Handheld Throttle Valve for Udder Pre-Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current milking machines lack an efficient and convenient method for pre-stimulation of udders before milking, leading to suboptimal milk yield and potential over-milking issues, especially when integrated into existing systems without significant modifications or additional time expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a throttle valve and control mechanism that can be inserted into the milking machine's control line to separate pre-stimulation from milking, allowing for adjustable pre-stimulation time without altering the pulsator's characteristics, ensuring proper udder stimulation without high pulsation frequencies or additional energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-stimulation is performed using existing milking machines, then udder stimulation is achieved, but the pulsator characteristics must be altered and additional time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control line is segmented into two functional sections by inserting a handheld device: a first section connected to the pulsator for pre-stimulation, and a second section connected to the teat cup for milking. This segmentation allows independent control of pre-stimulation and milking phases without modifying the pulsator itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device acts as an intermediary component between the pulsator and the teat cup. It includes a throttle valve that mediates the pressure transmission, enabling pre-stimulation of the udder while maintaining the original pulsator characteristics and milking functionality.
2Ease of operation
If pre-stimulation is performed using existing milking machines, then udder stimulation is achieved, but additional time is required for the process
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables preliminary action by allowing pre-stimulation to be performed immediately before milking through the handheld unit with throttle valve. The control device automatically transitions from pre-stimulation mode to milking mode, eliminating the need for separate manual pre-stimulation steps and reducing overall time loss.
3Ease of operation
If high pulsation frequencies are used for pre-stimulation, then udder stimulation is improved, but teat irritation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pulsation frequency characteristics through the throttle valve control. During the pre-stimulation phase, the throttle valve restricts pressure flow to provide gentle stimulation, while during the milking phase, it opens to allow full pulsation frequency, thus avoiding teat irritation while maintaining stimulation effectiveness.
4Productivity
If the throttle valve is opened immediately, then milking starts quickly, but pre-stimulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the milking process and automatically adjust the throttle valve position. It detects when sufficient pre-stimulation has occurred and automatically transitions to full milking mode, ensuring both adequate pre-stimulation and efficient milking without manual intervention.
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
Enables effective pre-stimulation of udders, improving milk yield and preventing over-milking by allowing for controlled and efficient udder preparation without additional time or equipment costs, while being easily integrated into existing milking systems.
Implementation Method 1
A throttle valve (305, 306) is interposed in the housing (318) between the first connection (350, 351) and the second connection (352, 353). The throttle valve is designed to restrict a flow of gas between the first connection and the second connection.
Implementation Method 2
The control device (309) is designed to actuate the throttle valve from a partially closed position into an open position after a defined length of time.
Implementation Method 3
the pulsator generates a periodically changing pressure in the pulsation chamber, whereby this changing pressure acts on the outer walls of the teat cup liners
Implementation Method 4
a vacuum is applied to the milk hoses 109, 110, 111 and 112
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for stimulating an udder during milking, made up of a housing with a first connection (350, 351) and a second connection (352, 353), which housing can be grasped by a hand. The first connection connects the housing to a pulsator and the second connection connects the housing to a teat cup. A throttle valve (305, 306) is interposed between the first connection and the second connection. A control device (309) is housed in the housing and is adapted to bring the throttle valve, after a defined duration, from a partially open to an open position.