea of ​​forming the desired measuring device with a carrier plate that is essentially both rigid and incompressible (but possibly elastically flexible), to one surface of which a plurality of force measuring sensors are attached, and the other surface of which is placed on the underside of the hoof during use and is in active contact with the underside of the hoof.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] For common practical applications, a number of 3-8 force sensors, especially 5-7 sensors, is currently sufficient. Preferably, at least five force sensors can be used.

[0021] Preferably, and particularly preferably, at least seven force measuring sensors can be used, which can be arranged along the edge. In any case, the force measuring sensors can be arranged at equal distances from one another in the circumferential direction. This can enable representative recording of the force values ​​with limited effort. Such a reaction force measuring plate is structurally simple and therefore inexpensive to manufacture, robust in practical use, and easy to handle. It also enables recording of the reaction forces across the surface of the hoof with sufficient resolution, minimal force side effects, and therefore high accuracy. It is also flat and lightweight in design, making it not only easy to use but also easy to transport.

[0022] According to the invention, the reaction force measuring plate has 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 ground. Thus, the rigid load distribution plate spans several to all elastic force transmission studs and thus also the respective 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] As explicitly formulated and described above, the support plate can be arranged with the first surface facing the ground during use and with the second opposite surface facing the hoof or foot. However, the arrangement can also be reversed, with the support plate being arranged with the first surface facing the hoof or foot during use and with the second opposite surface facing the ground. This can increase the usage and design options. In particular, the arrangement of the support plate with the first surface facing the hoof or foot during use is advantageous because the force measuring sensors and elastic force transmission studs then act against the hoof. Accordingly, the support plate does not have to be connected directly to the hoof or horseshoe.Instead, the fixation can be achieved, for example, via a hoof shoe, which can also be formed by a protective element of the reaction force measuring plate itself, as will be described in more detail below.

[0025] This design can be particularly advantageous in combination with a support and protection element (the hoof shoe), so that the support plate with the force sensors does not have to be firmly connected to the hoof or shoe and at the same time no relative movement occurs between the support plate with the force sensors and the support and protection element (hoof shoe), which can mean less strain on a cable connection of the reaction force measuring plate.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the reaction force measuring plate further comprises at least one first protective element, which seals off at least the carrier plate and the load distribution plate, including the force measuring sensors and force transmission studs located therebetween, from the environment at least at the edges, preferably over the entire surface relative to the ground. The first protective element can be formed only at the edges in order to laterally seal off the space between the carrier plate and the load distribution plate and thus protect at least the force measuring sensors and force transmission studs located therebetween from environmental influences. The first protective element can additionally also be formed flatly parallel to the load distribution plate or around the load distribution plate as a first protective layer in order to offer correspondingly large or full-surface protection against the ground or the hoof or foot, depending on the orientation of the carrier plate. In any case, external influences orEnvironmental influences such as dirt, mud, moisture or water, stones and the like are kept away from the elements such as the force measuring sensors and power transmission studs in order to ensure their functionality and improve their longevity.

[0027] Preferably, the first protective element can also be extended along the edge of the hoof or foot and enclose the hoof or foot laterally to provide protection there as well against external or environmental influences. In particular, the first protective element can be designed as a hoof bell.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, the reaction force measuring plate further comprises at least one second protective element, which seals off at least the carrier plate facing away from the force measuring sensors from the environment, at least at its edges, preferably over its entire surface. Thus, the previously described properties and advantages can be transferred to the opposite side of the carrier plate and applied there as well.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the reaction force measuring plate further comprises at least one, preferably elastomeric, force transmission surface element, which is fixed in a fixed position to the force measuring sensors parallel to the carrier plate and facing away from the first surface. The elastic force transmission studs are fixed to the free surface of the force transmission surface element directly opposite one of the force measuring sensors. The force transmission surface element is also arranged between the carrier plate and the load distribution plate.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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. Preferably, a linear or elongated contact surface is present on the side facing away from the force sensor, and a larger, wider contact surface is present 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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, PET), which can be materially bonded to the sensor carrier film, preferably using a vulcanization process or an injection molding process.Particularly preferably, the carrier film may consist of a thermoplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0037] 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, II, or polygon with a recess in the central region.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 or foot 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. 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 versions of the measuring plate, all force measuring sensors have essentially the same geometric shape and effective area.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force measuring sensors or the aforementioned sensor carrier film are or are, in a simple implementation, glued to the carrier plate. The connection of the force transmission studs to the force measuring sensors can also be easily realized by gluing.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, if a high degree of configuration flexibility is required for certain applications, the force measuring sensors or the sensor carrier film and / or the force transmission studs can alternatively be releasably attached to the force measuring sensors, in particular by being inserted into suitable guides or secured to one another. It is understood that such solutions are more complex in design and potentially more susceptible to failure, so they are likely to be more suitable for specific applications.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the invention, in a currently preferred implementation, 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 structure known as such. 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.According to a further aspect of the invention, the material-related embodiments can be provided such that the carrier plate is made of organic sheet, spring steel, or plastic, and / or the force transmission studs are made of elastomer, and / or the load distribution plate is made of organic sheet, spring steel, or plastic, preferably polyamide with a strength carrier, preferably a glass fiber reinforcement. The hardness of the elastomer of the force transmission studs can specifically be between 30 and 85 ShA.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a reaction force measuring system comprising a reaction force measuring plate as described above and a wireless sensor signal transmitting unit, in particular according to the Bluetooth standard, attached thereto and connected to the force measuring sensors, as well as a sensor signal receiving, evaluation and display device arranged remotely from the reaction force measuring plate, which comprises a wireless sensor signal receiving unit communicating with the sensor signal transmitting unit to the reaction force measuring plate.

