Reaction force measuring plate and reaction force measuring system
The compact, one-piece reaction force measuring plate with integrated force transmission studs and sensors addresses measurement inaccuracies and complexity issues, providing accurate force measurement without shunting and reducing costs and complexity.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CONTITECH DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing reaction force measuring systems for hoofed animals and humans fail to accurately measure total forces due to force bypasses and misalignment issues, are complex and tall, prone to dirt interference, and require additional cleaning efforts.
A compact, one-piece reaction force measuring plate with planar force sensors and an elastomeric force transmission surface element, featuring integrated force transmission studs to ensure accurate force measurement without shunting, and a design that is lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to handle.
Enables accurate, absolute force measurement with minimal interference, reduces complexity and cost, and eliminates the need for additional footwear, while being robust and easy to use and transport.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025081102_15052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] 202403250 1
[0002] Description
[0003] Reaction force measuring plate and reaction force measuring system
[0004] The invention relates to 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 the foot of a person when it steps onto the ground and to a reaction force measuring system with such a reaction force measuring plate.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] From GB 2482 192 B it is known to attach force sensors for such purposes to a horseshoe and to store their signals locally and / or transmit them via a wireless transmitter to a remote receiving and evaluation station. 202403250 2
[0008] According to DE 102011 016 344 A1, force sensors are integrated into an elastomer body for a specific purpose. The elastomer body, which is intended to be inserted into a hoof boot, is designed to enable the use of commercially available resistive force sensors, with their limited force measurement range, for reaction force analysis in horses with their relatively high ground pressure.
[0009] 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 plurality 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 their attachment to the hoof.
[0010] 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. 202403250 3
[0011] 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.
[0012] A disadvantage of using individual force transmission studs per force measuring sensor of the reaction force measuring plate of DE 102021 211 795 A1 is that even a slight misalignment between the force transmission stud and the force measuring sensor during operation changes the characteristic or calibration curve of the force measuring sensor (measured value vs. applied force). This can result in significant inaccuracies in the measured force.
[0013] A disadvantage of the reaction force measuring plate of DE 10 2021 211 795 A1 is the comparatively high number of individual parts and the high complexity of its sandwich-like construction. Furthermore, the reaction force measuring plate of DE 10 2021 211 795 A1 is relatively tall along the vertical axis in which the force measurement is taken, which can irritate or interfere with the support structure of the reaction force measuring plate of DE 10 2021 211 795 A1.
[0014] A further disadvantage of the reaction force measuring plate of DE 10 2021 211 795 A1 is that during use, dirt can get between the carrier plate with the sensors and the load distribution and protective plate, which can impair its function or sensory force measurement. This can be reduced by regular cleaning, but this can limit use and mean additional effort for the user.
[0015] DE 102023203 353 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 the foot of a person when it enters the ground, comprising a, preferably rigid, carrier plate with a first surface facing the ground and an opposing second surface facing the hoof or foot, or vice versa, a plurality of planar force measuring sensors fixed in position to the first surface of the carrier plate, a, preferably elastomeric, force transmission surface element fixed in position to the force measuring sensors parallel to the carrier plate and facing away from the first surface, and several, in particular a plurality corresponding to the plurality of force measuring sensors, elastic force transmission studs.which are fixed directly opposite one of the force measuring sensors on the free surface of the force transmission surface element.
[0016] One object of the present invention is to improve the possibilities for measuring the force exerted on the foot of a hoofed animal or a human foot when it strikes the ground. In particular, a sensor plate, preferably compact, with discrete sensor positions and a force application point is to be created, resulting in a stable and robust sensor characteristic. Additionally or alternatively, force transmission without force shunting is to be implemented in order to enable the measurement of absolute forces and to minimize potential errors in the measured force distribution.
[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the design of the reaction force measuring plate, or of a hoof boot or boot with an integrated reaction force measuring plate, should be improved and, in particular, made more compact, cost-effective, and / or robust. 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 the known options should be created.
[0018] The problem is solved according to the invention by a reaction force measuring plate and by a reaction force measuring system with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims. 202403250 5
[0019] The present invention thus relates to 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 the foot of a person when it enters the ground, comprising a, preferably rigid, support plate with a first, lower surface facing the ground in use and a second, upper 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 a, preferably elastomeric, force transmission surface element fixed in position to the force measuring sensors parallel to the support plate and facing away from the first surface, wherein at least, preferably exactly, one elastic force transmission stud is fixed to the free, lower surface of the force transmission surface element directly opposite one of the force measuring sensors for each force measuring sensor.The free, lower surface of the force transmission surface element forms the underside of the reaction force measuring plate facing the ground and in contact with the ground during use. The ground represents a substrate which can, in principle, be of any type or made of any material.
