Hoof shoe with a reaction force measuring plate and with profiled elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a hoof shoe (15) with a reaction force measuring plate (1) for measuring the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact surface of the foot of a hoofed animal when the hoofed animal is walking on the ground, comprising: a preferably rigid support plate (3) having a first surface (3a) facing the hoof (H) during use and an opposite second surface (3b) facing the ground; a plurality of flat force-measuring sensors (5) positionally fixed on the first surface (3a) of the support plate (3); and a plurality, in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force-measuring sensors (5), of resilient force-transmitting studs (7) which are fixed on the free surfaces of the force-measuring sensors (5). The hoof shoe (15) has a hoof shoe sole (15a) which completely surrounds the reaction force measuring plate (1) with respect to the ground, and the hoof shoe sole (15a) has a profiled sole part (15b) facing away from the reaction force measuring plate (1) along the vertical axis (Z). The hoof shoe (15) is characterized in that the profiled sole part (15b) has, in the case of at least one force-measuring sensor (5), preferably in the case of a plurality of force-measuring sensors (5), particularly preferably for each force-measuring sensor (5), at least one, preferably exactly one, profiled element (15b) which lies exactly opposite the force-measuring sensor (5) along the vertical axis (Z).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Hoof boot with a reaction force measuring plate and with profile elements

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

[0004] For the gait and health analysis of a horse or other hoofed animal (e.g., camel), it is desirable to record the reaction forces generated when the animal strikes the ground not just at a single point, but with a certain resolution across the impact area of ​​the hoof. The measured values ​​should allow conclusions to be drawn about the animal's state of health, e.g., regarding lameness or overloading of the gait.

[0005] While there are numerous solutions for corresponding tasks in the fields of medical diagnostics, training status analysis, and rehabilitation in humans, the availability of suitable systems for hoofed animals is limited. There is one commercially available product from the company Tekscan, as well as systems with a similar purpose, but these are based on measuring accelerations rather than reaction forces.

[0006] From GB 2 482 192 B, it is known to attach force sensors to a horseshoe for such purposes and to store their signals locally and / or transmit them via a wireless transmitter to a remote receiving and evaluation station. According to DE 10 2011 016 344 A1, force sensors are integrated into an elastomer body for a corresponding purpose. The elastomer body, which is to be inserted into a hoof boot, is intended to enable the use of commercially available resistive force sensors with their limited force measuring range for reaction force analysis in horses with their relatively high ground pressure.

[0007] US patent 2020 / 319044 A1 describes another system for the area-resolved measurement of reaction forces on the hooves of a hoofed animal, which transmits the sensor signals via a wireless transmitter to a remote evaluation unit. This system has a complex construction consisting of a base plate and a bottom plate, which are precisely aligned relative to each other. Between these plates are several force application cylinders and a number of resistive force sensors, as well as a microprocessor unit, a communication unit, and a battery to power the components. The function of the "force application cylinders" is not explained in the patent, nor is the method of attachment to the hoof described.

[0008] DE 102021 211 795 A1 describes a reaction force measuring plate for recording the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact area of ​​the foot of a hoofed animal or a human foot when it strikes the ground, comprising a rigid support plate with a first surface facing the ground during use and a second surface facing the hoof or foot, a plurality of planar force measuring sensors fixed in position to the first surface of the support plate, and several, in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force measuring sensors, elastic force transmission studs fixed to the free surfaces of the force measuring sensors. DE 102023203 355.0 (unpublished) describes a hoof boot with a reaction force measuring plate for recording the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact area of ​​the foot of a hoofed animal when it strikes the ground, comprising a, preferably rigid,A carrier plate with a first surface facing the hoof during use and a second surface facing the ground opposite, a plurality of planar force-measuring sensors fixed in position on the first surface of the carrier plate, several, in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force-measuring sensors, of elastic force transmission studs fixed to the free surfaces of the force-measuring sensors, wherein the hoof boot has a sole which completely encloses the reaction force measuring plate from the ground, and wherein the hoof boot has a wall which is formed integrally with the sole or is fixedly connected to the sole, wherein the wall encloses the reaction force measuring plate and, during use, the hoof at least partially, preferably at least substantially.

