Milker Liner Dome Flow Diverters for Uniform Teat Dip Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing teat dip delivery systems in milking machines face challenges with uniform distribution, clogging, and increased manufacturing costs due to multiple nozzles and orifices, while also risking contamination by exposing the milk to teat dips.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of internal flow diverters within the milker unit liner dome, which redirects teat dip flow for uniform distribution and includes a slit inlet acting as a one-way valve to prevent backflow, simplifying the distribution and cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple nozzles and orifices are used to deliver teat dip, then uniform dip distribution is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dome interior surface is segmented into multiple flow diverters positioned at different locations, each directing dip flow to different sections of the teat. This segmentation allows uniform distribution without requiring multiple separate nozzles, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dip application precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple nozzles arranged in space, the invention uses flow diverters that extend along the interior surface of the dome, utilizing the dimensional space within the dome chamber to redirect flow. This transforms a multi-point spatial arrangement into a distributed flow path along a surface, reducing component count.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple nozzles and orifices are used to deliver teat dip, then dip coverage is improved, but clogging risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the dip delivery function from multiple small orifices and nozzles and consolidates it into a single inlet opening. The flow diverters redirect this single flow source to multiple locations along the teat, eliminating the clogging vulnerability associated with multiple small openings while maintaining comprehensive dip coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple dip delivery functions that would traditionally require separate nozzles are merged into a single inlet system. The flow diverters combine and redirect the flow from one source to multiple target areas, reducing the number of potential clogging points while maintaining effective dip application across the entire teat surface.
3Device complexity
If a single nozzle is used to deliver teat dip, then device simplicity is maintained, but dip coverage becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A single inlet flow source is segmented into multiple flow paths by positioning flow diverters at different locations along the dome interior surface. Each diverter creates a separate flow path that targets a different section of the teat, enabling comprehensive coverage from a single inlet without increasing nozzle complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple nozzles arranged in three-dimensional space, the invention utilizes the two-dimensional interior surface of the dome chamber to position flow diverters. This allows a single inlet to distribute flow across multiple locations by exploiting the spatial arrangement of diverters along the dome surface, achieving enhanced coverage without adding nozzle complexity.
4Extent of automation
If teat dip is applied through the liner dome, then automated dip application is achieved, but milk contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dip delivery system is extracted from the milk contact zone by positioning the inlet and flow diverters in the dome chamber, ensuring dip is applied to the teat exterior rather than mixing with milk. The flow path is designed to direct dip away from the milk collection area, eliminating contamination risk while maintaining automated application.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow diverters act as intermediaries that redirect dip flow from the inlet toward the teat surface, ensuring dip is applied externally rather than entering the milk collection chamber. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between dip and milk, eliminating contamination while enabling automated delivery through the liner dome.
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 provides more uniform teat dip coverage with reduced nozzles and orifices, minimizes clogging, and ensures efficient cleaning, while preventing milk contamination, thus enhancing the efficiency and safety of teat dip application.
Implementation Method 1
A flow diverter in accordance with the present invention improves the flow characteristics of dip through the dome as compared to a standard dome chamber
Implementation Method 2
The inlet may also be a simple hole with the supply tube blocked at times to prevent vacuum leakage or backflow of fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A milker unit liner dome having an inner surface and flow diverters joined to the inner surface to redirect teat dip from an inlet to provide more uniform coverage of dip on a teat. The liner dome can also include more than one flow diverter for redirecting teat dip flow.