[0020] Thus, the reaction force measuring plate according to the invention is designed to be used directly without a hoof boot of a hoofed animal or without a shoe of a human; that is, the force transmission surface element of the reaction force measuring plate according to the invention forms at least the underside and thus the contact surface of the reaction force measuring plate itself. Therefore, the hoof boot or shoe can be omitted and thus saved. This can save costs and resources. Furthermore, the design can be flatter, more compact, and / or lighter.
[0021] Therefore, no force distribution plate is required, unlike with known reaction force measuring plates of this type. Furthermore, a one-piece finished product (202403250 6) can be particularly easy to handle. In addition, very low production costs can be achieved due to the small number of manufacturing steps and components.
[0022] The reaction force measuring plate according to the invention can have a support plate that is essentially both rigid and incompressible (but optionally elastically flexible). 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 enables sufficiently high resolution measurement of reaction forces across the hoof surface with minimal force interference and therefore high accuracy. Furthermore, its design is flat and lightweight, making it not only easy to use but also easy to transport.
[0023] The present invention is further based on the finding that 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.
[0024] 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 surface, 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. 202403250 7
[0025] 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.
[0026] Preferably, at least five force sensors can be used. 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 approximately equally spaced from each other in the circumferential direction. This can enable representative measurement of the force values while keeping costs down.
[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the force transmission lugs and / or the force transmission surface element are made of an elastomeric or a thermoset material. This can effect or enable elastic force transmission. The hardness of the elastomer or elastomeric material of the force transmission lugs and / or the force transmission surface element can, in particular, be between 30 and 85 Shore A. Polyurethane (PU), for example, can be used as the thermoset material.
[0028] 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.
[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the reaction force measuring plate is designed to be used solely on the foot of the hoofed animal or human. In this way, the use of an additional hoof boot or the like, or a shoe or footwear, or the like, can be avoided and thus saved. This can reduce the manufacturing costs of the reaction force measuring plate according to the invention.
[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission studs of the force transmission surface element form a sole profile. This can improve the grip on the substrate. Furthermore, both functions can be implemented by the same elements, namely the force transmission studs, which can reduce the effort and thus also the costs.
[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission surface element surrounds the carrier plate laterally and at least partially, preferably completely, from its second, upper surface. This can improve the protection of the carrier plate and the sensors arranged thereon against external influences such as dirt, moisture, and the like. Furthermore, this can enable its use on its own, i.e., without a hoof boot or shoe, etc.
[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, an inner side of the force transmission surface element facing away from the second, upper surface of the support plate forms a raised bearing edge. This bearing edge represents a thickening or reinforcement of the force transmission surface element, which can make it more robust and durable in this area. When used on the hoof of a hoofed animal, the bearing edge can correspond to the shape of a horseshoe, as the main contact surface of the hoofed animal, in order to fulfill its function precisely there.
[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission surface element has several, preferably one-piece formed, side wall sections which are designed to accommodate the foot of the hoofed animal or 202403250 9
[0034] The footrests are designed to partially enclose the user. The side wall sections, which extend essentially along the vertical axis and thus perpendicular to the tread of the hoofed animal or person, can laterally enclose or grip the foot to hold it in place. This can be enhanced or improved by additional means, as will be explained in more detail below.
[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, the side wall sections are connected, preferably integrally, to the flat area of the force transmission surface element, which receives the foot of the hoofed animal or person during use, by means of hinges, preferably in the form of film hinges. This can provide a way to store the reaction force measuring plate in a space-saving manner when not in use, and in particular to lie flat, by means of flatly aligned side wall sections, and to fold up the side wall sections for use in order to hold the reaction force measuring plate against the foot. The hinges can facilitate or simplify the folding of the side wall sections between these two positions and enable a defined folding at a predetermined and always the same point.
[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, the side wall sections have openings for receiving a strap, so that in use the strap can be tightened and thereby the reaction force measuring plate can be held in a form-fitting and / or force-fit position on the foot of the hoofed animal or human by means of the side wall sections. This can represent a concrete way to improve the grip on the foot.