[0009] A disadvantage of the known methods for measuring the force of a hoofed animal's or a human's foot when it strikes the ground, i.e., when in contact with the ground, is that only force distributions can be measured, but not total forces, since force bypasses occur in addition to the discrete sensor positions.

[0010] A disadvantage of using the individual force transmission studs per force sensor of the reaction force measuring plate of DE 10 2021 211 795 A1 and 102023203 355.0 is that even a slight misalignment between the force transmission stud and the force sensor during operation changes the characteristic or calibration curve of the force sensor (measured value vs. applied force). This can result in significant inaccuracies in the measured force. Another disadvantage is that, for example, different hoof shapes and / or ground properties can lead to undefined force input and output. This can create force bypasses, preventing the load from being transmitted to the discrete sensor positions as intended. Force bypasses can also occur along the force transmission path from the outside or underside of the hoof boot to the force sensors, which are caused by the design and / or...or may be caused by assembly and manufacturing tolerances of the elements of the hoof boot or the reaction force measuring plate.

[0011] A further disadvantage is that when used on hoofed animals with iron shoes (e.g., horses), irregularities in the shoeing, such as protruding nails, can occur, which can significantly affect the force distribution on a rigid plate. This would not be the case under reference conditions without a measuring system on soft ground, as small irregularities in the ground would sink in and be compensated for. This could lead to an incorrect interpretation of the measurement results.

[0012] An object of the present invention is to improve the possibilities for measuring the force exerted by the foot of a hoofed animal when it strikes the ground. In particular, a sensor plate, preferably compact, with discrete sensor positions and a force input into these positions is to be created, resulting in a stable and robust sensor characteristic. Additionally or alternatively, force transmission without a force bypass circuit is to be implemented to enable the measurement of absolute forces and to minimize potential errors in the measured force distribution. In any case, this should be achieved as simply, cost-effectively, space-savingly, and / or weight-savingly as possible. At the very least, an alternative to known methods should be provided. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a hoof boot with the features according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] The invention thus relates to a hoof boot with a reaction force measuring plate for recording the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact area of ​​the foot of a hoofed animal when it steps onto the ground, with a, preferably rigid, support plate having a first surface facing the hoof in use and a second surface facing the ground opposite along the vertical axis, or vice versa, a plurality of planar force measuring sensors fixed in position to the first surface of the support plate, several, in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force measuring sensors, of elastic force transmission studs which are fixed to the free surfaces of the force measuring sensors, wherein the hoof boot has a sole which completely encloses the reaction force measuring plate from the ground, wherein the sole of the hoof boot has a sole profile facing away from the reaction force measuring plate along the vertical axis,as is known from 10 2023 203 355.0. However, in the sole profile of 10 2023 203 355.0, the profile elements are arbitrarily arranged in relation to the force sensors, resulting in force bypasses. Furthermore, the sole profile can improve slip resistance on the floor.

[0014] According to the invention, the sole profile has, with at least one force sensor, preferably with several force sensors, and particularly preferably with each force sensor, at least, preferably exactly, one profile element which is arranged exactly opposite the force sensor along the vertical axis. This preferably also applies to all other elements of the reaction force measuring plate which are arranged in the force flow between the respective force sensor and the corresponding profile element of the sole profile. This avoids force bypasses, since the force transmission occurs directly and linearly "via the shortest path" through the reaction force measuring plate. Accordingly, influences on the force measurement that can result from force bypasses, as described above, can be avoided.

[0015] The design of the reaction force measuring plate can also be less massive or rigid, which has been advantageous so far in reducing the effects of force shunts if these cannot be avoided. However, if force shunts are avoided by the direct arrangement of profile elements and force measuring sensors relative to each other, such design measures are no longer necessary, which allows the reaction force measuring plate to be flatter, thinner, and lighter.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one profile element, preferably several profile elements, and particularly preferably all profile elements, is designed to be larger than the corresponding force measuring sensor perpendicular to the vertical axis. This can further facilitate the avoidance of force bypasses, since even with oblique contact to the substrate, the force can be introduced as directly as possible to the respective force measuring sensor.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof boot has a hoof boot wall which is formed integrally with the hoof boot sole or is fixedly connected to the hoof boot sole, wherein the hoof boot wall encloses the reaction force measuring plate and, in use, the hoof at least partially, preferably at least substantially.

