Double Grab for Simultaneous Teat Cup Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current milking machine systems require extensive movement and time to position teat cups on an animal's udder, causing anxiety and inefficiency in the milking process due to the need for separate positioning of each teat cup, which can lead to unnecessary contact with the animal and increased space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A double grab mechanism mounted on a milking machine arm, featuring two housing parts with pivoting and sliding capabilities, allows for simultaneous positioning of two teat cups without increasing the arm's width, using magnets for secure teat cup attachment and detachment, and a sliding mechanism to manage space effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single grab is used to apply teat cups one by one, then the positioning precision can be maintained, but the time required for positioning increases and the animal becomes anxious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two teat cup holders into a single double grab assembly that can be mounted on one arm. This allows two teat cups to be positioned simultaneously or in quick succession, reducing the total positioning time while maintaining precision through the shared sensor and arm positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The double grab pre-positions two teat cups in the holders before approaching the animal. This preliminary preparation allows the system to apply both teat cups in one approach motion, eliminating the need for separate positioning trips and reducing overall positioning time.
2Loss of time
If multiple teat cups are brought simultaneously using a wider arm configuration, then the positioning time is reduced, but the space required increases and contact with the animal is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the two holders in a vertical arrangement (one above the other) rather than side-by-side horizontally. This vertical stacking allows two teat cups to be held simultaneously without increasing the horizontal width of the arm, thus reducing space requirements and minimizing contact with the animal while maintaining the ability to position multiple cups efficiently.
3Productivity
If the arm width is increased to accommodate multiple holders, then multiple teat cups can be positioned simultaneously, but the space requirements and animal contact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical stacking of holders in the double grab assembly enables simultaneous holding of multiple teat cups without expanding the horizontal footprint of the arm. This maintains compact space requirements while improving productivity through efficient multi-cup positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The double grab assembly integrates two complete holder units within a compact structure that mounts on a single arm. This nested configuration allows multiple functional units to coexist in a space-efficient manner, improving productivity without proportionally increasing the overall system size.
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
This solution enables efficient and simultaneous application of multiple teat cups, reducing the time required for positioning and minimizing contact with the animal, thereby enhancing the milking process's efficiency and animal comfort by maintaining a compact arm width and avoiding unnecessary contact.
Implementation Method 1
a first housing part, preferably provided with a first magnet designed for holding a first teat cup; a second housing part, installed substantially in a horizontal plane next to the first housing part, preferably provided with a second magnet designed for holding a second teat cup
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention is related to a double grab, its rinsing cup and milking machine provided therewith, and the method for automatically applying teat cups to the teats of an udder of an animal to be milked. The double grab according to the invention includes: - a first housing part designed to hold a first teat cup; - a second housing part, installed substantially in a horizontal plane next to the first housing part, designed to hold a second teat cup; - whereby each housing part is provided with separate pivoting means that can be activated and is designed to make the related housing part pivot around a pivoting axis which in use, extends substantially in a horizontal direction, substantially in a widthwise direction of the arm.