Pressure measuring system for a piece of equipment for an animal

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure measuring system (1) for a piece of equipment (3) for an animal (2), comprising at least one pressure measuring unit (10), which is designed to be provided between the piece of equipment (3) for the animal (2) and the body of the animal (2) and preferably to be held there by the piece of equipment (3). The pressure measuring unit (10) is further designed to sensorically detect a pressure between the piece of equipment (3) and the body of the animal (2). The pressure measuring unit comprises: - at least one pressure-sensitive sensor element (11) which is designed to sensorically detect a pressure between the piece of equipment (3) and the body of the animal (2), - a voltage supply (13) which is designed to provide an electrical voltage, - a control element (12) which is designed to be electrically supplied by the voltage supply (13) and to determine a sensorically detected pressure of the pressure-sensitive sensor element (11), and - a transmitting unit (15) which is designed to output at least one acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal which represents the sensorically detected pressure. The pressure measuring system also comprises a receiving unit (17) which is designed to obtain the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal of the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10), the receiving unit (17) additionally being designed to evaluate the obtained acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal of the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Pressure measuring system for an animal's equipment

[0003] The present invention relates to a pressure measuring system for an animal's equipment.

[0004] In equestrian sports, a bridle or headstall is used to control and guide the horse. This consists of a headstall made of straps for the animal's head and reins. Bitless bridles can be used, or bridles with a bit attached to the headstall and inserted through the animal's mouth, such as a snaffle, curb bit, or Pelham.

[0005] Tightening the straps of the bridle can improve control over the horse in some cases. The noseband of the bridle, in particular, is often tightened very firmly to make the horse obedient.

[0006] However, it should be noted that this can pose a risk to the animal's welfare if the noseband of the headstall is pulled too tight and presses on the bridge of the horse's nose.

[0007] Therefore, in professional equestrian sports, attempts are made to check the strap pressure of the noseband of the headstall and thereby avoid nosebands of the headstall being pulled too tight, especially at competitions.

[0008] A common method used for this is the so-called "finger test," which is mandatory at least in larger competitions and tournaments. For this test, a judge must be able to place two fingers, one on top of the other, under the noseband of the bridle to ensure that the bridle is sufficiently loose and does not compromise the horse's well-being. This test is also known as the "two-finger rule."

[0009] The disadvantage of this method is that different people's fingers can vary in thickness and strength, which can lead to differing conclusions about whether two fingers can be inserted under the noseband of the headstall. Therefore, this type of finger test is highly dependent on the examiner's physique and the evaluation of the applied pressure is also very individual. This type of check is thus highly subjective.

[0010] Approaches to objectifying this check are known. For this purpose, a kind of "artificial finger" can be inserted under the noseband of the bridle as a reference point. This reference point, which is available in slightly different shapes from various manufacturers, is generally wedge-shaped and its thickness corresponds to the desired distance between the bridge of the horse's nose and the tightened noseband of the bridle.

[0011] Replacing the human finger with a reference body does eliminate the problems of reproducibility due to the anatomical peculiarities of the person testing. However, the force with which the reference body is pushed under the noseband remains highly dependent on the user. Furthermore, simply inserting the reference body without measuring the required force only allows for a very limited assessment of the strap tension, as both the noseband and the bridge of the horse's head are somewhat flexible. The disadvantage in this case is that the result is still imprecise and quite subjective. Alternatively, there are pressure gauges that can measure the pressure under the noseband. These are inserted between the bridge of the horse's head and the noseband of the bridle.

[0012] An objective measurement may be possible due to the sensory detection of pressure or force at this point. However, the comparatively high technical effort and associated costs are disadvantages.

[0013] In any case, it must be noted that horses competing in equestrian events are under considerable tension and nervousness immediately before their turn, i.e., right before entering the arena or competition grounds, when the noseband of the bridle can be checked using one of the methods described above. In this state, it is very uncomfortable for the horse to have any kind of device used within its field of vision, and especially to have pressure applied to the bridge of its nose. Therefore, all the previously described methods for checking the noseband of the bridle are only conditionally suitable for use in competitive equestrian events.

[0014] WO 2022 / 078801 A1 describes a noseband pad for attachment to the noseband on the side facing the animal, in particular a horse. The noseband pad comprises an elongated, flexible base body with a first end section, a second end section, and an intermediate central section, the central section resting on the nasal bone. The central section of the noseband pad has a sandwich construction with an internal grid structure of interlocking grid struts between the upper and lower surfaces to generate elastic flexibility. A pressure sensor is arranged in the central section, in particular a sensor whose electrical resistance changes under the influence of force, pressure, or deformation. The pressure sensor is electrically connected to a control unit for control, data transmission, and power supply, the control unit having a radio module for external data exchange, in particular a Bluetooth or WLAN module.The pressure sensor system features a circular, centrally located strain gauge sensor. The strain gauge sensor is positioned on the underside, towards the nasal bone.