[0018] This aspect of the invention is therefore based on the idea of ​​forming the desired measuring device of a hoof boot with a carrier plate that is essentially both rigid and incompressible (but possibly elastically flexible), on one surface of which a plurality of force measuring sensors are attached, and whose other surface is placed on the underside of the hoof in use and is in any case in effective contact with the underside of the hoof.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention includes the idea of ​​assigning to each of the force measuring sensors a force transmission stud adapted to the effective area of ​​the sensor on its free surface.

[0020] In principle, a configuration is also possible in which force transmission studs with a larger base area are used, which are not assigned to a single force sensor, but to two or more force measuring sensors together, and which transfer the occurring ground reaction forces into them. In extreme cases, the measuring plate could even have only a single force transmission stud whose base area covers all force measuring sensors, provided that this force measuring stud, by its design and its mounting on the support plate, allows for differentiated force transmission to the various sensors.

[0021] For common practical applications, a number of 3-8 force sensors, and in particular 4-6 sensors, are currently sufficient. Preferably, at least five force sensors can be used.

[0022] Preferably, at least seven force sensors can be used, and particularly preferably exactly seven, which can be arranged along the perimeter. In any case, the force sensors can be arranged at equal intervals around the circumference. This can enable representative measurement of the force values ​​while keeping costs down.

[0023] Such a reaction force measuring plate has a simple design and is therefore inexpensive to manufacture, robust in practical use, and easy to handle. It also allows for sufficiently high-resolution measurement of reaction forces across the hoof surface with minimal force interference and therefore high accuracy. Furthermore, its flat and lightweight construction makes it not only easy to use but also easy to transport.

[0024] In any case, the relevant properties and advantages can be integrated into a hoof boot. For this purpose, the reaction force measuring plate can be fixed inside a hoof boot and thus come into contact with the underside of the hoof of the hoof during use.

[0025] The sole of the hoof boot can be formed integrally with the side wall of the hoof boot, largely in a semi-oval shape, and laterally position and guide the reaction force measuring plate. The hoof boot wall or collar can preferably comprise at least % of the sole and preferably be fully circumferential. In any case, the side wall of the hoof boot, i.e., the hoof boot wall, can be at least as high as the reaction force measuring plate. The sole of the hoof boot, i.e., the hoof boot sole, can preferably be formed largely in a semi-oval shape with one or more bulges to prevent rotation of one or more of the elements of the reaction force measuring plate. This can preferably be in the form of two "fins" in the heel area.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof boot also includes an electronic hoof component which is electrically connected to the force sensors of the reaction force measuring plate by means of a connecting element, wherein the connecting element extends through a connecting element opening in the hoof boot wall, preferably directly above the sole of the hoof boot and / or laterally. The electronic hoof component can include electronics for data acquisition, data processing such as signal filtering and / or data processing or preprocessing, as well as means for data storage and / or data transmission, preferably wirelessly. It can also store electrical energy to power the electronics.

[0027] In any case, it can be advantageous to route a suitable connection for data, signal, and / or energy transmission through the connection element opening in the hoof boot wall. This allows a sensor output from the reaction force measuring plate to be routed through an opening near the sole base into the outer surface of the hoof boot. This can protect the connection from stress, particularly from walking on the ground.

[0028] Preferably, the sensor cable can exit laterally from the shoe through an opening in the side wall, which can provide further relief or protection compared to positioning the opening at the tip of the hoof. In any case, the sensor cable can exit on the outer side of the shoe (right hoof shoe, right cable exit; left hoof shoe, left cable exit) to prevent contact between the connection and, in particular, the electronic hoof component with the other hoof. The electronic hoof component can be connected to the force sensors as an electronic unit and positioned laterally, on the outside of the hoof shoe.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the opening of the connecting element is at least partially, and preferably completely, closed by a connecting element clamp. This can prevent or at least hinder the ingress of contaminants and liquids into the interior of the hoof boot in the area between the underside of the hoof and the reaction force measuring plate at this point. In any case, external influences or environmental factors such as dirt, mud, moisture or water, small stones, and the like can be kept away from the force measuring sensors in order to ensure their functionality and / or improve their durability.According to a further aspect of the invention, the electronic hoof component is arranged on the outside of the hoof boot wall, the hoof boot having a hoof component guard which surrounds the electronic hoof component at least from below, preferably also at least on one side, and particularly preferably on both sides. The hoof component guard can be a separate component, a part of the hoof boot wall, or a part of the electronic hoof component itself.

