Handheld Udder Washer Pneumatic Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing udder cleaning systems for milk-producing animals are laborious, costly, and pose safety risks due to electricity use and inefficiencies in removing sand residue, leading to potential milk contamination.
Innovation Solution
A handheld udder washer with an airmotor, planetary gear reduction, and teat belts that uses air and liquid to sanitize and stimulate udders, eliminating the need for electricity and reducing abrasive wear, while being less expensive and more efficient than brush systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brush systems are used for cleaning udders, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but maintenance cost and operational complexity increase due to frequent brush replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical brush systems with an air-driven system that uses compressed air to move flexible belts through grooved rollers. This substitution eliminates the need for frequent brush replacement while maintaining cleaning effectiveness, as the air-driven belts can be easily replaced and do not wear down as quickly as brush bristles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a pneumatic mechanism where compressed air flows through a tube to drive flexible belts over grooved rollers. This pneumatic system provides consistent cleaning force without the mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements of brush-driven systems, reducing both operational cost and complexity.
2Power
If high-pressure water systems are used, then cleaning power is improved, but safety risks increase due to electricity requirements and water contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses compressed air as the primary power source instead of electrical motors, eliminating safety risks associated with electricity near animals. The pneumatic system drives the cleaning belts without requiring electrical components in the cleaning head, making the system safer for use in dairy farm environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the electrical motor from the cleaning head itself, placing it remotely or eliminating it entirely in favor of a pneumatic system. This separation removes the harmful electrical element from the area where water and animals are present, significantly reducing safety risks while maintaining cleaning power.
3Reliability
If manual dipping methods are used, then sanitization is improved, but labor requirements and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-service system where the animal's own movement through the cleaning station and the automatic operation of belts and sprayers perform the sanitization task without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically applies sanitizer and dries the udder as the animal passes through, dramatically improving operational efficiency while maintaining sanitization quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements continuous cleaning and sanitization action through constantly moving belts and continuous spray application. Unlike manual dipping which is intermittent, the automated system provides continuous contact cleaning and sanitization as the animal moves through the station, improving both efficiency and sanitization reliability.
4Ease of operation
If sandy bedding is used in dairy farms, then animal comfort is improved, but cleaning difficulty increases due to sand residue on udders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous or grooved rollers that allow sand and debris to pass through rather than accumulating on the surface. The grooved design of the rollers and the porous nature of the belts enable them to maintain cleaning effectiveness even in sandy environments, as the structure prevents sand buildup that would otherwise interfere with cleaning action.
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 handheld udder washer effectively cleans, sanitizes, and dries udders with reduced maintenance and operational costs, minimizing the risk of milk contamination and improving udder preparation for milking.
Implementation Method 1
an airmotor with a planetary gear reduction
Implementation Method 2
an airmotor with a planetary gear reduction
Implementation Method 3
a handle with a trigger engaged with the actuator pin end of a valve block for releasing liquid and air onto the teat
Implementation Method 4
drives teat belts in the washer to clean and stimulate the teat
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Systems for cleaning, sanitizing and stimulating the udder or teats of milk-producing animals include a hand-held washer (110). The hand-held washer has an ergonomical handle (310) and a trigger (268) that engages a valve (114) and releases sanitizing wash and compressed air when actuated. An air motor (126) within the washer engages spindles (228) and powers conveyance of teat belts (224) mounted on the spindles. Teat belts with flaps clean and stimulate the teat present in the top opening (206) of the washer. Air is also injected for drying. The teat belts are effective in removing sand from the animal when animals are raised in a sandy bedding environment and are advantageously durable. Methods of using the washer for preparing the animals are also disclosed.