Milking Cluster Slide Surface Prevents Platform Entrapment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milking arrangements in rotary milking parlors risk the milking cluster getting caught on the platform, leading to damage or malfunction, particularly due to the complexity and unreliability of pivoting support arms and the risk of premature cord wear with stationary support arms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inclined cluster slide surface below the stationary support arm, which allows the milking cluster to slide past the platform edge, preventing entrapment and enabling a simpler, more reliable operation without the need for complex pivoting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pivoting support arm is used to suspend the milking cluster, then the milking cluster can be positioned safely away from the platform, but the mechanism becomes more complicated and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pivoting mechanism from the support structure and replaces it with a stationary support arm. The milking cluster is suspended from a fixed point on the stationary support arm, eliminating the need for moving parts while maintaining the ability to position the cluster safely away from the platform during the milking process.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the support arm pivot to achieve the desired positioning, the patent inverts the approach by using a stationary support arm and allowing the milking cluster to move relative to it through the cord suspension system. This inversion simplifies the support structure while maintaining functional effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If a stationary support arm is used, then the mechanism is simpler and more reliable, but the milking cluster may get caught on the platform edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the problem by positioning the suspension point of the milking cluster above the platform level. The cord extends vertically from the suspension point down to the milking cluster, allowing the cluster to clear the platform edge without horizontal interference. This vertical arrangement prevents entrapment while maintaining the simplicity of the stationary support arm.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord acts as an intermediary element between the stationary support arm and the milking cluster. It transmits the suspension force while allowing the cluster to move freely in a vertical plane, preventing direct contact with the platform edge and eliminating the entrapment risk.
3Reliability
If the support arm extends further to keep the cord away from the bridge gap, then cord wear is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the suspension point at a height where the cord naturally hangs vertically without requiring excessive extension of the support arm. This vertical positioning creates an equipotential state where the cord's weight is evenly distributed, reducing wear without requiring a longer support arm structure.
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
Ensures the milking cluster reaches the lower position safely, reducing damage and operational complexity while maintaining a cost-efficient and reliable system by using a shorter stationary support arm and minimizing cord wear.
Implementation Method 1
The inclined cluster slide surface is configured with a horizontal extension, as seen in the horizontal direction underneath the stationary support arm, towards a position vertically below the suspension point, so that the milking cluster will slide along the inclined cluster slide surface as the milking cluster moves between the upper position and the lower position.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a milking arrangement (1) and a milking parlor including a support structure (2) for a milking cluster (3), which is moveable between an upper position (UP) and a lower position (LP) in relation to the support structure (2). The support structure (2) includes a stationary support arm (4), which has a projecting length (4L) as seen in a horizontal direction (H) and a suspension point (5) from which the milking cluster (3) is arranged to be suspended in a cord (6) as it moves between the upper and lower positions (UP, LP). The support structure (2) includes an inclined cluster slide surface (7) situated below the stationary support arm (4), wherein the inclined cluster slide surface (7) is configured with a horizontal extension (7H), as seen in the horizontal direction (H) underneath the stationary support arm (4), towards a position vertically below the suspension point (5), so that the milking cluster (3) will slide along the inclined cluster slide surface (7) as the milking cluster (3) moves between the upper position (UP) and the lower position (LP).