Adjustable Milking Unit Connector with Rotational Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milking system connection devices are limited to 38 mm milk main diameter, prone to breakage due to rotational forces, and have inaccessible vacuum line components for cleaning, lacking adaptability for different diameters and efficient milk flow management.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with adjustable arch elements for various milk main diameters, featuring a locking setscrew to prevent rotation, a flexible junction sleeve to prevent pipe breakages, and a removable nipple for direct cleaning of the vacuum line components, along with electrical connections for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connection device is designed for a fixed 38 mm milk main diameter, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but it lacks adaptability to different milk main diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The arch elements are designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the connection device to adapt to different milk main diameters. The arch elements can be repositioned along the milk main to accommodate various diameters while maintaining a secure connection, thus providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized devices for each diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is designed with universal arch elements that can serve multiple functions across different milk main diameters. By making the arch elements adjustable and reusable across various diameter specifications, a single device design can serve multiple applications, reducing the need for diameter-specific variants while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If the connection device uses rigid pipe connections, then the structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but it is prone to breakage under rotational forces
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible junction sleeve is introduced to connect rigid pipe portions within the connection device. This flexible element allows the structure to absorb rotational forces and mechanical stresses without breaking, while the overall device maintains its structural integrity and connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible junction sleeve acts as a pre-designed cushioning element that anticipates and absorbs rotational forces before they can cause damage to the rigid pipe connections. This protective measure is built into the structure in advance, preventing breakage under expected operational stresses.
3Ease of operation
If the vacuum line components are permanently installed, then the structure is stable and simple, but the components are inaccessible for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum line components are segmented into removable and fixed portions. The nipple and adjacent vacuum line components can be detached from the main body for cleaning, while the overall connection device remains stable during operation. This segmentation allows maintenance access without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates cleaning needs by providing pre-configured removable components. The nipple and vacuum line sections are designed to be easily detached for cleaning operations, with all necessary connections and alignments already prepared in the device structure, making maintenance a straightforward preliminary action rather than a complex modification.
4Reliability
If the connection device lacks rotational restraint, then the structure is simpler, but rotational forces cause breakage of the nipple connection
Solution Approach 1:
A locking setscrew acts as an intermediary element between the connection device body and the nipple connection. This setscrew provides rotational restraint by engaging with the milk main or connection structure, preventing unwanted rotation that could lead to nipple breakage, while maintaining the overall simplicity of the device design.
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 secure and practical connection to milk mains of different diameters, prevents breakage, allows for easy cleaning of vacuum components, and facilitates data transmission for improved milking operation control.
Implementation Method 1
a locking setscrew to prevent rotation
Implementation Method 2
a locking setscrew to prevent rotation
Implementation Method 3
a flexible junction sleeve to prevent pipe breakages
Implementation Method 4
a removable nipple for direct cleaning of the vacuum line components
Implementation Method 5
the operator has to move from one tap to another while carrying the mobile milking unit... By virtue of the vacuum, the milked milk is conveyed each time directly into the milk main
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (10) enables a mobile milking unit of a milking system of "milk transport" type to be connected simultaneously to the milk main (16) and to the milking system vacuum pipe. It comprises a fixed part (14) clampable directly to the milk main, and a movable part (12) insertable into the fixed part (12). The movable part is provided with a connector (75) enabling either a pneumatic pulsator or an electronic pulsator (70) to be connected to the movable part, possibly via an adaptor, and enabling the pulsator to communicate with the vacuum pipe (16) when the movable part (14) is inserted into the fixed part (12). Means applicable to the connector (75) are also provided to close communication with the vacuum and means to electrically connect the possible electronic pulsator (70) to an electrical energy source and, if required, to a control unit for the milking operations.