[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force transmission surface element is bonded to the force measuring sensors or a sensor carrier film facing away from the force transmission studs. This can represent a connection method that thus allows for a direct connection between 202403250 10
[0038] Force measuring sensors and force transmission surface element can be used. 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 sensor carrier film can also be covered and protected by means of the force transmission surface element.
[0039] 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 on 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., PET, TPE, NR, EPDM) that can be material-bonded to the sensor carrier film, preferably by a vulcanization process or an injection molding process.
[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, the support plate has the shape of a closed horseshoe, ring, U, or polygon, in particular with a recess in the central region. This allows for adaptation to use with various hoofed animals or other vertebrates (including humans).
[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, the force measuring sensors, together with associated sensor signal lines and optionally power supply lines, are implemented on a continuous sensor carrier film, which is fixed, in particular, to the first surface of the carrier plate. This can simplify implementation and manufacturing. 202403250 11
[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, the force sensors or the sensor carrier film are bonded to the carrier plate. This can be a simple and readily implementable design. Alternatively, the force sensors or the sensor carrier film are detachably attached to the carrier plate, in particular by being inserted into suitable guides or snapped together. It is understood that such solutions are more complex in design and potentially more prone to failure, so they are likely to be more suitable for specialized applications.
[0043] According to another aspect of the invention, the effective area of the force measuring sensors is in the range of 0.5 cm². 2 and 10 cm 2 , especially 2 cm 2 and 5 cm 2It is understood that when using a relatively large number of force sensors, and especially in configurations of the measuring plate intended for animals with a relatively small hoof or foot 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.
[0044] According to a further aspect of the invention, all force measuring sensors are essentially rectangular in shape and have the same geometric form and effective area. This can facilitate technologically simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the sensors and the configurability of different versions of the measuring plate.
[0045] The present invention also relates to a reaction force measuring system with a reaction force measuring plate as described above and a wireless electronic shoe component attached to it and connected to the force measuring sensors by means of a signal, in particular according to the Bluetooth standard, as well as a sensor signal receiving, evaluation and display device arranged remotely from the reaction force measuring plate, which comprises a wireless sensor signal receiving unit communicating with the electronic shoe component to the reaction force measuring plate.
[0046] Further aspects of the present inventions supplement or specify the reaction force measuring plate as follows:
[0047] The sensor elements can preferably be designed using pressure-sensitive resistive sensor elements, or alternatively using electroactive polymers or other capacitive or inductive sensors. The sensor elements can be configured with a single discrete sensitive area as a sensor cell or with multiple discrete sensitive areas as sensor cells.
[0048] In any case, a temperature-sensitive element, such as an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient Thermistor) or PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient Thermistor), can preferably be integrated as a temperature sensor on a sensor element. Particularly preferably, the temperature sensor is in the form of a long printed electrical conductor, preferably arranged in a meandering shape in the middle.
[0049] In any case, a sensor element can preferably be manufactured as printed electronics, at least partially enclosed on one or both sides with at least one first carrier film, preferably a PET film (polyethylene terephthalate).
[0050] As already mentioned, each pressure guide element can be designed with one or more pressure guide studs, each of which is assigned to a sensor cell and positioned accordingly on it, so that a surface-acting load is directed specifically and mainly through one or more sensor cells.
[0051] Each pressure-conducting element can preferably be made of a thermoset such as, for example,
[0052] PU (polyurethane) or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), 202403250 13, which can be formed in direct contact with the sensor by a molding process such as casting, and can chemically react there, so that on the one hand the shape is retained, and on the other hand a strong chemical bond to the sensor is established. A particular advantage of this is that, due to the chemical reaction, very low pressure and relatively low temperature stress on the sensor can occur during casting.
[0053] Alternatively, each pressure guide element can be made from a thermoplastic such as TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), which, in molten form, can be shaped in direct contact with the sensor using a molding process such as injection molding, and can then solidify, so that on the one hand the shape is retained and on the other hand a firm chemical bond to the sensor is established.
[0054] The shape of the pressure guide ridges can preferably be oriented with a linear contact surface on the side facing away from and / or towards the sensor, preferably a linear or elongated contact surface on the side facing away from the sensor and a larger, wider contact surface in the direction of the sensor cell. This can be achieved, for example, by a trapezoidal shape.
[0055] Each pressure-guiding element can preferably be designed as a thin, planar plane with individual elevations in the form of pressure-guiding ridges, in such a size and shape that it covers the sensor element at least mostly, preferably completely, and thereby protects it.