[0015] In this way, the pressure in the central area of ​​the noseband pad according to WO 2022 / 078801 A1 can be measured using sensors, allowing conclusions to be drawn about the pressure in the area of ​​the noseband of the headstall. The strap tension or pressure in the area of ​​the noseband of the headstall can be checked by a person without having to touch the horse's nose. Furthermore, the sensory measurement can be continuous and therefore also during use.

[0016] However, a disadvantage of this system is the comparatively high technical effort required to control the sensor and a data transmission unit with a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interface. This results in greater electronic complexity, making the system bulky, complex, and expensive. It can also increase the weight of the noseband on the headstall, which can be uncomfortable or even bothersome for the horse and, especially at competitions, distract the horse and thus impair its performance.

[0017] This can apply comparably to other parts of a horse's headstall or other equipment belonging to a horse, as well as to other, particularly similar, animals such as a camel or unicorn. This can generally apply to other equipment belonging to a horse or other similar or other animals. For example, a certain amount of pressure may be necessary on a dog's or cat's collar for the animal's welfare, because otherwise the animal's trachea could be compressed. An object of the present invention is to provide a sensory means of detecting the pressure or force between an animal's equipment and the animal's body, which is simpler, more cost-effective, more accurate, more compact, lighter, and / or more intuitive for the user than is currently known. In particular, the sensory detection should be continuous and / oror during the use of the equipment. This should be possible, in particular, with digitally evaluable sensor data or digital data based on sensor data. This should be possible, especially for a horse or a similar animal such as a camel or a unicorn, and specifically on the headstall or in the area of ​​the noseband of the headstall. This should be possible for animals in general, and especially for horses and the like, particularly during a competition. In particular, this should be possible without any person having to touch the animal or the equipment, especially the horse's head. At the very least, an alternative to the known methods should be created.

[0018] The problem is solved according to the invention by a pressure measuring system with the features according to claim 1, by a pressure measuring system with the features according to claim 10, by a pressure measuring unit with the features according to claim 22, and by an equipment item with the features according to claim 23. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0019] Thus, the present invention relates to a pressure measuring system for an animal's equipment, comprising at least one pressure measuring unit, which is configured to be arranged between the animal's equipment and the animal's body and is preferably held there by the equipment, wherein the pressure measuring unit is further configured to sensorially detect a pressure between the equipment and the animal's body.

[0020] The pressure measuring unit according to the invention is characterized in that the pressure measuring unit comprises:

[0021] • at least one pressure-sensitive sensor element designed to detect pressure between the equipment and the animal's body,

[0022] • a power supply designed to provide an electrical voltage,

[0023] • a control element which is designed to be electrically powered by the power supply and to receive a sensorially detected pressure from the pressure-sensitive sensor element, and

[0024] • a transmitting unit configured to output at least one acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal representing the sensor-detected pressure, further comprising a receiving unit configured to receive the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit, wherein the receiving unit is further configured to evaluate the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit, and wherein the receiving unit is preferably further configured to produce an optical, acoustic and / or haptic output depending on the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit.

[0025] The sensory pressure measurement using the pressure-sensitive sensor element can be performed directly, for example, as a change in capacitance or similar, perpendicularly between the equipment and the animal's body, i.e., in the direction in which a person would manually check the pressure or play with their two fingers. However, the sensory pressure measurement using the pressure-sensitive sensor element can also be performed indirectly, i.e., via a physical quantity that must be converted into a perpendicularly acting force or pressure, such as using strain gauges tangentially along the planar or longitudinal extent of the equipment.

[0026] According to the invention, a pressure measuring unit of a pressure measuring system can thus sensorially detect the pressure between the animal's equipment and the animal's body in any case, in order to output the detected pressure, a corresponding value, or information based on the detected pressure to a corresponding receiving unit of the pressure measuring system, so that the receiving unit can evaluate this with regard to the pressure acting on the equipment. Thus, the person can obtain information about the applied pressure in order to assess it, in particular regarding the permissibility or impermissibility of the level or intensity of the pressure, without having to touch the equipment and / or the animal.

[0027] In any case, the result of the evaluation by the receiving unit can be communicated to a user or similar entity, whether visually, audibly, and / or haptically. This can include the output of specific measured values ​​and / or conclusions based on them, such as compliance with or exceedance of at least one pressure limit.

[0028] This can also be achieved more simply and compactly than with the noseband pad of WO 2022 / 078801 A1, since the electronics of the pressure measuring unit according to the invention can be implemented with comparatively few and simple electronic components. In particular, data transmission can be dispensed with, which significantly simplifies the implementation and can save both costs and energy. The power supply can be implemented using a battery or accumulator, or even a capacitor.

[0029] The pressure measuring unit can in any case be designed as part of the equipment, whether permanently integrated and temporarily connected to the equipment, or as a separate unit, for example as a “sensor patch” that can be stuck onto the animal’s body.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the receiving unit is further configured to evaluate the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit to determine whether at least one pressure limit is undershot or exceeded, wherein the receiving unit is further configured to produce an optical, acoustic and / or haptic output if the pressure limit is undershot or exceeded.

