Milking Liner Vent Plug Downstream Airflow Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milking apparatus vent plugs direct vent air perpendicular to the milk flow, disrupting laminar flow and reducing milking efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vent plug design that directs vent air in a downstream direction within the milking liner, preventing backflow of milk and maintaining smooth milk flow by positioning the vent passage outlet inside the liner and discharging air in the direction of the milk flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vent outlet is configured to direct vent air perpendicular to the milk flow direction, then the vent air can be effectively introduced into the short milk tube to prevent milk backflow, but the vent air interferes with smooth laminar milk flow and reduces milking efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The vent outlet is positioned and oriented to discharge vent air at a specific location and angle within the short milk tube. By configuring the vent outlet to discharge air downstream rather than perpendicular to flow, the invention creates a localized flow pattern that prevents backflow while minimizing disruption to the overall laminar milk flow, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity
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
Enhances milking efficiency by ensuring smooth laminar milk flow and preventing milk backflow during the expansion of the milking liner, thereby improving the overall milk extraction 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 liners to collapse and expand
Implementation Method 2
A vacuum source is applied to the short milk tube and an alternating vacuum is applied to the shell to cause the liners to collapse and expand and thereby massage the teats and suck milk from the teats
Data Source
AI summary
A vent plug for a milking liner has an outlet that discharges the vent air in the downstream direction. The vent plug has an outlet disposed in the downstream portion of the inner flange of the vent plug so that vent air is directed toward the outlet of the short milk tube. The vent plug outlet also may be disposed in the upstream portion of the inner flange while being configured to direct the vent air in a downstream direction.