[0056] Each pressure-guiding element can be pronounced so that it at least partially, preferably mostly or completely, protects the sensor element. 202403250 14
[0057] Each pressure-guiding element can be pronounced so that it covers the sensor element at least partially, preferably largely or completely, also on the reverse side of the sensor, on the side of the sensor facing away from the force-guiding elements.
[0058] Preferably, the sensor element is positioned and connected to a carrier plate with its side facing away from the pressure guide tunnel, preferably by bonding and / or welding. The carrier plate preferably consists of a thermoplastic (e.g., polyamide or TPU) with an additional reinforcing layer (e.g., glass fibers). Preferably, an organosheet made of polyamide with glass fiber fabric reinforcement is used.
[0059] Preferably, the pressure-guiding element is shaped as a sensor sole, which also extends laterally beyond the carrier plate and thus at least partially covers the front face of the carrier plate and also forms a side wall or several side wall sections, thereby creating an inner sole surface.
[0060] The pressure control tunnels are oriented towards the ground relative to the sensor and are in direct contact with the ground during use. The pressure control tunnels can therefore also form the ground profile.
[0061] Preferably, the pressure-guiding element also extends to the side of the carrier plate facing away from the sensor, thus offering even more comprehensive protection.
[0062] A recessed bearing edge is particularly preferred here, which corresponds to the bearing surface of the object to be received (e.g. the bearing edge of a hoof).
[0063] The sidewall is preferably slotted and / or consists only of sections, so that, for example, a strap, belt, cord, wire, or other fastening mechanism can be used to manually reduce the diameter of the sidewall in the upper area. This allows the shoe to be opened for putting it on and, during use, to be individually tightened to the wearer, which can ensure a secure fit.
[0064] Preferably, the pressure-guiding element is manufactured in a mostly flat form, and the side walls are subsequently folded up (e.g., using film hinges). This allows for a particularly cost-effective tool and a simple potting process.
[0065] For contacting purposes, the sensor element preferably has a connector outlet, which enables contact with a sensor signal processing unit (also referred to as a shoe component) that can be attached to the shoe or the side walls of the pressure-bearing element. Preferably, a connector is crimped onto the end of the connector outlet. The sensor's connector outlet can preferably extend radially beyond the side wall and be completely enclosed by the pressure-bearing element, at least on the side facing the sensor, thus providing cable protection.
[0066] In the area of the connector exit, an interface can be provided on the side panel or a section of the side panel as a mounting option for an electronic unit. This can be achieved, for example, through holes for screws or rivets, or by means of recessed contours for hooking in place.
[0067] The electronic unit or shoe component can be mounted directly or indirectly to the sensor sole. In the indirect case, a "holder" is used that at least partially extends and protects the electronics. The holder can then be attached to one or more of the side wall sections of the pressure-guiding element using standard fastening methods. 202403250 16
[0068] 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 a reaction force measuring plate according to the invention in a perspective view from below as a detail;
[0069] Fig. 2 the reaction force measuring plate according to the invention when not in use from below;
[0070] Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of the reaction force measuring plate according to the invention in its operating state without a base; and
[0071] Fig. 4 shows a side view of an electronic shoe component in the shoe component holder.
[0072] The above figures are described in Cartesian coordinates with a longitudinal axis X, a transverse axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, and a vertical axis Z perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y, which corresponds to the direction of gravity. The longitudinal axis X can also be referred to as depth X, the transverse axis Y as width Y, and the vertical axis Z as height Z. The longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis Y together form the horizontal X, Y, which can also be referred to as the horizontal plane X, Y. The longitudinal axis X, the transverse axis Y, and the vertical axis Z together can also be referred to as the spatial directions X, Y, Z, or as the Cartesian spatial directions X, Y, Z.
[0073] Fig. 1 shows, in a perspective view from below, the structure of an exemplary reaction force measuring plate 1 with a closed horseshoe-shaped rigid support plate 3, which has a first, lower surface 3a as the underside 3a and a second, upper surface 3b as the top 3b. Seven resistive force measuring sensors 5 with a uniformly rectangular base shape are attached to the first surface 3a at equal intervals, cf. Fig. 2. The free surface of each of the force measuring sensors 5 202403250 17 points downwards towards a substrate (not shown) and thus, for example, away from the horse's hoof. The force measuring sensors 5 can also be referred to as force sensors 5 or force sensor elements 5.
