Milking Trolley with Plastic Sections and Vacuum Cavity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trolleys for milking apparatus with metal frames are prone to damage from accidental impacts, lack ergonomic arrangement of components, have high manufacturing costs, and are heavy with potential for corrosion, while also being inefficient in terms of storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A trolley with a supporting structure composed of three plastic sections assembled using metal tie rods, utilizing the blow-molding technique to create a robust, lightweight, and geometrically complex design that includes a large vacuum reservoir and an adjustable handle for improved handling and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal frame structure is used for the trolley, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the weight is high and corrosion resistance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic (polymer), fundamentally altering the weight and corrosion properties while maintaining structural adequacy through geometric optimization and reinforcement strategies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining plastic sections with metal tie rods, creating a hybrid structure that leverages the corrosion resistance and weight advantages of plastic while utilizing the high strength of metal fasteners for structural integrity
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple metal frame structure is used, then manufacturing is easy, but component protection and ergonomic arrangement are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley structure is divided into multiple separate plastic sections (front section, intermediate section, rear section) that can be manufactured independently using blow-molding and then assembled together, enabling both complex protective geometry and simplified manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hollow plastic sections with integrated cavities that serve as protective enclosures for components while maintaining lightweight construction. The blow-molded plastic sections act as flexible yet protective shells around sensitive components
3Strength
If a metal frame structure is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing costs and manufacturing time are high
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the trolley into separable plastic sections enables parallel manufacturing of multiple components, reducing overall production time and cost while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
Changing from metal fabrication processes (cutting, welding, assembly) to plastic blow-molding processes reduces manufacturing complexity, time, and cost while achieving sufficient structural integrity for the application
4Ease of manufacture
If the trolley structure is divided into multiple plastic sections, then manufacturing and transportation are simplified, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal tie rods serve multiple functions: they act as structural connectors between sections, provide reinforcement, and serve as fastening elements, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process despite the multi-section construction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Trolley (11) for a milking apparatus (17), said trolley comprising a supporting structure (13) provided with wheels (15) and capable of carrying a milking apparatus (17) and a handle (19; 119) for allowing the trolley to be transported by a user, wherein the supporting structure (13) comprises at least two sections (21a, 21b, 21c) firmly associated to each other, at least one of which defines at its inside a cavity (23) capable of cooperating with the vacuum circuit of the milking apparatus (17).