[0044] Optionally, a carrier plate can also be provided with a device for sensor signal preprocessing, for example to facilitate transmission via the transmitting unit.

[0045] If the force measuring sensors are implemented on a sensor carrier foil with corresponding conductor tracks, the transmitting unit can also be arranged on this sensor carrier foil and connected to the sensors via the conductor tracks.

[0046] The present invention further relates to a hoof boot, a horseshoe, or a shoe to which a reaction force measuring plate is fixed as described above. Ultimately, a horseshoe or hoof boot (for use on hoofed animals) or a shoe (for use on humans) is proposed which is equipped with a reaction force measuring plate on the underside. In the case of the hoof boot, depending on its specific design, the measuring plate can be arranged on its inside and, if necessary, fixed to the hoof or horseshoe. Although the invention is primarily intended for use on hoofed animals, it is also conceivable to use the reaction force measuring plate according to the invention for certain examinations on humans, for example to obtain information for rehabilitation or training purposes. The human will then wear shoes equipped with the measuring plate according to the invention.

[0047] Advantages and usefulness 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 view from below;

[0048] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a section of Fig. 1 as an exploded view;

[0049] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the reaction force measuring system according to the invention, in the form of a block diagram; and

[0050] Fig. 4 is a sketch-like representation of the attachment of the reaction force measuring plate according to the invention to a horse's hoof.

[0051] The description of the above figures is given in Cartesian coordinates with a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and a vertical direction Z oriented 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 also as width Y and the vertical direction Z also 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 also be referred to as spatial directions X, Y, Z or as Cartesian spatial directions X, Y, Z. Fig. 1 shows, in a perspective bottom view, the structure of an exemplary reaction force measuring plate 1 with a closed horseshoe-shaped rigid support plate 3 which has a first surface 3a and a second surface 3b.Seven resistive force sensors 5, each with a rectangular basic shape, are mounted on the first surface 3a at approximately equal distances from one another. The free surface of each of the force sensors 5 faces downward toward a substrate (not shown) and thus, for example, away from the horse's hoof H. The force sensors 5 can also be referred to as force sensors 5 or force sensor elements 5.

[0052] 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, including printed electronics, 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.

[0053] 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 (not shown) 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, which is promoted or achieved by the corresponding 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 rigid load distribution plate 13 to the force transmission studs 7, allowing the loads to act on the force measuring sensors 5 without force shunts. The rigid load distribution plate 13 is made of a glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide organic sheet.

[0056] Furthermore, a first, outer protective element 15a is provided, which is made of an elastomeric material and, from the edge or perimeter of the carrier 3, surrounds the sensor carrier film 9 and the force transmission surface element 11 at the edges, as well as the rigid load distribution plate 13. This seals off the sensor carrier film 9, including the force measuring sensors 5, and the force transmission surface element 11, including the force transmission stud 7, from the outside and thus protects them from external influences.

[0057] Furthermore, a second, inner protective element 15b is provided, which adjoins the edge of the first, outer protective element 15a in the opposite direction and encloses and protects the carrier 3 on the back as described above.

[0058] In order to connect the reaction force measuring plate 1 to the hoof of the vertebrate or to another element that may be located therebetween, the support plate in the embodiment shown has holes 3c (only shown in Fig. 1) into which, for example, horseshoe nails can be driven or a screw can be inserted.

[0059] The force sensors 5 are connected and readable via the printed sensor signal lines, as 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.

[0060] Fig. 3 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 2. 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.

[0061] In addition to the force measuring sensors 5 already shown in Figs. 1 to 2 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.

[0062] All of the above-mentioned components are advantageously arranged on the reaction force measuring plate 1, and in particular protected within its interior, and are referred to here as the hoof component 25. Specifically, the functional units of the hoof component 25 can all be implemented on the sensor carrier film 9.

