Common Actuator Safety Valve for Milking Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern milking installations require improved safety valve devices for high throughput and low-maintenance operation, as existing systems are complex and expensive, and current safety valve designs with multiple drives and actuators occupy more space and require complex electrical control.
Innovation Solution
A safety valve device with a common actuator and drive system that controls three valves (first, second, and third) using a single actuator and drive, allowing for reduced structural space and simplified electrical control, with a mechanical design that ensures reliable transition between ventilation, throughflow, and blocking positions, and includes a spring-loaded mechanism for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple drives and actuators are used for each valve, then reliable valve control is achieved, but structural space increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple drives and actuators into a single common actuator that controls all three valves (first, second, and third valves) through a unified mechanical linkage system. This merging approach reduces the number of separate control units while maintaining reliable valve control through the interconnected mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The common actuator serves multiple functions by controlling different valves at different positions. A single actuator mechanism performs the work of multiple separate actuators, making the system more universal and reducing overall complexity while maintaining control reliability across all valve positions.
2Reliability
If multiple drives and actuators are used for each valve, then reliable valve control is achieved, but structural space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple separate drive and actuator units into a single common actuator with integrated mechanical linkages, the patent significantly reduces the structural space required. The unified design eliminates redundant components and consolidates the control mechanism into a compact configuration that fits within the valve device housing.
3Ease of operation
If complex electrical control systems are used, then precise valve actuation is achieved, but electrical control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical control systems with a purely mechanical actuation mechanism. The common actuator uses mechanical linkages, levers, and spring-loaded components to precisely control the opening and closing of all three valves. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for complex electrical wiring, control circuits, and electronic sensors while maintaining precise valve actuation through mechanical advantage and spring force.
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 the structural space required and simplifies electrical control, enabling efficient and reliable operation of the safety valve device, ensuring effective separation and sealing of milk lines while maintaining low maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one valve spring, wherein the first port connector of the first valve is connected to the second port connector of the second valve
Data Source
AI summary
A safety valve device for a milking installation for milking milk-producing animals having a first valve with a first port and with a first port connector, a second valve with a second port and with a second port connector, a third valve with a third port and a third port connector, a drive, a common actuator, and at least one valve spring, and arranged so that the first port connector of the first valve is in fluid communication with the second port connector of the second valve, and the safety valve device can be moved between a first switching position, in which the first valve and the second valve are closed in order to block the first port and the second port and the third valve, is open a transition position, in which the first valve, the second valve and the third valve are closed, and a second switching position, in which the first valve and the second valve are open to connect the first port to the second port and the third valve is closed to block the third port.