[0030] Thus, a holder for the electronic hoof component can be provided, which covers the cable and partially the electronics, protecting them from damage and / or fixing them to the outer wall of the shoe. Furthermore, a protective edge can be formed from the sole and / or the wall, which at least partially encloses the holder and thus protects it from impact and dirt. Alternatively, the holder can be manufactured as part of the sole, which is subsequently folded up and attached to the outer wall of the shoe. Preferably, the hoof component protection can be formed integrally with the electronic hoof component, preferably its housing.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof boot also has an inner protective element which runs parallel to the carrier plate and encloses at least the force-measuring sensors from the hoof. This allows the force-measuring sensors to be better protected from dirt and moisture.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, the inner protective element has a seal at its edge, which seals against the inside of the hoof boot wall. This can improve the protective effect. According to another aspect of the invention, the hoof boot further comprises at least, preferably exactly, a rigid load distribution plate, which is arranged parallel to the support plate and facing away from the support plate, on the elastic force transmission studs, and facing the hoof. Thus, the rigid load distribution plate spans several to all force measuring sensors or the spaces between them. This allows force transmission to occur at each force measuring sensor without force bypass, which can improve the quality of the force measurements.

[0033] Preferably, the rigid load distribution plate can be made of a material with very high strength and stiffness combined with good maximum elongation. Polyamide with an additional reinforcing layer is preferably used for this purpose. Particularly preferably, the rigid load distribution plate can be implemented as an organosheet made of polyamide with glass fiber reinforcement.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, the hoof boot also comprises at least one, preferably elastomeric, force transmission surface element, which is fixed in a positional manner parallel to the carrier plate and away from the first surface, and which is fixed to the force measuring sensors, wherein the elastic force transmission studs are fixed directly opposite one of the force measuring sensors on the free surface of the force transmission surface element. The force transmission surface element is also arranged between the carrier plate and the load distribution plate.

[0035] This aspect of the present invention is based on the understanding that, as described in DE 10 2021 211 795 A1, the ground contact forces can be transmitted to the respective force sensors by means of force transmission studs, each of which is arranged directly opposite one of the force measuring sensors. In addition, by having a force transmission surface element accommodate the force transmission studs and thus position them relative to each other and to the force measuring sensors, any offset between the force transmission studs and the force measuring sensors during operation can be avoided or at least sufficiently reduced to prevent or at least sufficiently reduce any change or influence on the characteristics or calibration curve of the force sensors, thus ensuring sufficiently accurate force measurement.

[0036] The force transmission surface element can also be referred to as a pressure-guiding element. In any case, the force transmission surface element can be designed as a thin, planar plane, which can preferably be bonded to a carrier film by means of a material bond, in particular by vulcanization, as will be described in more detail below.

