Milking Plant Control Module With Transparent Adhesive PCB Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control arrangements for milking plants face challenges in adaptability to different sizes and functions, are prone to environmental damage due to humidity and harmful substances, and often require difficult ergonomic placement for operators.

Innovation Solution

A control module with a protected printed circuit board enclosed in plastic, featuring a transparent adhering substance and a block of polyurethane for environmental resistance, along with modular design allowing flexible installation and redundancy to maintain functionality even if one module fails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the control arrangement is made adaptable to different milking plant sizes and functions, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different milking plant sizes and functionsVSAvoidcontrol arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control arrangement is divided into multiple independent control modules, each capable of performing specific control functions. This segmentation allows the system to be configured flexibly for different milking plant sizes and functions by selecting and combining appropriate modules, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols, enabling them to function in various configurations across different milking plant types and sizes. This multi-functionality approach allows the same module design to serve multiple purposes, enhancing adaptability while controlling complexity through design standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the control module is protected against humidity and harmful substances, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to humidity and harmful substancesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A transparent adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the printed circuit board and the front plate, creating a sealed barrier that protects electronic components from humidity and harmful substances. This intermediary layer provides environmental protection while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process, as it can be applied using standard adhesive techniques rather than requiring complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The front plate is designed as a thin, transparent protective shell that encloses the control module components. This thin-film approach provides environmental protection through a simple barrier structure that is easy to manufacture and assemble, rather than requiring bulky protective housings or complex sealing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the control module allows flexible installation and ergonomic positioning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveergonomic positioning for staffVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control module is designed with detachable connections and modular components that allow it to be easily installed, relocated, and reconfigured at different positions and orientations. This dynamic design enables ergonomic positioning adapted to specific workspace requirements while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures through standardized mounting interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3878251B1A control module, and a control arrangement for a milking plant
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 DELAVAL HLDG AB
  • EP3878251B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3878251B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7
  • EP3878251B1 patent drawingFigure 8

AI summary

A control arrangement and a control module (11) for a milking position for milking a dairy animal are disclosed. The control module comprises a casing (20) forming an inner space (23) enclosing a printed circuit board incorporating a control system for controlling and supervising at least some functions of the milking position.A communication area is provided on a front side of the printed circuit board and communicates with the control system. The casing comprises an inner front plate (21). The front side of the printed circuit board is attached to a rear side of the inner front plate by means of a transparent adhering substance so that a part of the printed circuit board projects from the rear side of the inner front plate. The inner front plate permits access to the communication area.The part of the printed circuit board is embedded in a block (27) of plastic material.