[0031] The receiving unit can thus evaluate, based on the received information, whether the pressure measured by the pressure sensor is at least below or above the pressure limit. An acoustic or electromagnetic signal can always be emitted, which also indicates to the receiving unit that the pressure sensor is functioning, in contrast to a switched-off pressure sensor, a depleted battery, or similar issues.

[0032] Accordingly, the receiving unit can distinguish between at least these two pressure ranges without requiring any human intervention, i.e., as was previously necessary, for example, with the noseband of a horse's headstall, one would have to reach under the noseband with one's fingers or slide a measuring device under the noseband. This can also be achieved more simply and compactly than with the noseband pad of WO 2022 / 078801 A1, since the electronics of the pressure measuring unit according to the invention can be implemented with comparatively few and simple electronic components. In particular, the data transmission from the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit to the receiving unit can be designed relatively simply, which can significantly simplify implementation and keep costs and energy consumption low.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the receiving unit is further configured to evaluate the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit to determine whether at least two pressure limits are undershot and / or exceeded, wherein the receiving unit is preferably configured to produce two different optical, acoustic and / or haptic outputs if the pressure limits are undershot and / or exceeded.

[0034] Thus, the differentiation of the sensor-detected pressure between the animal's equipment and the animal's body can be more finely subdivided by specifying at least two different pressure limits, so that the detected pressure can now be divided into at least three different ranges.

[0035] If the pressure falls within one of these at least three ranges, preferably the lower of the two pressure limits, the receiving unit can distinguish this and issue a corresponding visual, acoustic, and / or haptic output to clearly communicate this to the person. The distinction between the ranges can then be implemented in the signal as desired, for example, relatively simply by changing the amplitude, frequency, interval, rhythm, and the like.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, the receiving unit is further configured to evaluate the at least one pressure limit as being undershot or exceeded if the pressure limit is exceeded or undershot for a predetermined period of time.

[0037] This aspect of the invention is based on the understanding that movement in the animal's mouth can cause brief and temporary increases in pressure against the equipment, particularly in the animal's head area, which can cause a pressure limit or similar to be exceeded briefly without being impermissible. This would then lead to a direct output from the receiving unit as described above, but as a false alarm.

[0038] Therefore, the receiving unit can buffer the detected pressure, so to speak, in such a way that a pressure threshold must be exceeded for a predetermined period, longer than, for example, a typical chewing motion of the animal, in order to trigger a corresponding output. This prevents unnecessary and incorrect outputs, which could particularly disturb and frighten the animal.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, the receiving unit is further configured to continuously produce an optical, acoustic and / or haptic output proportionally to the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit.

[0040] In this case, the user can continuously and seamlessly receive visual, acoustic, and / or haptic information from the receiving unit about the pressure between the animal's equipment and its body. Based on this information, the user can assess whether the sensor-detected pressure is within acceptable or unacceptable limits. This is achieved without a predetermined pressure threshold, but it can still assist the user in judging whether the applied pressure is acceptable or unacceptable.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signals differ in the number of signal sources of the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit. This can increase the design possibilities for the implementation of the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signals.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the invention, the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signals differ in frequency, amplitude, rhythm, and / or signal shape. This can increase the design possibilities for implementing the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signals.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the invention, the pressure-sensitive sensor element of the pressure measuring unit is configured to change at least one physical property, preferably its electrical resistance, its electrical capacitance, and / or its electrical inductance, depending on the applied pressure. This can represent various possibilities for implementing the sensory detection of pressure or force.

[0044] According to a further aspect of the invention, the transmitter unit of the pressure measuring unit is spatially offset, preferably by means of an elongated section of the pressure measuring unit, from the pressure-sensitive sensor element, the control element, and / or the power supply. In other words, the transmitter unit of the pressure measuring unit is electrically connected to the other elements of the pressure measuring unit, but spatially spaced apart from these elements, which are arranged close together. This can be implemented, for example, by means of an elongated connecting section of the pressure measuring unit that connects the other elements to the transmitter unit.

[0045] In any case, this can increase the design possibilities of the pressure measuring unit. In particular, the transmitting unit can be offset from, or moved away from, the location where the pressure measurement takes place or must take place, in order to direct the signal output there. This makes the generated acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal easier and clearer for the surroundings or for the receiving unit. It also reduces the disturbance to the animal caused by the generated acoustic signal.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a pressure measuring system for an animal's equipment, comprising at least one pressure measuring unit, which is configured to be arranged between the animal's equipment and the animal's body and is preferably held there by the equipment, wherein the pressure measuring unit is further configured to sensorially detect a pressure between the equipment and the animal's body.

[0047] In this case, the pressure measuring unit is characterized by the fact that the pressure measuring unit has:

[0048] • at least one pressure switch designed to detect pressure between the equipment and the animal's body,

[0049] • a power supply designed to provide an electrical voltage, and

[0050] • a transmitting unit configured to output at least one acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal representing the state of the pressure switch, further comprising a receiving unit configured to receive the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit, wherein the receiving unit is further configured to evaluate the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit, and wherein the receiving unit is preferably further configured to produce an optical, acoustic and / or haptic output depending on the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit.