[0074] 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 force sensor 5. The sensor carrier film 9, together with the force sensors 5 formed on it, can be manufactured using conventional printed circuit board technology, including printed electronics, which are known to those skilled in the art. The sensor carrier film 9 is applied with its back side to the first, lower surface 3a of the carrier 3. This is done by means of an adhesive or an adhesive layer, such as double-sided adhesive tape.
[0075] 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. This carrier film 15 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 15, a bond facilitated or achieved by the corresponding material combination.Simultaneously, the vulcanized bond between the carrier film 15 and the force transmission surface element 11 allows an elastomeric material to be used for the force transmission surface element 11, which can still be bonded to the sensor carrier film 9 by means of the carrier film 15. 202403250 18.
[0076] 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.
[0077] The force measuring sensors 5 are contacted and readable via the sensor signal lines in printed form. For this purpose, a connection element 16 in the form of a plug outlet 16 is provided, which terminates in a plug 16a.
[0078] The force transmission surface element 11 has an inner surface 11a, which, when in use, rests directly against the hoof of the hoofed animal or horse. The force transmission surface element 11 also has several, in this case four or five, side wall sections 11b, which are integrally formed with the rest of the force transmission surface element 11 and are designed for mounting. Three side wall sections 11b are arranged in the front area of the hoof, and the fourth side wall section 11b then directly surrounds the hoof from behind.
[0079] A fifth side wall section 11b is provided on the side, which, however, essentially serves to accommodate the connector 16a. The area around the connector 16a is recessed inside this section so that it can be folded up at a different angle.
[0080] All five side wall sections 11b each have a fold 11d as a film hinge 11d to separate from the rest or surface 202403250 19
[0081] The force transmission surface element 11 can be simply and precisely folded up to enclose the hoof. In this position, a strap 18 or the like can be passed through pairs of incisions 11c or passages 11c of each side wall section 11b, cf. Figure 3, to hold the side wall sections 11b against the hoof during use.
[0082] In the area of connector 16a, the belt 18 can be guided through the side wall section. An alternative embodiment could involve connecting the side wall sections 11b with a surface material (e.g., textile, leather, etc.) (e.g., by gluing or sewing). This could potentially improve the fit and comfort.
[0083] During assembly, a shoe component 25 or a hoof component 25 can be electrically connected to connector 16a to preprocess the sensor data from the force sensors 5, for example, by filtering and / or amplifying it. The electronic hoof component 25 is essentially enclosed externally by a housing.
[0084] A hoof component holder 15h is formed in one piece. The hoof component holder 15h accommodates the electronic hoof component 25 along a joining direction. The hoof component holder 15h, together with the accommodated electronic hoof component 25, is then permanently connected to the side wall section 11b, which also accommodates the connector 16a, by means of screws 15k or rivets (not shown) through holder connections 16b. This connection is made during assembly.
[0085] When using the device, the reaction force measuring plate 1 can be placed against the hoof from below, and then the side wall sections 11b can be folded up. The strap 18 is then guided through the notches 11c in the side wall sections 11b, allowing them to be pulled together to a smaller size in the upper area. 202403250 20
[0086] The electronic hoof component 25 has four display elements 37 in the form of light guides 37 on the front housing half 25a. These elements are arranged around a horseshoe symbol, which represents the orientation of the hoof of the hoof, and are illuminated in such a way that the hoof on which the respective reaction force measuring plate 1 is used can be indicated. The electronic hoof component 25 also has a control element 41 in the form of an on / off switch 41 for switching the electronic hoof component 25 on and off.
[0087] The electronic Huf component 25 also has a charging port 39 in the form of a pair of charging contacts 39, which serve to charge an electrical energy storage device (not shown) of the electronic Huf component 25.
