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), having 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) also being designed to sensorically detect a pressure between the piece of equipment (3) and the body of the animal (2). The pressure measuring system (1) is characterized in that the pressure measuring unit (10) has: - 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), and - a coupling unit (15) which is designed to be electromagnetically excited from outside the pressure measuring unit (10) by a reading unit (17) and to output an electromagnetic signal in response thereto, said electromagnetic signal representing the sensorically detected pressure. The pressure measuring system also has the reading unit (17) which is designed to excite the coupling unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) by means of an electromagnetic signal and to detect an electromagnetic signal output by the coupling unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) in response to the external excitation. The reading unit (17) is also designed to evaluate the detected electromagnetic signal of the coupling 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 tightened too much 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 remains 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 sensor-based detection of the pressure or force between an animal's equipment and the animal's body, which can be simpler, more cost-effective, more accurate, more compact, lighter, and / or more intuitive for the user than is currently known. In particular, the sensor-based detection should be continuous and / or...or during the use of the equipment. In particular, the implementation should be achieved using a technically simple article, making it compact, cost-effective, and / or easy to dispose of, so that it can be used in larger quantities and, if necessary, is also economically and environmentally acceptable for single use. 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. This should be possible for animals in general, and especially for horses and the like, particularly during a competition. Specifically, 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 existing methods should be provided.

[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 unit with the features according to claim 12, and by an equipment item with the features according to claim 13. 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, and

[0022] • A coupling unit configured to be electromagnetically excited from outside the pressure measuring unit by a readout unit and to output an electromagnetic signal as a response, representing the sensor-detected pressure; furthermore, the readout unit is configured to excite the coupling unit of the pressure measuring unit by means of an electromagnetic signal and to detect an electromagnetic signal output by the coupling unit of the pressure measuring unit in response to the external excitation; the readout unit is further configured to evaluate the detected electromagnetic signal of the coupling unit of the pressure measuring unit; and the readout unit is preferably further configured to produce an optical, acoustic, and / or haptic output depending on the detected electromagnetic signal of the coupling unit of the pressure measuring unit.

[0023] The output of an electromagnetic signal as a response comprises the active transmission of an electromagnetic signal as well as an electrical or electromagnetic interaction between the readout unit and the coupling unit, whereby an electrical or electromagnetic property of the coupling element that changes depending on the detected pressure can be detected or read out by the readout unit. Thus, according to the invention, the electrical or electromagnetic properties of the coupling unit of the pressure measuring unit can also be coupled with the sensor element, so that the pressure state at the

[0024] The sensor element is reflected in the properties of the coupling element.

[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, in any case, sensorily detect the pressure between the animal's equipment and the animal's body. The external readout unit of the pressure measuring system can then react to the detected pressure in order to evaluate the detected pressure, a corresponding value, or information based on the detected pressure. This allows the person to obtain information about the applied pressure in order to assess it, particularly regarding the permissibility or impermissibility of the pressure level or intensity, without having to touch the equipment or the animal.

[0027] In particular, an evaluation can be performed to determine whether the measured pressure of the pressure measuring unit is at least below or above at least one predetermined pressure limit, as will be described in more detail below. This evaluation result can, in any case, preferably be output by a person via the readout unit and, in particular, displayed visually and / or transmitted to another device, preferably wirelessly, for further processing, storage, and / or output.

[0028] In any case, the result of the evaluation by the reading 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 these values, such as compliance with or exceedance of at least one pressure limit.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] According to one aspect of the invention, the readout unit is further configured to evaluate the detected electromagnetic signal of the coupling unit of the pressure measuring unit to determine whether at least one pressure limit is undershot or exceeded, wherein the readout unit is preferably further configured to provide an optical, acoustic and / or haptic output if the pressure limit is undershot or exceeded.

[0032] Accordingly, the reading unit can differentiate between at least these two pressure ranges without requiring any human intervention, i.e., as was previously the case, 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 are implemented with comparatively few and simple electronic components and can preferably be purely passive, i.e., operated and queried solely by the reading device. In particular, the data transmission from the coupling unit of the pressure measuring unit to the reading unit can be designed to be comparatively simple, which can significantly simplify implementation and keep costs and, if applicable, energy consumption low.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the readout unit is further configured to evaluate the received electromagnetic signal of the coupling unit of the pressure measuring unit to determine whether at least two pressure limits are undershot and / or exceeded, wherein the readout unit is preferably further 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 reading unit can refrain from issuing a signal, as is normal. If the detected pressure falls within one of the other two ranges, the reading unit can issue different signals to distinguish between these two ranges. This allows, preferably when the lower of the two pressure limits is exceeded, for a visual and / or audible warning signal to be issued. The third range of detected pressure, preferably when the higher of the two pressure limits is exceeded, can then be more pronounced to indicate a significantly excessive pressure reading, which can be considered an alarm signal. This can enable at least two such levels of pressure detection and corresponding responses.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, the selection 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 lead to 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 trigger a direct output from the readout unit as described above, but as a false alarm.