[0051] Thus, the present invention can be implemented in this way relatively simply and without the previously described control element of the pressure measuring unit by having the pressure switch of the pressure measuring unit, depending on the applied pressure, either electrically connect the voltage source to the transmitter unit, thereby outputting the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal, or electrically disconnect the voltage supply and the transmitter unit of the pressure measuring unit, thereby preventing the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from being output. This can also preferably be implemented such that the signal output only occurs when the pressure limit is exceeded, as described above. Alternatively, the degree of applied pressure can also determine, preferably proportionally, the degree to which the voltage supply is electrically connected to the signal unit.

[0052] Thus, the fundamental approach of the present invention, as described above—transmitting information regarding the sensor-detected pressure between the animal's equipment and its body to a receiving unit—can be implemented with simplified electronics in such a way that the previously described control element can be dispensed with. For example, the pressure switch can have a property that changes proportionally to the pressure, preferably decreasing, which determines the degree to which the power supply from the pressure switch is electrically conductive to the signaling unit, i.e., the degree to which the power supply feeds or operates the signaling unit. In other words, the contact resistance of the pressure switch can decrease with increasing pressure, and correspondingly, increasing power can be available at the signaling unit.This can be reflected in the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal emitted by the pressure measuring unit and received by the receiving unit, and thus evaluated there.

[0053] In any case, the receiving unit can continuously and steplessly receive acoustic and / or electromagnetic information from the signaling unit about the pressure between the animal's equipment and its body. This information can then be evaluated to determine whether the sensor-detected pressure is within permissible or impermissible limits, as described in more detail below. This process does not use a predetermined pressure limit, but it can still assist the user in assessing whether the applied pressure is permissible or impermissible.

[0054] As an alternative to connecting the voltage source to the signal unit via the pressure switch, the connection between the signal source and the voltage source can also be made in other ways, e.g., directly. The pressure switch can then, for example, be connected only to the signal source and, through its activation, alter the electrical properties of the signal source in such a way that its output, e.g., frequency, amplitude, rhythm, etc., also changes accordingly. Furthermore, this effect can be amplified by additional electrical components or circuits in conjunction with the pressure switch to increase the degree of change in the signal.

[0055] According to another aspect of the invention, an amplifier can also be used to increase the influence of the change in physical properties on the signal source.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the invention, the receiving unit is further configured to evaluate the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit to determine whether at least one pressure limit is undershot or exceeded.

[0057] In this way, at least a two-stage differentiation of the applied pressure can be achieved in this case as well, in order to distinguish between permissible and impermissible pressure. This can be done by the receiving unit.

[0058] According to a further aspect of the invention, the receiving unit is further configured to evaluate the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit to determine whether at least two pressure limits are undershot and / or exceeded.

[0059] Thus, the properties and advantages of using multiple pressure limits described above can also be implemented and utilized in this variant of the invention.

[0060] According to a further aspect of the invention, the pressure measuring unit is designed such that the transmitting unit emits the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal as long as the pressure limit is exceeded and the power supply of the pressure measuring unit is electrically connected to its transmitting unit. This can simplify the implementation. This may be sufficient to alert a person that the pressure limit has been exceeded, at least briefly, which may lead to an inspection of the equipment.

[0061] According to a further aspect of the invention, the transmitter unit of the pressure measuring unit has an electrical buffer configured to be charged when the power supply of the pressure measuring unit is electrically connected to the transmitter unit of the pressure measuring unit. The pressure measuring unit is configured such that the transmitter unit, powered by its buffer, emits the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal for a longer period than the pressure limit is exceeded, and the power supply of the pressure measuring unit is electrically connected to the transmitter unit of the pressure measuring unit. This allows a person's attention to be retained more reliably, since the signal output lasts longer than the pressure limit is exceeded, although this requires a slightly higher level of technical complexity.However, this effort may be justified to ensure that the person does not miss exceeding the pressure limit.

[0062] According to a further aspect of the invention, the signal unit is also configured to output the signal only when the pressure limit, preferably the pressure limits, are undershot or exceeded for a predetermined period. This allows the corresponding properties and advantages of the pressure measuring unit previously described with regard to the pressure-sensitive sensor element to also be implemented and utilized in the case of a pressure switch.

[0063] According to a further aspect of the invention, the pressure switch of the pressure measuring unit is designed to change at least one physical property, preferably its electrical resistance, its electrical capacitance, and / or its electrical inductance, depending on the applied pressure. Thus, the corresponding advantages and properties of the previously described pressure-sensitive sensor element can also be implemented by the pressure switch of the pressure measuring unit.

[0064] According to a further aspect of the invention, the transmitter unit of the pressure measuring unit is spatially offset, preferably by means of an elongated section of the pressure measuring unit, from the pressure switch and / or the power supply. Thus, the corresponding advantages and properties of the previously described pressure measuring unit can also be implemented in this case.

