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HBM leads the way in Hartpury College research project

By HBM UK Ltd on

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When Hartpury College and University Centre recently undertook a study to investigate canine gait analysis and force exerted on a lead in a collar and harness, HBM – a market leader in the field of test and measurement – was on hand to supply the necessary electronic strain gauges and software.

Considering the vast range of roles that dogs fulfil, it is important for dog owners to utilise the array of equipment available to help with these roles, such as collars and harnesses, both from a practical point of view and as part of a legal requirement.

The restraints, as required by law, provide the dog with the ability to move freely without pain whilst giving the handler control over it.  However, it does not account for any unseen or unaccounted for force that the animal might be facing.

As part of its research to identify whether there is a significant difference in the gait of a dog when it is exercised using either a collar or a harness, and to analyse the degree of force exerted on the lead by the handler and the dog, Hartpury College specified the U9C strain gauge series from HBM to collect data on the amount of force experienced at the site of the dogs restraint.

The compact and cost-effective U9C series reliably measures tensile and compressive force where space is a constraint.  Enabling dynamic and static measurement tasks to be solved, its high fundamental frequency also makes it suitable for very fast measurements.  Manufactured in stainless steel and featuring a welded design, the U9C is a robust sensor for challenging applications.

By incorporating strain gauges onto the dogs harness and lead, Hartpury College was successfully able to achieve the desired measurements for both the dog and the handler. To make the design more robust, the transducer was sewn into a one meter lined fleece which enabled the gauge to be fixed to the D ring of the collar or harness.  This gauge was then connected to a four-port express DAQ which was connected via USB to a laptop.

With the strain gauge and lead attached to the collar, the handlers walked and trotted dogs, and the process was then repeated with dogs wearing a harness instead

Catman data acquisition software (DAQ) also supplied by HBM, provided the data from both the handler and the dog in numeric data (Hz) pull from each of the trials.  This enabled the raw data to be transferred to a spreadsheet and analysed with SPSS statistical analysis software.

The results collated from the study proved that using the particular types of collars and harnesses that the study used, there is no difference in gait when the dog is walking or trotting in a harness.  However, it did show that the force exerted to the neck and throat via the collar is more localised, having the potential to cause damage or exacerbate existing injuries, whilst the force exerted when wearing the harness is distributed over a larger area, hence reducing the impact of the force.  The data collected can be used by concerned pet owners to make a more educated decision.

For further information, please contact HBM on +44 (0) 1525 304980 or via email: info@uk.hbm.com or visit the HBM website at www.hbm.com

HBM UK Ltd

Our extensive range covers everything from strain gages via measuring transducers to analog and digital amplifiers. Since our amplifiers can be connected to a PC, measured values can be further processed and then meaningfully displayed with the aid of operator-friendly analysis software specifically designed for measurement technology.

Visit our website 01525 304980

Our extensive range covers everything from strain gages via measuring transducers to analog and digital amplifiers. Since our amplifiers can be connected to a PC, measured values can be further processed and then meaningfully displayed with the aid of operator-friendly analysis software specifically designed for measurement technology. Innovative new products in the field of transducer development, signal conditioning and software are witness to our competence and up-to-date product know-how.

In addition to these standard products, HBM also provides customized solutions for sensor technology and electronics as well as complete systems. Our products and solutions are used in all sectors of industry. Our subsidiary companies and over 60 branch offices and agencies worldwide are responsible for providing expert support for measurement technology solutions on site.

The “complete measuring chain from one supplier” approach has many advantages:
The complete measuring chain comes from HBM. This means that all components in a system are adapted to work with one another.
Just one point of contact for everything you need. This saves you both time and money.
Our long experience means we understand your needs. Practical solutions come naturally to us.

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