Milking Pulsator Flow Restrictor for C Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated milking machines face inefficiencies in the milking process due to the rapid C phase of the pulsation cycle, which allows atmospheric air to flow back into the pulsation chamber, prolonging the time required to extract milk.
Innovation Solution
A pulsator flow restrictor is introduced, featuring a main and alternate airflow pathway with a check valve that slows the C phase by directing atmospheric air through the alternate pathway, which has a lower flow rate, allowing for adjustable control of the airflow to optimize the milking cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If atmospheric air flows rapidly back into the pulsation chamber during the C phase, then the pulsation cycle completes quickly, but the overall milking time is prolonged and milking efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter of atmospheric air during the C phase by introducing a restrictor with an alternate airflow pathway. This restrictor reduces the cross-sectional area available for air flow, thereby controlling and optimizing the speed at which atmospheric air enters the pulsation chamber, which in turn optimizes the C phase duration and overall milking efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor acts as an intermediary device between the atmospheric air source and the pulsation chamber. It mediates the flow of atmospheric air during the C phase by providing a controlled alternate airflow pathway, preventing direct rapid entry of air and thereby optimizing the pulsation cycle timing
2Loss of time
If the C phase is slowed down to improve milking efficiency, then the time required to extract milk decreases, but the complexity of the pulsator system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsator flow pathway is segmented into two separate pathways: a main airflow pathway and an alternate airflow pathway. The alternate pathway includes the restrictor and check valve, creating a segmented flow control system that allows independent optimization of air flow rates during different phases of the pulsation cycle without completely redesigning the entire pulsator system
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor serves as an intermediary component that can be integrated into the existing pulsator tube system. By splicing the restrictor into the pulsator tube, the patent minimizes structural changes while achieving the desired flow control, thereby reducing the increase in system complexity
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
This solution shortens the overall milking time by slowing the C phase, thereby increasing milking efficiency while maintaining the efficiency of the A and B phases, resulting in faster milk extraction with the same volume yield as prior art systems.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve disposed in the main airflow pathway; and the alternate air pathway bypassing the check valve
Data Source
AI summary
A milking apparatus that is used to extract milk from dairy animals includes a vacuum source, a milking liner cooperating with a shell to define a pulsation chamber; and a pulsator in fluid communication with the pulsation chamber and the vacuum source. The pulsator is configured to produce at least a four-phase milking cycle in the milking liner with the cycle including at least an A phase and a C phase. The A phase is wherein the liner is changed from a closed configuration to an open configuration during which the pulsator provides fluid communication between the pulsation chamber and the vacuum source. The C phase is wherein the liner is changed from an open configuration to a closed configuration during which the pulsator allows atmospheric air to flow into the pulsation chamber. A restrictor is disposed in the path of the fluid communication between the pulsator and the pulsation chamber with the restrictor slowing the C phase compared to the A phase.