[0065] According to a further aspect of the invention, the pressure measuring unit additionally comprises a control or amplification element configured to amplify and / or further modify a physical change in the properties of the pressure switch relative to the transmitting unit. This can represent one way to amplify a change in the properties of the pressure switch.

[0066] According to a further aspect of the invention, the pressure switch is designed to electrically connect further elements to the transmitting unit when activated. This can represent a further way to amplify a change in the properties of the pressure switch.

[0067] According to a further aspect of the invention, the transmitting unit of the pressure measuring unit is designed for generating the acoustic signal such that the generated acoustic signal lies outside the sensitive hearing range, preferably the entire hearing range, of the animal, and particularly preferably in the ultrasound range. This allows disturbances to the animal caused by the acoustic signal to be avoided or at least reduced. According to a further aspect of the invention, the animal is a horse and / or the equipment is a headstall of the animal, preferably a noseband of a headstall of the animal. This allows the invention to be used specifically with horses and / or with headstalls, where the invention can be particularly useful, as described above.

[0068] The present invention also relates to a pressure measuring unit for use in a pressure measuring system as described above. Thus, a pressure measuring unit can be provided to implement a pressure measuring system according to the invention as described above and to utilize its properties and advantages.

[0069] The present invention further relates to an apparatus for use on an animal, comprising at least one pressure measuring system as described above and / or at least one pressure measuring unit as described above. The pressure measuring unit according to the invention can be permanently connected to or integrated into the apparatus. Alternatively, the pressure measuring unit according to the invention can also be detachably arranged on the apparatus. In any case, an apparatus can be created to utilize the pressure measuring unit according to the invention and to take advantage of its properties and benefits. By adding at least one receiving unit, the pressure measuring unit can form a pressure measuring system according to the invention.

[0070] In any case, the pressure measuring unit can have an on / off switch so that it can be selectively activated by the person as needed and subsequently deactivated again, for example at the beginning of a tournament, in order to avoid disturbing the animal during the tournament itself. In other words, according to the invention, a pressure measuring system is used which has at least one transmitting unit in the immediate vicinity of the object being measured and at least one receiving unit located separately from it.

[0071] The transmitter unit, or a pressure measuring unit comprising the transmitter unit, is a preferably flat element that can be slid under a strap, belt, or other piece of equipment of an animal, and in particular under the noseband of a horse. In addition to the transmitter unit, the pressure measuring unit has a pressure-sensitive switch which, in at least one stage, preferably as a pressure-sensitive element in several stages or continuously, changes its property, such as its resistance, capacitance, or inductance, according to the applied pressure.

[0072] Preferably, the pressure-sensitive switch is implemented on printed electronics. Preferably, a resistive or capacitive pressure sensor is used, which is based on the change in electrical properties between two printed layers that approach or are deposited on top of each other.

[0073] In any case, by changing the property, a circuit can be closed directly or indirectly, which supplies at least one signal source with current or voltage, which as a result emits at least one signal.

[0074] The signal can be in the form of an acoustic wave, for example through a type of loudspeaker, preferably outside the audible range of the animal, preferably in the ultrasound range.

[0075] Alternatively, the signal can be transmitted in the form of an electromagnetic wave, e.g., as a radio frequency, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or similar. Optionally, the signal and / or the number of signal sources can be changed in one or more stages in correlation with the applied pressure. For example, the signal frequency, waveform, or signal strength can be varied. This can also be achieved by adding another signal source.

[0076] In any case, this can be implemented at least partially with an inexpensive and compact electronic circuit, since no control of the sensor is necessary, but only its passive properties are read out.

[0077] A simple and inexpensive design is possible because no complex communication protocol between receiver and transmitter is required. The signal can also be received only at a specific location, thus avoiding disturbance to riders, horses, and / or spectators. The signal can be made digitally available for documentation purposes, for example. Furthermore, the signal is robust against misinterpretations.

[0078] The present invention can be used, in particular in competitive sports, to monitor compliance with the requirements of the respective rulebook. This can be done especially to check the fit or pressure of equipment of any kind on animals. Specifically, the invention can be implemented as a pad on a noseband for use in equestrian sports to objectively monitor the strap tension during riding competitions.

[0079] Several embodiments and further advantages of the invention are explained below in connection with the following figures. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a horse's head with bridle and pressure measuring unit according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a pressure measuring system according to the invention with a pressure measuring unit according to a first embodiment;

[0080] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of a pressure measuring system according to the invention with a pressure measuring unit according to a second embodiment; and

[0081] Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of a pressure measuring system according to the invention with a pressure measuring unit according to a third embodiment;

[0082] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a horse's head 20 with bridle 3 and pressure measuring unit 10 according to the invention. Thus, an animal 2, or rather its head 20, is considered using the example of a horse 2, or rather its head 20. The bridle 3, which includes the reins 30 and the headstall 31, is considered as an example of equipment 3. A noseband 32 of the headstall 31 runs transversely across the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20.

