Milking Device Support Arm Enclosing Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current milking device support arms are complex, heavy, and prone to interference with external components, making them difficult to clean and inefficient to manufacture due to the need for numerous external parts and components.
Innovation Solution
The support arm is designed with an extruded part that encloses essential cavities and channels, reducing external components and facilitating manufacturing, with a smooth surface for easier cleaning and reduced exposure to interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external components (milk tubes, gas flow tubes, retraction lines) are provided in the proximity of the support arm, then the support device can perform milking functions, but the support arm becomes complex and heavy with increased risk of interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates milk tubes, gas flow tubes, and retraction lines inside the hollow arm section, merging previously external components into the internal structure of the support arm. This eliminates the need for separate external routing of these components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent places multiple functional components (milk tubes, gas flow tubes, retraction lines) within the hollow cavity of the arm section, creating a nested arrangement where smaller components are housed within the larger arm structure. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions into a single integrated structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external components are provided in the proximity of the support arm, then the support device can perform milking functions, but the support arm is exposed to interference with other objects or humans
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all functional components inside the arm section, the patent eliminates external exposures that could lead to interference. The hollow arm section acts as a protective enclosure, shielding all critical components from contact with other objects or humans in the milking area.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested arrangement of components within the hollow arm section provides physical protection, reducing the risk of interference. All sensitive components are housed within the arm's internal cavity, making them inaccessible to external objects or operators.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external components are provided in the proximity of the support arm, then the support device can perform milking functions, but the support device becomes difficult to keep clean
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all functional components inside the hollow arm section, the patent creates a smooth, continuous external surface without external tubes or components that could accumulate dirt. The enclosed design allows for easier cleaning as there are no external crevices or attachment points for milk residue to adhere to.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of components within the arm's internal cavity protects them from direct contamination while maintaining functionality. The smooth external surface of the hollow arm can be easily cleaned without disassembly, while internal components remain shielded from dirt accumulation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If various parts and components are incorporated in the support arm, then the support device can perform milking functions, but the manufacturing becomes inefficient and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated hollow arm section structure. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of external tubes, lines, and mounting brackets, significantly reducing assembly time and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested design allows all functional components to be housed within the pre-formed hollow arm section, eliminating the need for complex external assembly. The arm section is manufactured as a single piece with internal cavities, and components are simply placed inside during final assembly, streamlining the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A milking device includes a support device (1) supporting a milking member (2) having a claw (3) and a number of teatcups (4) to be attached to a respective teat of an animal. The support device (1) includes a rear portion (6), an attachment part (9) attaching the support device to a structure, and an arm section (7) having a proximal end portion attached to the rear portion (6) and a distal end portion movable between an active position in the proximity of the animal to be milked and a rest position. A first cavity extends along the arm section and houses a retracting member for retracting the milking member from the teats of the animal. A second cavity for conveying a fluid flow extends along the arm section. The arm section includes an extruded part enclosing the first cavity and the second cavity.