DE102021125482A1 - Apparatus and method for attaching an accelerometer to an information bearing part of an ear tag - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (1) for attaching an accelerometer to an information-carrying part (2) of an ear tag (3), the part (2) of the ear tag (3) comprising a fastening section (4) and an information carrier (5), wherein the part (2) widens from the fastening section (4) to the information carrier (5), the device comprising an opening (6), this opening (6) being wider than the fastening section (4) and narrower than the information carrier (5), wherein the device (1) further comprises a holding means (7, 8) for fixing to the information carrier (5).

Description

technical field

The invention relates to a device and a method according to the independent claims.

State of the art

It is known to equip farm animals such as cattle with accelerometers, i.e. acceleration sensors, in order to record the state of health or heat of the farm animal, for example. These accelerometers can be attached to a leg of the livestock, to a collar or to an ear tag, for example.

An ear tag with an acceleration sensor is, for example, in DE 20 2010 008 325 U1 described. An acceleration sensor attached to an ear tag is advantageous because it can reliably detect head movements of the livestock. A disadvantage of known ear tags with acceleration sensors is that a second hole for the acceleration sensor is usually required in the ear of the livestock concerned in addition to the hole for the ear tag.

object of the invention

The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

solution of the task

The objects of the independent claims lead to the solution of the problem. Advantageous configurations are described in the dependent claims.

A device according to the invention for attaching an accelerometer to an information-carrying part of an ear tag for livestock comprises an opening.

The information can be a barcode and/or a character string, for example.

The farm animals are preferably cattle.

The part of the ear tag to which the device is attached comprises an attachment section and an information carrier, with the part widening from the attachment section to the information carrier.

Usually, the information carrier merges upwards into a neck that tapers upwards, at the upper end of which is the fastening section. Such ear tags are known from the prior art and usually have a multi-part design. The ear tag usually comprises at least two parts, namely the part carrying the information and a spike. The mandrel can also be formed from several parts. Sometimes the part that carries the information is also called the ear tag alone.

The mandrel can also comprise or be connected to a copy of the information-bearing part. In such an embodiment, the ear tag consists of two almost identical parts, one part comprising the spike and the other part comprising an opening complementary to the spike, into which the spike is inserted for the purpose of attaching the ear tag. The spike and/or the opening can be provided with barbs and/or indentations, elevations or the like. The barbs can engage in the indentations or rest against the elevations so that the spike cannot be removed from the opening without being destroyed.

The spike is usually shot through the ear of the livestock to be marked and, for example, is irreversibly inserted into the opening of the fastening section, in which the spike is held captive. Such ear tags are for example in the EP 0 584 105 A1 and the WO 03 102 901 A2 described. Neither the ear tag nor the above-described part of the ear tag are a mandatory part of the device according to the invention for attaching an accelerometer.

The opening of the device according to the invention is wider than the fastening section and narrower than the information carrier. The device includes a holding means for fixing to the information carrier.

The device and in particular the holding means are preferably designed in such a way that the information is not covered. If the information is located on the front side of the information carrier, the device can extend primarily along the rear part after it has been fixed. Alternatively, it can also be considered that the device and/or the holding means covers the information. This can be advantageous, for example, if it is no longer valid.

To attach the device to the part of the ear tag, its neck is pushed through the opening of the device before attachment to the ear of the farm animal. In order to attach the device to an ear tag that has already been attached to an ear, the information carrier can be folded or bent in this way that it can be pushed through the opening of the device. In the kinked or folded state, the information carrier is pushed through the opening of the device so far that the neck of the ear tag comes to rest in the opening. In particular, ear tags made of plastic can usually be folded or kinked, this applies particularly to the information carrier.

On the one hand, the device according to the invention allows an accelerometer to be attached to an ear tag already attached to the ear or to be attached in such a way that reliable movement data can be collected. This is made possible in particular by the holding means, which prevents the device from moving relative to the ear tag. Without the holding means, the device could, for example, additionally wobble or vibrate in the case of a fast-moving farm animal, which can simulate an accelerated movement of the farm animal, which the farm animal is actually not performing at all.

On the other hand, the device according to the invention protects the farm animal, since no additional hole has to be shot in its ear. In many countries, cattle in particular, but also other livestock, must wear an ear tag on each ear, which is sometimes referred to as a "state ear tag". If an accelerometer is attached to at least one of these ear tags with the aid of the device according to the invention, no further invasive treatment of the farm animal is necessary. This is particularly advantageous for young cattle, because they usually only have one optimal spot for shooting through the ear. This point is roughly in the middle of the ear. Further out, the risk of the ear being torn in and out is too great. Sensitive blood vessels run further inside. The inventors have surprisingly found that attaching the device - and in particular also an accelerometer - to the usual attachment position of the government ear tag provides sufficiently reliable acceleration data if the device has a holding means. This may also be due to the fact that the ear tag usually only moves slightly relative to the ear and thus essentially also to the head of the farm animal, for example the cattle, since it is attached in the ear with the aid of the spike with only a small amount of play.