[0088] 202403250 21
[0089] Reference symbol list (part of the description)
[0090] X Longitudinal axis; Depth
[0091] Y transverse axis; width
[0092] Z vertical axis; height
[0093] X, Y Horizontal; horizontal plane
[0094] I Reaction force measuring plate
[0095] 3T carrier plate
[0096] 3a first, lower surface; underside
[0097] 3b second, upper surface; top
[0098] 5 force measuring sensors; force sensors; force sensor elements
[0099] 7 (elastomeric) power transmission studs; (elastomeric) pressure guidance studs
[0100] 9 Sensor carrier film
[0101] II (elastomeric) force transmission surface element; (elastomeric) pressure-guiding element
[0102] 11a Inside or inner surface
[0103] 11b Side wall sections
[0104] 11c Incisions or penetrations of the side wall sections 11b
[0105] 11 d Folding points or film hinges of the side wall sections 11b
[0106] 15 carrier film
[0107] 15h shoe component holder
[0108] 15k Screw connections of the shoe component holder 15h
[0109] 16 Connection element; plug outlet
[0110] 16a plug
[0111] 16b Holder connections
[0112] 18 belts
[0113] 25 electronic shoe components
[0114] 25a front housing half
[0115] 37 display elements; light guide 202403250 22
[0116] 39 Charging port; charging contacts
[0117] 41 Control element; On / Off switch
Claims
1. 202403250 23 Patent claims 1. Reaction force measuring plate (1 ) for recording the Ground reaction force distribution across the ground contact area of the foot of a hoofed animal or the foot of a person when it enters the ground, comprising a, preferably rigid, support plate (3) with a first, lower surface (3a) facing the ground in use and a second, upper surface (3b) facing the hoof or foot opposite it, a plurality of planar force measuring sensors (5) fixed in position on the first, lower surface (3a) of the support plate (3), and a, preferably elastomeric, force transmission surface element (11) fixed in position parallel to the support plate (3) and facing away from the first, lower surface (3a) to the force measuring sensors (5), wherein at least, preferably exactly, one elastic force transmission stud (7) is fixed on the free, lower surface of the force transmission surface element (11) directly opposite one of the force measuring sensors (5) for each force measuring sensor (5).wherein the free, lower surface of the force transmission surface element (11) forms the underside of the reaction force measuring plate (1) facing the ground and in contact with the ground during use.
2. Reaction force measuring plate (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the force transmission studs (7) and / or the force transmission surface element (11 ) are made of an elastomeric or a thermoset material.
3. Reaction force measuring plate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, 202403250 24 wherein the force transmission studs (7) are formed integrally with the force transmission surface element (11).
4. Reaction force measuring plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the reaction force measuring plate (1) is designed to be used solely on the foot of the hoofed animal or human.
5. Reaction force measuring plate (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force transmission studs (7) of the force transmission surface element (11) form a sole profile.
6. Reaction force measuring plate (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force transmission surface element (11) surrounds the support plate (3) laterally and from its second, upper surface (3b) at least partially, preferably completely.
7. Reaction force measuring plate (1) according to claim 6, wherein an inner side (11a) of the force transmission surface element (11) forms a raised support edge facing away from the second, upper surface (3b) of the support plate (3).
8. Reaction force measuring plate (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force transmission surface element (11) has several, preferably one-piece formed, side wall sections (11b) which are designed to enclose the foot of the hoofed animal or human section by section during use.
9. Reaction force measuring plate (1) according to claim 8, wherein the side wall sections (11 b) are connected by means of hinges (11d), preferably in the form of film hinges (11 d), to the planar area of the force transmission surface element (11), which supports the foot of the hoofed animal. 202403250 25 or people in use, preferably one-piece, connected.
10. Reaction force measuring plate (1 ) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the side wall sections (11 b) have openings (11 c) for receiving a strap (18), so that in use the strap (18) can be tightened and thereby the reaction force measuring plate (1 ) can be held to the foot of the hoofed animal or human by means of the side wall sections (11 b) in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner.
11. Reaction force measuring plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force transmission surface element (11) is bonded to the force measuring sensors (5) or a sensor carrier film (9) facing away from the force transmission studs (7).
12. Reaction force measuring plate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the force transmission surface element (11) is vulcanized to a carrier film (15) facing away from the force transmission studs (7) and the carrier film (15) is bonded to the force measuring sensors (5) or a sensor carrier film (9).
13. Reaction force measuring plate (1) according to one 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 region.
14. Reaction force measuring plate (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force measuring sensors (5) together with associated sensor signal lines and 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). 202403250 26 15. Reaction force measuring system, comprising a reaction force measuring plate (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a wireless electronic shoe component (25) attached thereto and connected to the force measuring sensors (5) in a signal-transmitting manner, in particular according to the Bluetooth standard, as well as a sensor signal receiving, evaluation and display device arranged remotely from the reaction force measuring plate (1), which comprises a wireless sensor signal receiving unit communicating with the electronic shoe component (25) to the reaction force measuring plate.