[0038] Therefore, the reading 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 readout unit is further configured to continuously produce an optical, acoustic and / or haptic output proportionally to the detected electromagnetic signal of the coupling 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 reading unit about the pressure exerted 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 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.

[0042] Preferably, the pressure-sensitive sensor element of the pressure measuring unit can be implemented as a single-stage, multi-stage, or continuous switch, e.g., based on resistive or capacitive pressure sensors. These sensors rely on the change in electrical properties between two printed layers that approach or align with each other. This can be referred to as a pressure switch. An advantage in this case is that very significant changes in electrical properties can occur even with comparatively small deformations. Furthermore, it is possible to couple additional electrical elements, such as resistors, capacitors, or inductors, in a stepwise or continuous manner. These elements significantly alter the properties of the electromagnetic coupling field, thus simplifying detection by the readout unit.According to a further aspect of the invention, the pressure-sensitive sensor element of the pressure measuring unit is designed as an electrical conductor, preferably as a strain gauge, whose electrical properties change when strain occurs. This can represent a concrete implementation possibility that can keep the electrical elements small, simple, and / or compact.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the invention, the coupling unit of the pressure measuring unit is designed as an antenna, preferably as an RFID antenna or as an NFC antenna. This can represent concrete implementation possibilities in order to utilize the corresponding properties and advantages.

[0044] According to another aspect of the invention, the pressure measuring unit further comprises:

[0045] • at least one amplifier configured to amplify the pressure-representing signal of the pressure-sensitive sensor element of the pressure measuring unit relative to its coupling unit and / or to amplify the electrical properties and / or the signal strength of the electromagnetic signal of the coupling unit, and

[0046] • at least one power supply designed to electrically power the amplifier.

[0047] This allows the range of the signal transmission to be significantly increased by active signal amplification.

[0048] The power supply can be implemented using a battery or accumulator, or also using a capacitor.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the invention, the coupling 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, preferably also from the amplifier and / or the power supply. In other words, the coupling unit of the pressure measuring unit is electrically conductively connected to at least its pressure-sensitive sensor element and, optionally, to the other elements of the pressure measuring unit, but is spatially spaced apart from it and these elements, whereby the other elements may be spatially close to each other. This can be implemented, for example, by means of an elongated connecting section of the pressure measuring unit, which connects the pressure-sensitive sensor element or the other elements to the coupling unit.

[0050] In any case, this can increase the design possibilities of the pressure measuring unit. In particular, the coupling unit can be offset from or moved away from the location where the pressure measurement takes place or must take place, in order to allow the signal output to occur there.

[0051] According to a further aspect of the invention, the animal is a horse and / or the piece of 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 headstalls, where the invention can be particularly useful, as described above.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The present invention further relates to an apparatus for use on an animal, comprising at least one pressure measurement system as described above and / or at least one pressure measurement unit as described above. The pressure measurement unit according to the invention can be permanently connected to or integrated into the apparatus. Alternatively, the pressure measurement 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 measurement unit according to the invention and to take advantage of its properties and benefits. By adding at least one readout unit, the pressure measurement unit can form a pressure measurement system according to the invention.

[0054] In other words, according to the invention a pressure measuring system is used which has at least one largely passive pressure-sensitive “tag” as a pressure measuring unit in the immediate vicinity of the object being measured and at least one reading device or readout unit located separately from it.

[0055] The pressure measuring unit is a preferably flat element that can be slid under a strap, belt, or other piece of equipment on an animal, and particularly under the noseband of a horse. In addition to a coupling unit, the pressure measuring unit has a pressure-sensitive sensor element that changes its properties, such as resistance, capacitance, or inductance, stepwise or continuously according to the applied pressure.

[0056] Preferably, the pressure-sensitive sensor element 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. Alternatively, the pressure-sensitive element can be designed as an electrical conductor, such as a strain gauge, whose electrical properties change when strain occurs.