All means which are suitable for fixing the device according to the invention to the information carrier of the ear tag can be considered as holding means. Retaining means which reversibly fix the device to the information carrier are particularly preferred. In particular, a relative movement between the part of the ear tag and the device according to the invention should be avoided or prevented with such a fixing. The combination of retaining rail with snap closure and channel described in the figures or the clamping plate also described in the figures can be considered as retaining means, for example. As described in more detail below with reference to the figures, the clamping plate is an example of a primarily force-fitting holding means, while the combination of holding rail and channel is a form-fitting holding means.

However, other holding means can also be considered, for example clamps, hooks and the like. Furthermore, other form-fitting and/or force-fitting holding means can also be considered, with which the device can be fixed reversibly on the information carrier.

Furthermore, reversible, i.e. detachable, cohesive holding means such as adhesive strips or the like can also be considered.

The device can comprise precisely one holding means or a plurality of holding means. If the device comprises a plurality of holding means, it can comprise holding means of the same type or of different types.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the holding means can at least partially encompass the information carrier in order to ensure that the device is fixed in a form-fitting manner on the information carrier. In this case, a lower edge of the information carrier is preferably encompassed. It is additionally or alternatively possible for one or more holding means to grip the information carrier laterally. However, gripping from below has the advantage that the device cannot slip up and down along the neck of the ear tag. Such vertical slippage of the device would corrupt the data measured by the accelerometer.

In addition or as an alternative to the gripping described above, a non-positive attachment of the device to the information carrier with the aid of the holding means can be considered. The holding means can therefore fix the device to the information carrier in a non-positive manner.

The device according to the invention can include an accelerometer. This can, for example, record the state of health or oestrus of the farm animal to whose ear the device is attached.

The device according to the invention can also include a radio module in order to send the data recorded by the accelerometer via radio. The radio module is preferably also set up to also receive data via radio.

The device according to the invention can include an LED display. The LED display can serve various purposes, e.g. displaying the state of charge of a voltage source of the accelerometer or displaying a type or movement or the result of an evaluation of the movement detected by the accelerometer. For this purpose, the LED can, for example, light up in different colors or intensities or light up (flashing) in different frequencies. The aforementioned evaluation of the movement detected by the accelerometer can take place directly in the device with the aid of a microprocessor or the like. It is also conceivable, however, for the recorded movement data to be sent wirelessly to an evaluation unit, for example to a central computer or to a cloud, for evaluation. After the evaluation, a signal can then be sent back to the device, also via radio, which switches the LED display on, for example, or changes its colour, intensity or (flashing) frequency.

In concrete terms, the sensor could, for example, record the movement data of a cow, which is then sent wirelessly to the cloud for evaluation. If the evaluation shows that the cow is in heat, the LED can be switched on so that a farmer or veterinarian, for example, can quickly find the cow in heat.

Of course, it is also conceivable that the device according to the invention evaluates the movement data and only forwards the result of this evaluation to a suitable receiver via radio.

The present invention also comprises a system comprising an information-carrying part of an ear tag for farm animals as described above and optionally with all the details and properties described above, and the device described above, which may comprise an accelerometer. This system preferably comprises only exactly one mandrel. The system preferably includes a foldable or bendable ear tag or at least an ear tag with a foldable or bendable information carrier. The ear tag is preferably made of plastic.

• - ein Hals oder ein gefalteter oder geknickter Informationsträger eines eine Information tragenden Teils einer Ohrmarke wird durch eine Öffnung einer Vorrichtung wie vorstehend beschrieben geschoben
• - die Vorrichtung wird mit Hilfe eines Haltemittels relativ zum Teil der Ohrmarke festgelegt.

The present invention further includes a method for providing a livestock with an accelerometer comprising the following steps

• - a neck or a folded or creased information carrier of an information-carrying part of an ear tag is pushed through an opening of a device as described above
• - The device is fixed relative to the part of the ear tag by means of a holding means.

character list

• den 1 und 2 Ohrmarken 3 gemäss dem Stand der Technik;
• in den 3 bis 6 jeweils zwei Ansichten von zwei verschiedenen Vorrichtungen 1 gemäss der vorliegenden Erfindung in Betriebslage;
• in 7 die Vorrichtung 1 nach 5 in Nicht-Betriebslage und
• in 8 eine alternative Vorrichtung 1 in Nicht-Betriebslage.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments and from the drawings; these show in:

• the 1 and 2 ear tags 3 according to the prior art;
• in the 3 until 6 two views of two different devices 1 according to the present invention in the operating position;
• in 7 the device 1 after 5 in non-operating position and
• in 8th an alternative device 1 in the inoperative position.

example

In 1 a part 2 of an ear tag 3 according to the prior art is shown, which carries information—here in the form of letters and numbers. A fastening section 4 with an opening 12 can be seen, as can a neck 10 and an information carrier 5.

