Milking Parlour Support Arm Holding Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milking parlour systems face challenges in reliably positioning the milking cluster due to unpredictable pivotal forces, which can lead to accidental triggering of milking equipment functions and improper alignment during milking.
Innovation Solution
A support arm assembly with a pivotable support arm and a stationary arm suspension, featuring a holding device that maintains the arm in a pivotal position when subjected to forces below a threshold, preventing accidental pivoting and ensuring well-defined positions for the milking cluster, utilizing magnetic or resilient elements to manage pivotal forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the support arm is made freely pivotable to allow movement between positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of positioning deteriorates due to accidental triggering by unpredictable pivotal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is configured to maintain the support arm in a defined pivotal position before any pivoting force is applied. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the arm remains stable and prevents accidental triggering, while still allowing intentional pivoting when needed for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device changes the force threshold parameter by requiring a pivotal force exceeding a predetermined threshold to move the support arm from its held position. This parameter change distinguishes between accidental forces (below threshold) and intentional operational forces (above threshold), resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the holding device maintains the arm in a fixed pivotal position, then the positioning reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to threshold force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a simpler force-threshold-based system. The device maintains reliability through force threshold detection rather than mechanical interlocks, reducing complexity while preserving the ability to distinguish between accidental and intentional pivoting forces.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support arm is designed to be easily movable for flexibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to unpredictable movement under varying forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic held-position design. The holding device maintains the arm in a defined pivotal position during normal operation, providing positioning precision, while allowing movement when forces exceed the threshold, maintaining adaptability and flexibility for different operational needs.
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 support arm assembly securely positions the milking cluster, preventing accidental triggering of milking equipment functions and ensuring proper alignment, even under varying forces, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the milking process.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing magnetic or resilient elements to manage pivotal forces
Implementation Method 2
utilizing magnetic or resilient elements to manage pivotal forces
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
Herein a support arm assembly (2) for milking equipment is disclosed. The support arm assembly (2) comprises a pivotable support arm (6) and a stationary arm suspension (8) for supporting the pivotable support arm (6). The pivotable support arm (6) comprises an elongated arm member (14). The elongated arm member (14) is configured to support a milking cluster (28) of the milking equipment at a distal end portion (24) thereof. The elongated arm member (14) is pivotable in a first direction (18) and an opposite second direction (20) in a substantially horizontal plane. The support arm assembly (2) comprises a holding device (36) configured to maintain the elongated arm member (14) in a first pivotal position when the elongated arm member (14) is subjected to a pivotal force smaller than a threshold force. Further a milking parlour is disclosed.