[0083] A pressure measuring unit 10 according to the invention is arranged between the noseband 32 of the headgear 31 and the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20 and is held there by the equipment 3. For this purpose, the pressure measuring unit 10 can be designed separately and fixedly arranged on the noseband 32 of the headgear 31. Alternatively, the pressure measuring unit 10 can also be designed as a component of the noseband 32 of the headgear 31.

[0084] In any case, the pressure measuring unit 10 is further configured to sensorially detect the pressure between the noseband 32 of the headgear 31 and the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20. The sensorially detected value can then be output to a receiving unit 17. The pressure measuring unit 10 and the receiving unit 17 together form a pressure measuring system 1 according to the invention. This can be done differently depending on the embodiment of the present invention, as follows:

[0085] Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a pressure measuring system 1 according to the invention with a pressure measuring unit 10 according to a first embodiment.

[0086] The pressure measuring unit 10 has a pressure-sensitive sensor element 11, which is designed to detect pressure between the noseband 32 of the headpiece 31 of the bridle 3 and the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20 of the horse 2. For this purpose, the pressure-sensitive sensor element 11 of the pressure measuring unit 10 is designed to change at least one physical property, such as its electrical resistance, its electrical capacitance, and / or its electrical inductance, depending on the applied pressure. Based on this physical property(ies), the applied current pressure or a corresponding force can then be determined.

[0087] The pressure measuring unit 10 also has a power supply 13, which is designed to provide an electrical voltage. This can be in the form of a battery, an accumulator, or a capacitor.

[0088] The pressure measuring unit 10 further comprises a control element 12, which is configured to be electrically powered by the power supply 13 and to determine the pressure detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor element 11. Thus, the control element 12 can be electrically powered by the power supply 13 to perform its operation. The control element 12 operates the pressure-sensitive sensor element 11, which involves querying or detecting the previously described physical property(ies) of the pressure-sensitive sensor element 11, so that this information is continuously available to the control element 12 in order to determine the current applied pressure.

[0089] The pressure measuring unit 10 further comprises a transmitter unit 15, which is configured to output at least one acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal representing the sensor-detected pressure. The transmitter unit 15 is operated by the control element 12 and powered by the power supply 13.

[0090] The acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal, which, as previously described, depends on the measured pressure, is emitted by the transmitter unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10, received by the aforementioned receiver unit 17, and evaluated to determine whether the pressure limit is undershot, maintained, or exceeded. This information can then be communicated to a person by the receiver unit 17, for example, visually, audibly, and / or haptically.

[0091] According to the invention, the pressure between the noseband 32 of the headstall 31 and the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20 can thus be continuously detected by means of the pressure measuring unit 10 of the pressure measuring system 1 according to the first embodiment, by means of the previously described physical property(ies) of the pressure-sensitive sensor element 11 of the pressure measuring unit 10, transmitted as a pressure value by the transmitting unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10, detected by the receiving unit 17, and compared with the at least one pressure limit value. Based on the result of the comparison, the receiving unit 17 can recognize and react accordingly with a corresponding output whether the detected pressure is below or above the pressure limit value, i.e., whether the pressure limit value is exceeded.In the event that the detected pressure is below the pressure limit, the receiving unit 17 will not react, i.e., it will not output any optical, acoustic and / or haptic signal, so that the person, such as the rider, a competition judge and the like, can recognize from the output of the receiving unit 17 that the specified pressure limit is maintained between the noseband 32 of the headgear 31 and the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20.

[0092] If this is not the case, i.e., if the specified pressure limit value between the noseband 32 of the head frame 31 and the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20 is not maintained or is exceeded, this triggers a corresponding visual, acoustic and / or haptic output from the receiving unit 17, which can be issued to the person so that the person can perceive and recognize that the pressure between the noseband 32 of the head frame 31 and the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20 is impermissibly high.

[0093] If necessary, two or more different pressure limits can be used to indicate an exceedance of the lower pressure limit, up to which the pressure between the noseband 32 of the headgear 31 and the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20 can be considered permissible, in several escalation stages, for example as a warning and, if the pressure increases further, as an alarm, either visually or audibly. For this purpose, the receiving unit 17 can be configured to produce a specific, different visual, audible, and / or haptic output depending on which of the pressure limits is exceeded or fallen below, depending on which of the pressure limits is exceeded or fallen below.

[0094] To distinguish between acoustic and / or electromagnetic signals, these can differ in the number of signal sources of the transmitting unit 15 and the pressure measuring unit 10. Additionally or alternatively, the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signals can differ in frequency, amplitude, rhythm, and / or signal shape.

[0095] The receiving unit 17 is in any case further designed to evaluate at least one pressure limit as being undershot or exceeded if the pressure limit is exceeded or undershot for a predetermined period. This prevents false alarms caused by short-term and permissible pressure increases, for example by the chewing motion of the horse 2, since an impermissibly elevated pressure must be present for longer than the predetermined period to trigger a reaction.