In 2 an ear tag 3 according to the prior art is shown, which comprises a mandrel 11 and the part 2 of the ear tag 3 which carries the information.

The 3 and 4 show a front and rear view of an embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. A receptacle 14, an LED display 13, a channel 21 and a retaining rail 8 can be seen here.

The 5 and 6 show a front and rear view of a further embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. A receptacle 14, an LED display 13 and a clamping plate 7 can be seen here.

In 7 is the device 1 according to 5 shown without the part 2 of the ear tag 3, on which they are in the view 5 is attached. Here, an opening 6 is clearly visible.

In 8th an alternative embodiment of the device 1 is shown. This differs from the one after 7 only due to the open, i.e. in particular slotted, design of the opening 6.

• Die Teile 2 der Ohrmarke 3 sind jeweils aufgebaut, wie dies zu den 1 und 2 beschrieben wurde. Der Teil 2 der Ohrmarke wird am Ohr eines Nutztiers festgelegt, indem der Dorn 11 durch das Ohr geschossen und in die Öffnung 12 eingebracht wird. Die Vorrichtung 1 wird an einer Ohrmarke 3 bzw. einem Teil 2 einer solchen Ohrmarke 3, wie sie in den 1 und 2 gezeigt ist, festgelegt.

Referring to the 3 until 8th the functioning of the device 1 according to the invention is explained as follows:

• The parts 2 of the ear tag 3 are each constructed as to the 1 and 2 was described. The part 2 of the ear tag is attached to the ear of an animal by shooting the spike 11 through the ear and inserting it into the opening 12 . The device 1 is attached to an ear tag 3 or a part 2 of such an ear tag 3, as shown in the 1 and 2 is shown.

If the device 1 is to be fixed to the part 2 of the ear tag before the ear tag 3 is fastened to the ear of an animal, the neck 10 of the ear tag is pushed through the opening 6 . If the ear tag 3 is already on the ear of the farm animal, the information carrier 5 is folded along an imaginary perpendicular bisector (possibly several times) and pushed through the opening 6 . In both cases, a lower edge 15 of the information carrier 5 is then reversibly fixed relative to the device 1 with the aid of the respective holding means 7, 8, 21. In this case, the clamping plate 7 acts as a force-fitting and optionally a form-fitting holding means, with a clamping section 20 bringing about the force-fitting connection. The retaining rail 8 acts in combination with the channel 21 as a form-fitting retaining means.

A snap lock 9 sets the support rail 8 in the embodiment according to 3 and 4 so firmly that the device 1 is connected to part 2 of the ear tag with as little or no movement as possible.

An operating position in which the device 1 is attached to part 2 of the ear tag 3 is in the 3 until 6 shown.

As in the 4 and 6 recognizable, a lower edge 15 of the part 2 is aligned in the operating position in such a way that the device 1 cannot or only minimally slide upwards. As further in the 3 and 5 recognizable, a width of the opening 6 is selected such that the device 1 in the operating position cannot slip down along the neck 10 of the part 2 either. Since the opening 6 and the neck 10 on the one hand and the holding means 7, 8 and the lower edge 15 on the other hand interact in such a way that the device 1 can neither slide up nor down along the part 2, the form-fitting or almost form-fitting hold between the opening 6 and the neck ensures 10 also ensures that the device 1 cannot slip to the right and left relative to the part 2 either.

An accelerometer and all the components required for the operation of the accelerometer can be placed and fixed in the receptacle 14 .

The LED display 13 can serve various purposes. For example, it can show the state of charge of an accelerometer battery or a type of movement or the result of an evaluation of the movements detected. In the latter case, the LED display 13 can, for example, glow green if the detected movements do not indicate an illness and glow orange or red if the detected movements allow conclusions to be drawn about a health impairment of the livestock.

The opening 6 can be closed or open, which is a comparison of the 7 and 8th emerges. An open embodiment after 8th is possibly a little less stable, in particular in the area of the opening 6 a little less stretch-resistant compared to the embodiment 7 . However, according to the embodiment 8th facilitate the threading of the part 2 of the ear tag 3 through the opening 6 due to the shape and also due to the lower elongation resistance. Floating ends 16 are preferably made sufficiently rigid so that they cannot kink or bend sufficiently to release the neck 10.

Although only a few preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can add numerous modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In particular, holding means other than those shown can be used.