[0037] Furthermore, the force transmission surface element can also serve as a thin protective layer and, for this purpose, be designed in such a way as to cover the force measuring sensors or their sensor carrier film at least largely and thereby protect them.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission lugs and / or the force transmission surface element are made of an elastomeric material. This can effect or enable elastic force transmission. The hardness of the elastomer or the elastomeric material of the force transmission lugs and / or the force transmission surface element can, in particular, be between 30 and 85 Shore A.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, the power transmission lugs are formed integrally with the power transmission surface element. Thus, the power transmission lugs and the power transmission surface element are formed as a single unit. This can be achieved with the same material or with different materials, the latter potentially increasing both the manufacturing effort and the design possibilities.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission lugs have a linear or trapezoidal contact surface with the ground and / or the respective force sensor. Preferably, a linear or elongated contact surface is preferred on the side facing away from the force sensor, and a larger, wider contact surface is preferred in the direction of the force sensor. This can be achieved, for example, by a trapezoidal shape, but also by a vertically straight design of the force transmission lugs. In any case, this can influence the force transmission.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission surface element is bonded to the force measuring sensors or a sensor carrier film facing away from the force transmission studs. This can represent a connection method that allows for a direct connection between the force measuring sensors and the force transmission surface element. If the force measuring sensors are arranged on a sensor carrier film, in particular printed on it, as will be described in more detail below, the force transmission surface element can also cover and protect the sensor carrier film.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission surface element is vulcanized to a carrier film facing away from the force transmission studs, and the carrier film is bonded to the force measuring sensors or a sensor carrier film. Thus, the carrier film creates a surface to improve the adhesive effect against the force measuring sensors or a sensor carrier film. The carrier film is preferably made of a material chemically similar to the sensor carrier film to enable or promote a material-bonded connection. In any case, the carrier film is preferably made of a thermoplastic or elastomeric material (e.g., TPE, NR, EPDM) that can be material-bonded to the sensor carrier film, preferably by a vulcanization process or an injection molding process.

[0043] According to another aspect of the invention, in geometric configurations adapted for use in various ungulates or other vertebrates (including humans), the support plate has the shape of a closed horseshoe, ring, U, or polygon with a recess in the central area.

[0044] According to a further aspect of the invention, in a technologically advantageous embodiment, the force measuring sensors together with associated sensor signal lines and optional power supply lines are realized on a continuous sensor carrier film which is fixed on the first surface of the carrier plate.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force measuring sensors or the sensor carrier film are bonded to the carrier plate and / or the force transmission studs are bonded to the force measuring sensors. This can represent a simple and readily implementable embodiment of the force measuring sensors or the aforementioned sensor carrier film to the carrier plate.

[0046] According to a further aspect of the invention, the effective area of ​​the force measuring sensors is in the range between 0.5 cm² and 10 cm², in particular between 2 cm² and 5 cm². It is understood that when using a relatively large number of sensors, and especially in configurations of the measuring plate intended for animals with a relatively small hoof area, the effective area may be relatively small, whereas in configurations with a relatively small number of sensors and for animals with a large detection area, it may be closer to or even above the upper limit mentioned as preferred.

[0047] According to another aspect of the invention, in the interest of technologically easy and cost-effective manufacturing of the sensors and configurability of different designs of the measuring plate, all force measuring sensors have essentially the same geometric shape and effective surface.

[0048] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force measuring sensors are resistive-dielectric sensors, which in particular comprise a first conductive layer, a dielectric layer on top of this first conductive layer, which is surrounded and delimited by a spacer that determines the shape of the force measuring sensor, and a second conductive layer on top of the dielectric layer and the spacer. Besides the structure mentioned here as a variant, such resistive force sensors can also have a different, i.e., known, structure. In principle, in addition to resistive-dielectric sensors, piezoelectric, capacitive, or inductive sensors, or electroactive polymers, can also be used in the reaction force measuring plate.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the invention, material embodiments may include the following: the support plate may be made of organosheet, spring steel, or plastic; and / or the force transmission studs may be made of elastomer; and / or the load distribution plate may be made of organosheet, spring steel, or plastic, preferably polyamide with a reinforcing layer, preferably glass fiber reinforcement. The hardness of the elastomer of the force transmission studs may specifically be between 30 and 85 ShA.

[0050] The advantages and expediencies of the invention will become apparent from the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. Of these, Fig. 1 shows the construction of an exemplary reaction force measuring plate in a perspective top view of the elastomeric force transmission surface element;

[0051] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the inner protective element of the reaction force measuring plate;

[0052] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a section of Fig. 2 as an exploded view showing the underside of a hoof boot according to the invention;

[0053] Fig. 4 shows a cross-section through the hoof boot with the reaction force measuring plate of Figs. 1 to 3;

[0054] Fig. 5 is a top view of the underside of the hoof boot of Fig. 4 directly from below;

[0055] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the underside of the hoof boot of Fig. 4 from a slant below rear;

[0056] Fig. 7 shows a side view of the hoof boot including the electronic hoof component;

[0057] Fig. 8 is a representation of Fig. 7 directly from the front; and

[0058] Fig. 9 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the reaction force measuring system according to the invention, in the form of a block diagram.