[0063] When the system is in use, the 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 (or human) to be examined. The device 27 comprises a wireless sensor signal receiver 29 configured to communicate with the sensor signal transmitter 21 on the 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.

[0064] Finally, a display unit 35 is used to show the evaluation results, for example for a rider or owner as well as a therapist or trainer. The components of the sensor signal reception, evaluation and display device can be implemented, for example, in a notebook, tablet or smartphone with a suitable evaluation app. Fig. 4 shows an example of a possible use of the reaction force measuring plate 1 according to the invention, placed inside a hoof shoe 37 of a commercially available type that is attached to a horse's hoof H. In the example shown, the reaction force measuring plate 1 - depending on the design of the hoof shoe - is temporarily fixed to the foot with a suitable, removable adhesive or bonding agent and then the hoof shoe 37 is slipped over it, or the reaction force measuring plate 1 is inserted into the hoof shoe and the hoof shoe is then fixed to the hoof.

[0065] The implementation of the invention is not limited to the examples and aspects mentioned above, but is also possible in a variety of modifications that are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0066] List of reference symbols (part of the description)

[0067] H hoof or horse hoof

[0068] X longitudinal direction; depth

[0069] Y transverse direction; width

[0070] Z vertical direction; height

[0071] X, Y horizontals; horizontal plane

[0072] I Reaction force measuring plate

[0073] 3 Carrier plate

[0074] 3a first surface

[0075] 3b second surface

[0076] 3c Openings

[0077] 5 force measuring sensor

[0078] 7 (elastomeric) elastic power transmission studs; (elastomeric) elastic

[0079] Pressure guide tunnel

[0080] 9 Sensor carrier film

[0081] II (elastomeric) force transmission surface element; (elastomeric) pressure guide element

[0082] 13 Load distribution plate

[0083] 15a first outer protective element

[0084] 15b second, inner protective element

[0085] 16 Connection element; plug outlet

[0086] 16a plug

[0087] 16b Cable protection

[0088] 17 Reaction force measuring system

[0089] 19 Sensor signal preprocessing unit

[0090] 21 wireless sensor signal transmitter

[0091] 23 Energy source 25 Hoof component

[0092] 27 Sensor signal Sensor signal reception, evaluation and

[0093] Display device

[0094] 29 wireless sensor signal receiver 31 signal evaluation unit

[0095] 33 program memories

[0096] 35 display unit

[0097] 37 hoof boot

Claims

Patent claims 1. Reaction force measuring plate (1) for detecting the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact surface of the foot of an ungulate or the foot of a human when it strikes the ground, comprising a preferably rigid support plate (3) having a first surface (3a) facing the ground during use and an opposite second surface (3b) facing the hoof or foot, 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), and 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 ground, or vice versa.

2. Reaction force measuring plate (1) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one first protective element (15a) which seals off at least the carrier plate (3) and the load distribution plate (13) together with the force measuring sensors (5) and force transmission studs (7) located therebetween from the environment at least at the edges, preferably over the entire surface relative to the ground.

3. Reaction force measuring plate (1) according to claim 2, further comprising at least one second protective element (15b) which at least the carrier plate (3) faces away from the force measuring sensors (5) at least at the edges, preferably over the entire surface, is sealed off from the surroundings.

4. Reaction force measuring plate (1) 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).

5. Reaction force measuring plate (1) 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.

6. Reaction force measuring plate (1) 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).

7. Reaction force measuring plate (1) 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).

8. Reaction force measuring plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the force measuring sensors (5) or the sensor carrier film (9) are fixed to the carrier plate (3) and / or the force transmission studs (7) are fixed to the Force measuring sensors (5) are detachably fastened, in particular are inserted into suitable guides.

9. Reaction force measuring plate (1) 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.

10. Reaction force measuring plate (1) 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.

11. Reaction force measuring plate (1) 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 first conductive layer 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.

12. Reaction force measuring plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier plate (3) consists of organic sheet, spring steel or plastic and / or the force transmission studs (7) of elastomer and / or the load distribution plate (13) of organic sheet, spring steel or plastic, preferably of polyamide with a strength carrier, preferably a glass fiber reinforcement.

13. Reaction force measuring system (17), with a reaction force measuring plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a wireless sensor signal transmitting unit (21) attached thereto and connected to the force measuring sensors, in particular according to the Bluetooth standard, and a sensor signal receiving, evaluation and display device (27) arranged remotely from the reaction force measuring plate, which comprises a wireless sensor signal receiving unit (29) communicating with the sensor signal transmitting unit to the reaction force measuring plate.

14. Reaction force measuring system according to claim 13, wherein the wireless sensor signal transmitting unit (21) is arranged on the sensor carrier film (9) fixed to the first surface of the carrier plate (3a).

15. Hoof shoe (37), horseshoe or shoe to which a reaction force measuring plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 is fixed.

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