In the embodiment after 8th For example, the loose ends 16 may be overlapped and fitted with a fastener such as a snap button (not shown). In this way, the in 8th Device 1 shown can be very reliably attached to an ear tag despite the slotted opening 6 .

The recording 14, as in the 3 , 5 , 7 and 8th shown, be designed as an indentation or depression. After inserting the acceleration sensor, a voltage source such as a battery, a radio module and, if necessary, other electrical or electronic components, a separate cover or the like (not shown) can be put on and attached to device 1 in order to protect the aforementioned components and/or at

Alternatively, it can also be thought of a pocket-like recording, which is integral with the Device 1 is running and is closed, for example, after inserting the acceleration sensor and any other components.

The device 1 according to the invention can comprise the aforementioned components.

An upper section 17 and a lower section 18 are preferably oriented at an angle of 30° to 60° to one another. However, alternative angles are conceivable.

As explained above, the device 1 according to 3 and 4 fixed to the part 2 by on the one hand matching the width of the opening 6 to the width of the neck 10, which prevents relative movement of the device 1 down the part 2 (ie away from the opening 12). On the other hand, a movement of the device 1 relative to the part 2 upwards, ie starting from the arrangement according to the 3 and 4 toward the opening 12, prevented by the positive fit between a lower edge of the part 2 and the channel 21 and the support rail 8. The channel 21 therefore acts in combination with the retaining rail 8 as a purely form-fitting retaining means. Alternatively, however, it would be conceivable to design the channel 21 and/or the retaining rail 8 in such a way that they also fix the device 1 to the part 2 with a non-positive fit.

The device 1 can include exactly one channel 21 and a retaining rail 8 or multiple channels 21 and multiple retaining rails 8 . The channel 21 and the support rail 21 can, as in the 3 and 4 shown, attached to the device 1 below. Alternatively, one or two channels 21 and one or two support rails 8 could be attached to the device 1 on the side (not shown). In this case, lateral ends 22 of the holding rail 8 could serve as form-fitting holding means against a movement of the device 1 in the vertical direction relative to the part 2 . With such a lateral attachment, the channel(s) 21 could be dispensed with, so that only the retaining rail(s) 8 are used.

As also explained above, the device 1 according to the 5 and 6 fixed to part 2 in that a clamping section 20, which is fixed to device 1 via a connecting section 19, presses information carrier 5 and lower section 18 of device 1 together in such a way that they are non-positively secured against slipping relative to one another.

Here, the connecting section 19 can be designed in such a way that, similar to the channel 21 and in addition to the frictional connection described above, it causes a positive connection through the tensioning section 20 . Alternatively, the connecting section 19 can be pulled out so far downwards, ie pointing away from the opening 6, that it makes it possible to hold parts 2 of different heights (measured along the vertical in FIGS 5 and 6 ) permitted.

The device 1 can include exactly one clamping plate 7 or several clamping plates 7, which as in the 5 and 6 shown below or on the side (not shown) on the device 1 can be attached. However, a laterally fastened clamping plate generally does not allow the additional form-fitting fixation in the vertical direction by the connecting section 19 .

Reference List

1

contraption

2

Part of the ear tag that carries information

3

ear tag

4

attachment section

5

information carrier

6

opening of the device

7

clamping plate

8th

support rail

9

snap closure

10

Neck

11

mandrel

12

Opening for receiving the mandrel

13

LED display

14

Recording

15

bottom edge

16

loose ends

17

Upper section

18

lower section

19

connection section

20

instep section

21

gutter

22

lateral end

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 202010008325 U1 [0003]
• EP 0584105 A1 [0012]
• WO 03102901 A2 [0012]

Claims (8)

Device (1) for attaching an accelerometer to an information-carrying part (2) of an ear tag (3) for farm animals, wherein the part (2) of the ear tag (3) comprises a fastening section (4) and an information carrier (5), the part (2) widening from the fastening section (4) to the information carrier (5), the device comprising an opening (6), this opening (6) being wider than the fastening section (4) and narrower than the information carrier (5), wherein the device (1) further comprises a holding means (7, 8) for fixing to the information carrier (5). Device (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the holding means (8, 21) at least partially surrounds the information carrier (5). Device (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the holding means (8, 21) surrounds a lower edge (9) of the information carrier (5). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (7, 8, 21) fixes the device (1) to the information carrier (5) in a non-positive manner. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an accelerometer. System comprising an ear tag (2) and a device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 . Method for equipping a farm animal with an accelerometer, comprising the following steps - a neck (10) or a folded or creased information carrier (5) of an information-carrying part (2) of an ear tag (3) is pushed through an opening (6) of a device (1 ) after claim 1 pushed - the device (1) is fixed relative to the part (2) of the ear tag (3) with the aid of a holding means (7, 8). Apparatus, system or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the farm animal is a bovine.

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