[0059] The above figures are described in Cartesian coordinates with a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and a vertical direction Z perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y. The longitudinal direction X can also be referred to as depth X, the transverse direction Y as width Y, and the vertical direction Z as height Z. The longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y together form the horizontal X, Y, which can also be referred to as the horizontal plane X, Y. The longitudinal direction X, the transverse direction Y, and the vertical direction Z together can also be referred to as spatial directions X, Y, Z or as Cartesian spatial directions X, Y, Z. Fig. 1 shows, in a perspective view from below, the construction of an exemplary reaction force measuring plate 1 with a closed horseshoe-shaped rigid support plate 3, which has a first surface 3a and a second surface 3b.Seven resistive force sensors 5, all with a rectangular base, are mounted on the first surface 3a at equal intervals. The free surface of each force sensor 5 points downwards in the direction of a horse's hoof and thus away from the surface (not shown). The force sensors 5 can also be referred to as force sensors 5 or force sensor elements 5.

[0060] The force sensors 5 are integrally implemented on a sensor carrier film 9, which also carries sensor signal lines as conductor tracks (not shown) for connecting each sensor. The sensor carrier film 9, together with the force sensors 5 formed on it, can be manufactured using standard printed circuit board technology methods known to those skilled in the art. The sensor carrier film 9 is applied with its back side to the first surface 3a of the carrier 3. This is done by means of an adhesive or an adhesive layer, such as double-sided adhesive tape.

[0061] Furthermore, an elastomeric force transmission surface element 11 is present, which, like the sensor carrier film 9, corresponds approximately to the area of ​​the rigid support plate 3. The elastomeric force transmission surface element 11 can also be referred to as an elastomeric pressure-guiding element 11. The elastomeric force transmission surface element 11 has a carrier film 15 facing the rigid support plate 3 or the sensor carrier film 9, which is bonded to the force transmission surface element 11 by vulcanization and also corresponds approximately to the area of ​​the rigid support plate 3. The force transmission surface element 11 is also bonded to the sensor carrier film 9 by means of the carrier film (not shown), which is facilitated or achieved by the corresponding material combination. Simultaneously, the vulcanized connection between the carrier film and the force transmission surface element 11 allows for the use of an elastomeric material for the

[0062] The force transmission surface element 11 is used and yet bonded to the sensor carrier film 9 by means of the carrier film.

[0063] Several elastomeric force transmission studs 7, which can also be referred to as elastomeric pressure guide studs 7, are formed on the elastomeric force transmission surface element 11. These studs point towards the substrate and away from the force measuring sensors 5 and the sensor carrier film 9, respectively. Each force measuring sensor 5 is assigned exactly one force transmission stud 7, so that the force measuring sensor 5 and its force transmission stud 7 are identically formed and positioned relative to each other. This positioning is ensured by the fact that the force transmission studs 7 are integrally formed with the elastomeric force transmission surface element 11.

[0064] A rigid load distribution plate 13 is arranged along the vertical axis Z, facing away from the force transmission surface element 11 and parallel to it in the horizontal X, Y abuts the force transmission studs 7. This allows force to be transmitted from the ground via the force transmission studs 7 to the rigid load distribution plate 13, enabling the loads to act on the force measuring sensors 5 without force bypasses. The rigid load distribution plate 13 is made of polyamide organosheet reinforced with glass fibers.

[0065] According to the invention, the reaction force measuring plate 1 is arranged or integrated within the interior (not designated) of a hoof boot 15, which is made of an elastomeric material or a material with elastomeric properties such as TPE, TPU, PU, ​​and the like. The hoof boot sole 15a, as shown in Fig. 3, surrounds the carrier 3 in a plane parallel to its underside, and extends upwards in the vertical direction Z from the edge of the carrier 3, encompassing the sensor carrier film 9, the force transmission surface element 11, and the rigid load distribution plate 13 (not shown in Fig. 3, see Fig. 4). The hoof boot sole 15a has a sole profile 15b facing downwards, away from the reaction force measuring plate 1. The latter area represents a hoof boot wall 15c, which runs in one piece laterally around the horse's hoof and, provided with the sole profile 15b, extends below the horse's hoof, cf. Fig. 4 to 6.This seals off the sensor carrier film 9 together with force measuring sensors 5 and the force transmission surface element 11 together with force transmission studs 7 from the outside and thus protects it from external influences.

