Milking Liner Uniform Collapse via Segmented Barrel Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milking liners face issues with uniform collapse, teat irritation, and short milk tube damage, leading to inefficient milk extraction and reduced lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a barrel with parallel channels and semi-circular sidewall segments that uniformly collapse under vacuum, along with reinforced short milk tubes and rib structures to prevent damage, ensuring effective milk extraction and extended lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the liner uses a simple sleeve structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the uniformity of collapse and effectiveness of milking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is divided into multiple segments or sections along its length, with each segment capable of collapsing independently. This segmentation allows the liner to maintain structural simplicity while achieving uniform collapse across the entire surface, as each segment can conform to the teat shape without requiring a complex overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the liner are given different properties - the distal end has specific collapse characteristics while the proximal end has different structural features. This local differentiation enables each region to perform its function optimally, with the collapsing portion providing uniform compression while the connection portion maintains structural integrity.
2Productivity
If the liner collapses quickly and aggressively, then the productivity of milk extraction is improved, but the harm to the teat from pinching and irritation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is designed with dynamic collapse characteristics that allow it to adapt its collapsing behavior. The structure enables controlled, progressive collapse rather than sudden aggressive compression, maintaining milk flow efficiency while reducing teat irritation through a more gradual application of vacuum force.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the liner are optimized - specifically the wall thickness, material elasticity, and structural geometry - to achieve the desired balance between collapse speed and teat comfort. These parameter adjustments allow the liner to collapse effectively for milk extraction while maintaining gentle contact with the teat surface.
3Ease of operation
If the short milk tube is made flexible and thin, then the ease of operation and liner removal is improved, but the reliability of the tube against tearing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The short milk tube is constructed from composite materials or has a composite structure that combines the flexibility needed for easy liner removal with the strength required to resist tearing. This may involve using layered materials or incorporating reinforcement elements that provide both pliability and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube is pre-reinforced or pre-protected in areas susceptible to tearing, particularly at the connection points and along the length where stress concentrates during liner removal. This beforehand cushioning prevents tearing while maintaining overall flexibility for operational ease.
4Ease of manufacture
If the liner structure is simplified, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the durability and useful life of the liner deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is manufactured as segmented components that can be produced using simple, efficient processes. Each segment can be manufactured independently using straightforward molding or forming techniques, then assembled into the complete liner structure. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing while the modular design allows for easier replacement and maintenance, extending overall system life.
Solution Approach 2:
The material parameters and structural dimensions are optimized to achieve the desired balance between manufacturing simplicity and durability. By carefully selecting material properties and structural parameters, the liner can be produced using simple processes while maintaining the strength and flexibility needed for extended useful life.
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 solution enables efficient milk extraction with reduced teat irritation and increased durability of milking liners and short milk tubes, enhancing the overall milking process.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum source is applied to the short milk tube and an alternating vacuum is applied to the shell to cause the liner inside the shell to collapse and expand and thereby massage and suck milk from the teats.
Implementation Method 2
The configuration of the sidewall of the barrel and the channels cause the barrel to uniformly collapse when the barrel is subjected to a vacuum milking condition.
Implementation Method 3
The barrel and the mouthpiece are formed from an elastic material. The barrel defines at least three parallel channels open to the inner surface of the barrel. The configuration of the sidewall of the barrel and the channels cause the barrel to uniformly collapse when the barrel is subjected to a vacuum milking condition.
Data Source
AI summary
A milking liner for an automated milking machine includes a barrel that moves between an uncollapsed position and a collapsed condition when it is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. The barrel defines at least three parallel channels open to the inner surface of the barrel. The configuration of the sidewall of the barrel and the channels cause the barrel to uniformly collapse when the barrel is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. In one configuration, ribs protrude from the barrel sidewall and define channels with the same wall thickness as the sidewall segments disposed between the ribs.