[0057] In any case, the pressure-sensitive element can be electrically connected to the aforementioned coupling element, such as an antenna, which can be, for example, an RFID (radio-frequency identification) or NFC (near-field communication) antenna. Changing the properties of the pressure-sensitive element also changes the electrical properties of the antenna, which can be detected, recorded, or read externally, i.e., separately from the pressure measuring unit.

[0058] Accordingly, the electrical properties of the pressure measuring unit or its pressure-sensitive element can be read using a reader. The response of the pressure measuring unit changes dynamically in correlation with the applied pressure.

[0059] Depending on the signal strength, the reader can be positioned at a distance of a few millimeters to a few meters from the object to be measured, thus enabling the detection of the applied pressure without having to interfere with the animal or horse.

[0060] In any case, this can be implemented at least partially with an inexpensive and compact electronic circuit, since no control of the sensor or active reading of the sensor within the pressure measuring unit is required, but only its passive properties are read out.

[0061] A simple and inexpensive design is possible because no complex communication protocol between receiver and transmitter is required. Furthermore, the signal can be received only at a specific location, thus avoiding disturbance to riders, horses, and / or spectators. The measurement result can also be relatively tamper-proof, as it is not easily possible to manipulate the passive properties of the pressure-sensitive element of the pressure measuring unit.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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;

[0064] Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a pressure measuring system according to the invention with a pressure measuring unit according to a first embodiment;

[0065] 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

[0066] 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;

[0067] 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 its animal head 20 is considered using the example of a horse 2 or its horse head 20.

[0068] As an example of an item of equipment 3, the bridle 3 is considered, which includes the reins 30 and the headstall 31. A noseband 32 of the headstall 31 runs transversely across the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 readout unit 17. The pressure measuring unit 10 and the readout 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:

[0071] 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.

[0072] The pressure measuring unit 10, which can also be referred to as transponder 10 or tag 10, has a pressure-sensitive sensor element 11 designed to detect pressure between the noseband 32 of the headstall 31 of the bridle 3 and the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20. 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. Specifically, the pressure-sensitive sensor element 11 of the pressure measuring unit 10 can be designed as an electrical conductor 11 in the form of a strain gauge 11, whose electrical properties change when strain occurs. Based on this physical property(ies), the current applied pressure can then be determined.A corresponding force must be applied.

[0073] The pressure measuring unit 10 also includes a coupling unit 15, which is configured to be electromagnetically excited from outside the pressure measuring unit 10 by a readout unit 17 and to output an electromagnetic signal in response. This signal is based on the change in the properties of the pressure-sensitive sensor element 11 as a function of the applied pressure. The electromagnetic signal output by the coupling unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 thus represents the detected pressure of the pressure-sensitive sensor element 11 of the pressure measuring unit 10. The coupling unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 is configured as an antenna 15, preferably as an RFID antenna 15 or as an NFC antenna 15.

[0074] The previously mentioned readout unit 17 also belongs to the pressure measuring system 1 according to the invention and is configured to excite the coupling unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 by means of an electromagnetic signal and to detect an electromagnetic signal emitted by the coupling unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 in response to the external excitation, which represents the sensor-detected pressure. The readout unit 17 is further configured to evaluate the detected electromagnetic signal of the coupling unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 to determine whether at least one pressure limit is undershot or exceeded.

[0075] Thus, the aforementioned readout unit 17 can evaluate the feedback received from the pressure measuring unit 10 to determine whether the pressure limit has been undershot, maintained, or exceeded. This information can then be communicated to a person by the readout unit 17, for example, visually, audibly, and / or haptically.

[0076] According to the invention, the pressure between the noseband 32 of the headgear 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, using the previously described physical property(ies) of the pressure-sensitive sensor element 11 of the pressure measuring unit 10. The reading unit 17 can query the user as needed and compare this reading with the at least one pressure limit value. In response to the result of the comparison, the reading unit 17 can either output no output, output a confirmation of the correct pressure if the detected pressure is below the pressure limit value, or output a notification or warning if the detected pressure is above the pressure limit value, i.e., if the pressure limit value is exceeded.

[0077] In the event that the measured pressure is below the pressure limit, the reading unit 17 reacts accordingly, i.e., it outputs an optical, acoustic and / or haptic signal, so that the person, such as the rider, a competition judge and the like, can recognize from the absence of a reaction from the reading unit 17 of the pressure measuring system 1 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.

