Two-Part Suction Device for Animal Drinking Buckets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction devices for drinking buckets require users to reach into the bucket to create connections, leading to contamination risks and complex cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A two-part suction device with an elastic teat and a holding body that can be easily attached and detached from a drinking bucket or station without tools, featuring a groove and counter-element for secure fixation and antimicrobial coating for improved hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual installation by reaching inside the bucket is used to create connections, then the suction device can be installed, but contamination risks increase and cleaning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is divided into two separate parts: a suction cup portion and a holding body portion. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the suction cup can be designed for easy attachment to the bucket exterior, while the holding body contains the valve mechanism. The separation eliminates the need to reach inside the bucket for installation, thus reducing contamination risk while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is extracted from the interior of the bucket and relocated to the exterior. The holding body with its mounting bracket and fastening elements is positioned outside the bucket, allowing all installation operations to be performed externally. This extraction eliminates contact between installation tools/hands and the bucket interior, directly addressing the contamination problem.
2Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is used to fix the suction device, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into simple external mounting brackets and fastening elements that attach the holding body to the bucket exterior. This segmentation avoids complex internal connection mechanisms, achieving reliable fixation through simple, separate components that are easy to assemble and disassemble.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fixing the suction device from the interior of the bucket, the connection mechanism is inverted to work from the exterior. The mounting bracket and fastening elements attach to external features of the bucket, reversing the traditional approach and simplifying the connection process while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If the suction device is designed for easy detachment, then operational efficiency improves, but connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening elements are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow easy engagement and disengagement. The mounting bracket incorporates features such as snap-fit connections or simple clamps that can be quickly attached and detached without tools, enabling efficient operation while maintaining stable connection during use through proper mechanical design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution reduces contamination risks and simplifies assembly/disassembly, providing a stable and easy-to-clean design that enhances animal health and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup (SN) made of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
the suckling teat (SN) can be guided over the counter surface (GF)
Implementation Method 3
a retaining body (HK) with a flap valve (KV)
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A suction device (SV) is described, particularly for a drinking bucket or a feeding station for raising animals such as calves or lambs, comprising an elastic teat (SN) arranged along a longitudinal axis (LA), which has a contact surface (AF) attachable to the inside of a wall element and a counter surface (GF) spaced apart along the longitudinal axis from the contact surface, the counter surface being designed as radial projections, so that the teat can be guided through an opening in the wall element (WE) via the counter surface, wherein the distance between the contact surface and the counter surface is adapted to a wall thickness of the wall element, and wherein a retaining element (HK) with a flap valve (KV) can be guided from the inside of the wall element into a cavity bounded by the teat and is detachably fixed there via a groove (NU) and a corresponding counter element (GE). A holder (TV) for such a suction device is also described.