[0096] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of a pressure measuring system 1 according to the invention with a pressure measuring unit 10 according to a second embodiment.

[0097] In this case, the pressure measuring unit 10 has a pressure switch 11, which is designed to sensorially detect pressure between the noseband 32 of the headgear 31 and the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20. A power supply 13 for the pressure measuring unit 10, as described above, is also provided, which is designed to supply an electrical voltage. Likewise, a transmitter unit 15 for the pressure measuring unit 10 is also provided, which is designed to output at least one acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal.

[0098] The pressure switch 11 of the pressure measuring unit 10 is further configured to electrically connect the power supply 13 of the pressure measuring unit 10 to the transmitter unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10, depending on a pressure limit value, so that the transmitter unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 outputs the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal when the pressure limit value is exceeded, or to electrically disconnect the power supply 13 of the pressure measuring unit 10 from the transmitter unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10, so that the transmitter unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 does not output the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal when the pressure limit value is undershot.

[0099] Thus, the function described above can be implemented relatively easily by using the pressure switch 11 of the pressure measuring unit 10 as a simple control element that can only distinguish between falling below and exceeding a pressure limit value. This may, however, be sufficient to implement the present invention, although the first embodiment of the present invention according to Figure 2 may offer more or more convenient evaluation and signal output options.

[0100] The output of the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal can be comparatively short or only occur at the precise moment when the pressure limit is exceeded, by the transmitting unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 outputting the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal for as long as the pressure limit is exceeded and the power supply 13 of the pressure measuring unit 10 is electrically connected to the transmitting unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10.

[0101] Alternatively, this can be done for a longer period, or so to speak, with a reverberation, by having the transmitter unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 have an electrical buffer which is designed to be charged when the power supply 13 of the pressure measuring unit 10 is electrically connected to the transmitter unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10, wherein the pressure measuring unit 10 is designed such that its transmitter unit 15 emits the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal, powered by its buffer, for longer than the pressure limit is exceeded and the power supply 13 of the pressure measuring unit 10 is electrically connected to the transmitter unit 15 of the

[0102] Pressure measuring unit 10 is connected.

[0103] In this case, the control element 12 can further be configured to operate the signal unit 14 only if the information from the pressure switch 11 is received for longer than a predetermined period. This also prevents false alarms, as mentioned previously.

[0104] Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of a pressure measuring system 1 according to the invention with a pressure measuring unit 10 according to a third embodiment.

[0105] In this case, which is based on the second embodiment, the transmitter unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 is spatially offset from the pressure switch 11 of the pressure measuring unit 10 and from the power supply 13 of the pressure measuring unit 10, which is implemented by means of an elongated section of the pressure measuring unit 10. This allows the signal generation and output to take place at a distance from the sensor's location, enabling the transmitter unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 to be positioned, in particular, out of the horse 2's field of vision, thus minimizing or avoiding disturbance to the horse 2.

[0106] In any case, the transmitting unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 can be designed to generate the acoustic signal such that the generated acoustic signal lies outside the sensitive hearing range and preferably outside the entire hearing range of the horse 2, which can also help to avoid disturbing the horse 2 or to disturb it less. For this purpose, the generated acoustic signal can particularly preferably be in the ultrasound range. (Reference numeral list (part of the description))

[0107] 1 pressure measuring system; 10 pressure measuring units; transmitter unit; transponder

[0108] 11 pressure-sensitive sensor element; pressure switch

[0109] 12 Control element; control unit

[0110] 13 Power supply

[0111] 15 Transmitting unit 17 Receiving unit

[0112] 2. Animal; horse

[0113] 20 Animal head; horse head

[0114] 21 Bridge of the nose

[0115] 3. Equipment item; bridle

[0116] 30 reins

[0117] 31 Head frame

[0118] 32 Nosebands

Claims

Patent claims 1. Pressure measuring system (1) for an equipment item (3) of an animal (2) with at least one pressure measuring unit (10) which is designed to be arranged between the equipment item (3) of the animal (2) and the body of the animal (2) and preferably to be held there by the equipment item (3), wherein the pressure measuring unit (10) is further designed to sensingly detect a pressure between the equipment item (3) and the body of the animal (2), characterized in that the pressure measuring unit (10) has: • at least one pressure-sensitive sensor element (11) which is designed to detect pressure between the equipment (3) and the body of the animal (2), • a power supply (13) designed to provide an electrical voltage, • a control element (12) which is configured to be electrically powered by the power supply (13) and to determine a sensorially detected pressure of the pressure-sensitive sensor element (11), and • a transmitting unit (15) configured to output at least one acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal representing the sensorially detected pressure, furthermore with a receiving unit (17) configured to receive the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal of the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10), wherein the receiving unit (17) is further configured to evaluate the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal of the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10), wherein the receiving unit (17) is preferably further configured to produce an optical, acoustic and / or haptic output depending on the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10).