[0078] If this is not the case, i.e., if the specified pressure limit value between the noseband 32 of the headgear 31 and the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20 is not maintained or is exceeded, this triggers a different reaction of the reading unit 17 of the pressure measuring system 1 in the form of the output of a different optical, acoustic and / or haptic signal, which can be output to the person, so that this can be perceived by the person and it can be recognized that the pressure between the noseband 32 of the headgear 31 and the bridge of the nose 21 of the horse's head 20 is impermissibly high.

[0079] If necessary, two or more different pressure limits can be used here to indicate, in several escalation stages, for example as a warning and, if the pressure increases further, as an alarm, 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. The reading unit 17 of the pressure measuring system 1 can be configured for this purpose to produce a specific, different output depending on which of the pressure limits is exceeded or fallen below.

[0080] 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.

[0081] In this case, the pressure measuring unit 10 further comprises an amplifier 16, which is configured to amplify the pressure-representing signal of the pressure-sensitive sensor element 11 of the pressure measuring unit 10 relative to its coupling unit 15 and / or the electrical properties or signal strength of the electromagnetic signal of the coupling unit 15, and a power supply 13, which is configured to electrically power the amplifier 16. The power supply 13 is configured to provide an electrical voltage. This can be achieved using a battery, an accumulator, or a capacitor. Thus, signal amplification can be achieved to increase the readout range of the pressure measuring system 1 by the readout unit 17.

[0082] 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.

[0083] In this case, which is based on the second embodiment, the coupling unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 is spatially offset from the pressure-sensitive sensor element 11, the amplifier 16, the coupling unit 15, and the power supply 13 of the pressure measuring unit 10. This is achieved by means of an elongated section of the pressure measuring unit 10. Thus, the coupling between the coupling unit 15 of the pressure measuring unit 10 and the readout unit 17 can be located at a distance from the point of sensory detection, which can increase the design possibilities.

[0084] Reference symbol list (part of the description)

[0085] 1 pressure measuring system; 10 pressure measuring units; transponder; day

[0086] 11 pressure-sensitive sensor element; electrical conductor; strain gauge

[0087] 13 Power supply

[0088] 15 coupling unit; RFID antenna; NFC antenna

[0089] 16 Amplifiers 17 Readout unit

[0090] 2. Animal; horse

[0091] 20 Animal head; horse head

[0092] 21 Bridge of the nose

[0093] 3. Equipment item; bridle

[0094] 30 reins

[0095] 31 Head frame

[0096] 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), and • a coupling unit (15) configured to be electromagnetically excited from outside the pressure measuring unit (10) by a readout unit (17) and to output an electromagnetic signal as a response, which represents the sensorially detected pressure, furthermore with the readout unit (17) configured to excite the coupling unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) by means of an electromagnetic signal and to detect an electromagnetic signal output by the coupling unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) in response to the external excitation, wherein the readout unit (17) is further configured to evaluate the detected electromagnetic signal of the coupling unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10), wherein the readout unit (17) is preferably further configured to produce an optical, acoustic and / or haptic output depending on the to perform the detected electromagnetic signal of the coupling unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10).

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

3. Pressure measuring system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the readout unit (17) is further configured to evaluate the received electromagnetic signal of the coupling unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) to determine whether at least two pressure limits are undershot and / or exceeded, wherein the readout unit (17) is preferably further 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 the preceding claims, wherein the readout 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 readout unit (17) is further configured to, depending on the detected electromagnetic signal of the coupling unit (15) of the The pressure measuring unit (10) is to provide a continuous proportional optical, acoustic and / or haptic output.

6. 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.

7. 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 designed as an electrical conductor (11 ), preferably as a strain gauge (11 ), whose electrical properties change when strain occurs.

8. Pressure measuring system (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) is designed as an antenna (15), preferably as an RFID antenna (15) or as an NFC antenna (15).

9. Pressure measuring system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure measuring unit (10) further comprises: • at least one amplifier (16) configured to amplify the pressure-representing signal of the pressure-sensitive sensor element (11) of the pressure measuring unit (10) relative to its coupling unit (15) and / or to amplify the electrical properties and / or the signal strength of the electromagnetic signal of the coupling unit (15), and • at least one power supply (13) which is designed to electrically power the amplifier (16).

10. Pressure measuring system (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling unit (15) of the pressure measuring unit (10) is spatially offset, preferably by means of an elongated section of the pressure measuring unit (10), to the pressure-sensitive sensor element (11), preferably and to the amplifier (16) and / or to the power supply (13).

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

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

13. Equipment (3) for use on an animal (2) with at least one pressure measuring system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and / or with at least one pressure measuring unit (10) according to claim 12.

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