Milking Liner Pressure Compensator for Teat Chamber Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing milking installations face issues with incorrect vacuum or underpressure levels in the head pressure of milking cups, leading to reduced milk release and potential infections in animals.

Innovation Solution

A milking liner with an integrated air inlet and pressure compensator, which includes a pressure valve or flow restriction, is used to control and maintain the desired pressure in the teat chamber, ensuring optimal stimulation and reducing the risk of infections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no pressure compensator is provided in the air inlet, then the device complexity is reduced, but the head pressure cannot be controlled leading to reduced milk release and possible infections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilk release and infection preventionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a pressure compensator that actively regulates the head pressure parameter in the teat chamber. This device monitors and adjusts pressure levels to maintain optimal conditions for milk release while preventing infections, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity through controlled parameter modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure compensator acts as an intermediary element between the air inlet and the teat chamber. It mediates the pressure control function by introducing a regulatory mechanism that balances the need for controlled head pressure with the simplicity of the overall system design, enabling reliable milk release without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If head pressure is too high, then the animal may not be properly finished milking, but providing a pressure compensator increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilk releaseVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure compensator dynamically adjusts the head pressure parameter to prevent it from becoming too high, ensuring proper milk release completion. This parameter control mechanism resolves the contradiction by maintaining productivity through optimized pressure levels while accepting the necessary device complexity for effective regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure compensator implements feedback control by continuously monitoring head pressure conditions and making adjustments to maintain optimal pressure levels. This feedback mechanism ensures proper milk release by preventing excessive pressure buildup, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity through intelligent pressure management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If head pressure is too low, then the teat is not properly stimulated and milk release is reduced, but adding pressure control increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilk releaseVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure compensator modifies the head pressure parameter to ensure it remains at optimal levels for proper teat stimulation and milk release. By actively controlling this parameter, the system achieves improved productivity through adequate pressure while managing the device complexity required for effective pressure regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism in the pressure compensator detects low pressure conditions and activates corrections to maintain optimal head pressure for teat stimulation. This feedback control resolves the contradiction between productivity and device complexity by ensuring adequate pressure levels are maintained through intelligent regulation rather than simple fixed-pressure design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 pressure compensator effectively regulates head pressure, enhancing milk release and animal health by maintaining a consistent pressure level throughout the milking process, accommodating various teat sizes and milking conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure compensator comprises a pressure valve or flow restriction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure valve: Valve

Implementation Method 2

The pressure compensator comprises a pressure valve or flow restriction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow restriction:

Implementation Method 3

The vent consists of a highly elastic material which can be elastically deformed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3813512B1Milking liner for a milking cup of a milking installation, milking cup and installation provided therewith, and method therefor
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 BOUMATIC TECH BV
  • EP3813512B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3813512B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3813512B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a milking liner for a milking cup of a milking installation, a milking cup and milking installation provided therewith, and a method for milking by means thereof. The milking liner according to the invention comprises: a mouthpiece with a teat chamber provided with an inlet for a teat; an outlet for outflow of a milk release; a liner arranged between the mouthpiece and the outlet; and an air inlet arranged in or close to the mouthpiece with a teat chamber and provided with a pressure compensator, wherein the pressure compensator is provided with a pressure valve or flow restriction.