Milking Module Quick Coupling for Vacuum-Safe Cleaning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-coupling devices for milking systems are difficult to clean and maintain, particularly due to the inability to disconnect the valve from the milk pipe without shutting off the vacuum, which disrupts continuous operation and fails to meet regulatory standards for cleanliness and contamination prevention.
Innovation Solution
A quick-coupling device with a valve mechanism that can be moved between open and closed states, incorporating articulated clamps and a sliding seal element for easy disconnection and reconnection, allowing for maintenance during operation without vacuum shutdown, and featuring self-draining capabilities to prevent contamination and facilitate cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve is fixedly connected to the milk pipe, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the valve region becomes inaccessible for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components: the milking module with valve mechanism can be detached from the milk pipe system. This segmentation allows the valve region to be accessed for cleaning while maintaining a stable connection during operation through the quick-coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection transitions from static (fixed) to dynamic (releasable). The quick-coupling device enables the valve assembly to be easily disconnected and reconnected, providing both operational stability and maintenance accessibility through controlled dynamic separation.
2Ease of repair
If the milking module is disconnected for cleaning, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but the vacuum must be shut off disrupting continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the cleaning operation from the vacuum system. The milking module can be detached for cleaning while the vacuum pump and milk pipe system remain operational, allowing independent maintenance without productivity loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-coupling device acts as an intermediary that enables module replacement during operation. It provides a sealed connection that maintains vacuum integrity while allowing rapid exchange of milking modules, preventing contamination during transitions.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple articulated clamp connection is used, then ease of assembly is improved, but sealing reliability and contamination prevention may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into the sealing flange component: it provides both the articulated clamp connection for easy assembly and integrated sealing surfaces with seals for reliable contamination prevention. The feeding seal and discharge seal are incorporated directly into the flange structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-draining design allows the connection to automatically drain liquid from the sealing surfaces when disconnected, preventing residual fluid contamination without requiring additional manual intervention or complex drainage systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-coupling device for a milking module of a milking system for milking dairy animals that forms a releasable and re-establishable connection between the milking module and a milk pipe and includes a valve mechanism for opening and closing a feeding port and a discharge port using a number of articulated clamps.