2. Pressure measuring system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit (17) is further configured to evaluate the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) to determine whether at least one pressure limit is undershot or exceeded, wherein the receiving unit (17) is further configured to produce an optical, acoustic and / or haptic output if the pressure limit is undershot or exceeded.

3. Pressure measuring system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the receiving unit (17) is further configured to evaluate the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) to determine whether at least two pressure limits are undershot and / or exceeded, wherein the receiving unit (17) is preferably configured to produce two different optical, acoustic and / or haptic outputs if the pressure limits are undershot and / or exceeded.

4. Pressure measuring system (1 ) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the receiving unit (17) is further configured to evaluate the at least one pressure limit as being undershot or exceeded if the pressure limit is exceeded or undershot for a predetermined period of time.

5. Pressure measuring unit (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving unit (17) is further configured to continuously produce an optical, acoustic and / or haptic output proportionally to the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10).

6. Pressure measuring system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signals differ in the number of signal sources of the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10).

7. Pressure measuring system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signals differ in frequency, amplitude, rhythm and / or signal shape.

8. Pressure measuring system (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure-sensitive sensor element (11 ) of the pressure measuring unit (10) is configured to change at least one physical property, preferably its electrical resistance, its electrical capacitance and / or its electrical inductance, depending on the applied pressure.

9. Pressure measuring system (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) is spatially offset, preferably by means of an elongated section of the pressure measuring unit (10), from the pressure-sensitive sensor element (11 ), from the control element (12) and / or from the power supply (13).

10. Pressure measuring system (1) for an equipment item (3) of an animal (2) with at least one pressure measuring unit (10) which is designed to be positioned between the equipment item (3) of the animal (2) and the body of the animal (2) and preferably held there by the equipment (3), wherein the pressure measuring unit (10) is further configured to sensorially detect a pressure between the equipment (3) and the body of the animal (2), characterized in that the pressure measuring unit (10) has: • at least one pressure switch (11) which is designed to detect pressure between the piece of equipment (3) and the body of the animal (2), • a power supply (13) designed to provide an electrical voltage, and • a transmitting unit (15) configured to output at least one acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal representing the state of the pressure switch (11), furthermore with a receiving unit (17) configured to receive the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal of the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10), wherein the receiving unit (17) is further configured to evaluate the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal of the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10), wherein the receiving unit (17) is preferably further configured to produce an optical, acoustic and / or haptic output depending on the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal of the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10).

11. Pressure measuring system (1) according to claim 10, wherein the receiving unit (17) is further configured to evaluate the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) to determine whether at least one pressure limit is undershot or exceeded.

12. Pressure measuring system (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the receiving unit (17) is further configured to evaluate the received acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal from the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) to determine whether at least two pressure limits are undershot and / or exceeded.

13. Pressure measuring system (1 ) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the pressure measuring unit (10) is configured such that the transmitting unit (15) outputs the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal as long as the pressure limit is exceeded and the power supply (13) is electrically connected to the transmitting unit (15).

14. Pressure measuring system (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the transmitter unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) has an electrical buffer which is configured to be charged when the power supply (13) is electrically connected to the transmitter unit (15), wherein the pressure measuring unit (10) is configured such that the transmitter unit (15) outputs the acoustic and / or electromagnetic signal, powered by its buffer, for longer than the pressure limit is exceeded and the power supply (13) is electrically connected to the transmitter unit (15).

15. Pressure measuring unit (10) according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the signal unit (14) is further configured to output the signal only when the pressure limit, preferably the pressure limits, are undershot or exceeded for a predetermined period of time, preferably undershot and / or exceeded.

16. Pressure measuring system (1) according to one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the pressure switch (11 ) of the pressure measuring unit (10) is configured to change at least one physical property, preferably its electrical resistance, its electrical capacitance and / or its electrical inductance, depending on the applied pressure.

17. Pressure measuring system (1 ) according to one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) is arranged spatially offset, preferably by means of an elongated section of the pressure measuring unit (10), from the pressure switch (11) and / or from the power supply (13).

18. Pressure measuring unit (10) according to one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the pressure measuring unit (10) additionally has a control or amplification element (12) which is configured to amplify and / or further modify a physical property change of the pressure switch (11) relative to the transmitting unit (15).

19. Pressure measuring unit (10) according to one of claims 10 to 18, wherein the pressure switch (11) is configured to electrically connect further elements to the transmitting unit (15) by activating it.

20. Pressure measuring system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitting unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) is designed with regard to the generation of the acoustic signal such that the generated acoustic signal lies outside the sensitive hearing range, preferably the entire hearing range, of the animal (2), particularly preferably in the ultrasound range.

21. Pressure measuring system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the animal (2) is a horse (2) and / or wherein the equipment (3) is a head frame (31) of the animal (2), preferably a noseband (32) of a head frame (31) of the animal (2).

22. Pressure measuring unit (10) for use in a pressure measuring system (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

23. Equipment (3) for use on an animal (2) with at least one pressure measuring system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 21 and / or with at least one pressure measuring unit (10) according to claim 22.

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