[0066] The sole profile 15b has exactly one profile element 15b for each force measuring sensor 5, which is arranged exactly opposite the corresponding force measuring sensor 5 of the reaction force measuring plate 1 along the vertical axis Z. The profile elements 15b are each larger than the corresponding force measuring sensor 5 perpendicular to the vertical axis Z. This prevents force bypasses.

[0067] Furthermore, an inner protective element 14 is provided, which connects in the opposite direction to the inside of the hoof boot wall 15c by means of a seal 14a in the form of a sealing lip 14a and surrounds and protects the carrier 3 on the back as described above.

[0068] The force sensors 5 are contacted and readable via the sensor signal lines in printed form, as will be described in more detail below. For this purpose, a connection element 16 in the form of a connector outlet 16 is provided, which terminates in a connector 16a. The connector outlet 16 and an internal part of the connector 16a are enclosed by a cable guard 16b and thus protected from external influences.

[0069] The plug outlet 16 leads through a connection element opening 15d in the form of a cable opening 15d to the outside and is otherwise completely closed by a connection element clamp 15e in the form of a cable clamp 15e in a spring-elastic manner.

[0070] An electronic hoof component 25, which will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 7 to 9, is arranged on the outside of the hoof boot 15 and connected to the force sensors 5 via the connector 16. The electronic hoof component 25 is surrounded downwards, laterally forwards and backwards by a U-shaped hoof component guard 15f.

[0071] The hoof boot 15 can be opened and closed using a hoof boot fastener 15g in order to attach or remove the hoof boot 15 from the hoof.

[0072] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a reaction force measuring system 17, which can be formed in particular with a reaction force measuring plate according to one of Figs. 1 to 4. The representation has the form of a functional block diagram and is not intended to show the exact constructive realization of the system components.

[0073] The reaction force measurement system 17 comprises, in addition to the force sensors 5 with their sensor signal lines already shown in Figures 1 to 4, a sensor signal preprocessing unit 19, which is connected to the force sensors 5 via the sensor signal lines and serves to perform preprocessing and formatting of the sensor signals advantageous for external signal transmission. On the output side, the sensor signal preprocessing unit 19 is connected to a wireless sensor signal transmitter 21, which can operate according to the Bluetooth standard, or, depending on the application, according to another wireless communication standard. The aforementioned components are powered by a power source 23, which in the simplest case is a commercially available primary cell or a rechargeable battery.If a battery is used, it may be assigned a charging socket (not shown in the figure) for recharging while installed.

[0074] All of the above-mentioned components are advantageously arranged in the electronic Huf component 25.

[0075] The electronic hoof component 25 is wirelessly connected via the sensor signal transmitter 21 to a sensor signal receiving, evaluation, and display device 27, which is located remotely from the animal being examined. The device 27 comprises a wireless sensor signal receiver 29, which is configured to communicate with the sensor signal transmitter 21 on the electronic hoof component 25 and which feeds the received signals to a signal evaluation unit 31, where they are evaluated according to a program stored in a program memory 33.

[0076] Finally, a display unit 35 serves to present the evaluation results, for example to a therapist or trainer. The components of the sensor signal reception, evaluation and display device can be implemented, for example, in a notebook, tablet or smartphone with a suitable evaluation app.

[0077] TI

[0078] Reference symbol list (part of the description)

[0079] X Longitudinal direction; Depth

[0080] Y transverse direction; width

[0081] Z vertical direction; height

[0082] X, Y Horizontal; horizontal plane

[0083] I Reaction force measuring plate

[0084] 3 Carrier plate

[0085] 3a first surface

[0086] 3b second surface

[0087] 5 force measuring sensor

[0088] 7 (elastomeric) elastic power transmission studs; (elastomeric) elastic

[0089] Pressure tunnel

[0090] 9 Sensor carrier film

[0091] II (elastomeric) force transmission surface element; (elastomeric) pressure-guiding element

[0092] 13 Load distribution plate

[0093] 14 inner protective element

[0094] 14a Seal; sealing lip

[0095] 15 Hoof boot; outer protective element

[0096] 15a Hoof boot sole

[0097] 15b Sole profile; profile elements

[0098] 15c hoof boot wall

[0099] 15d Connection element opening; cable opening

[0100] 15e Terminal block; cable clamp

[0101] 15f Hoof component protection

[0102] 15g hoof boot closure

[0103] 16 Connection element; plug outlet; cable outlet

[0104] 16a Plug 16b Cable protection

[0105] 17 Reaction force measuring system

[0106] 19 Sensor signal preprocessing unit

[0107] 21 Wireless sensor signal transmitter 23 Power source

[0108] 25 electronic hoof components

[0109] 27 Sensor signal Sensor signal reception, evaluation and

[0110] Display device

[0111] 29 wireless sensor signal receiver 31 signal evaluation unit

[0112] 33 program memory

[0113] 35 Display unit

Claims

Patent claims 1. Hoof boot (15) with a reaction force measuring plate (1) for recording the ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact area of ​​the foot of a hoofed animal when it enters the ground, with a, preferably rigid, support plate (3) having a first surface (3a) facing the hoof (H) in use and a second surface (3b) facing the ground opposite along the vertical axis (Z), or vice versa, a plurality of planar force measuring sensors (5) fixed in position on the first surface (3a) of the support plate (3), several, in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force measuring sensors (5), of elastic force transmission studs (7) which are fixed to the free surfaces of the force measuring sensors (5), wherein the hoof boot (15) has a hoof boot sole (15a) which completely encloses the reaction force measuring plate (1) against the ground,wherein the hoof shoe sole (15a) facing away from the reaction force measuring plate (1) along the vertical axis (Z) has a sole profile (15b), characterized in that the sole profile (15b) has at least one, preferably exactly one, profile element (15b) for at least one force measuring sensor (5), preferably for several force measuring sensors (5), particularly preferably for each force measuring sensor (5), which is arranged exactly opposite the force measuring sensor (5) along the vertical axis (Z).

2. Hoof boot (15) according to claim 1, wherein at least one profile element (15b), preferably several profile elements (15b), particularly preferably all profile elements (15b), perpendicular to the vertical axis (Z) is larger than the corresponding force measuring sensor (5).

3. Hoof boot (15) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hoof boot (15) has a hoof boot wall (15c) which is formed integrally with the hoof boot sole (15a) or is fixedly connected to the hoof boot sole (15a), wherein the hoof boot wall (15c) encloses the reaction force measuring plate (1 ) and, in use, the hoof (H) at least partially, preferably at least substantially.

4. Hoof boot (15) according to claim 3, further comprising an electronic hoof component (25) which is electrically conductively connected to the force measuring sensors (5) of the reaction force measuring plate (1) by means of a connecting element (16), wherein the connecting element (16) passes through a connecting element opening (15d) of the hoof boot wall (15c), preferably directly above the hoof boot sole (15a) and / or laterally.

5. Hoof boot (15) according to claim 4, wherein the connecting element opening (15d) is otherwise at least partially, preferably completely, closed by a connecting element clamp (15e).

6. Hoof boot (15) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the electronic hoof component (25) is arranged on the outside of the hoof boot wall (15c), wherein the hoof boot (15) has a hoof component guard (15f) which surrounds the electronic hoof component (25) at least from below, preferably also at least on one side laterally, particularly preferably on both sides laterally, wherein the hoof component protection (15f) is preferably formed in one piece with the electronic hoof component (25), preferably its housing.

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

8. Hoof boot (15) according to claim 7, wherein the inner protective element (14) has a seal (14a) at its edge which seals against the inside of the hoof boot wall (15c).

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

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

11. Hoof boot (15) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support plate (3) has the shape of a closed horseshoe, ring or U or polygon, in particular with a recess in the central area.

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

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

14. Hoof boot (15) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the effective area of ​​the force measuring sensors (5) is in the range between 0.5 cm2 and 10 cm2, in particular 2 cm2 and 5 cm2, and / or wherein all force measuring sensors (5) are substantially rectangular in shape and have the same geometric shape and effective area.

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

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