Mobile Milking Unit for Existing Parlors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milking systems require significant rearrangement of the milking parlor and use large, industrial robotic arms, which are not suitable for existing platforms and limit human interaction with dairy livestock, as they necessitate the animal entering a 'robotic zone' for treatment.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a mobile unit that travels on a ramp between the front and hind legs of dairy livestock, using miniature robotic arms to perform milking tasks within the animal's footprint, allowing integration with any existing milking parlor without major alterations, and including features like vertical teat cup holders, a milking pit, and a rail for electricity and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If industrial robotic arms are used to milk dairy livestock, then automation is improved, but the system complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the milking operation into separate functional modules: a mobile unit with robotic arm for attachment/detachment operations, and a stationary unit with teat cup holders and milk collection. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and more specialized, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile unit is designed to be movable along the ramp, transitioning from a static robotic zone to a dynamic system that adapts its position. This allows the robotic arm to operate from multiple positions and reduces the need for large, complex fixed installations.
2Extent of automation
If industrial robotic arms are used to milk dairy livestock, then automation is improved, but the area occupied by the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the robotic functions into a mobile unit that travels along the ramp, the system eliminates the need for large fixed robotic zones. The stationary unit only requires space for teat cup holders and milk collection, significantly reducing the overall area occupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile unit acts as an intermediary between the animal and the stationary milking equipment. It performs the complex robotic operations close to the animal, then returns to the stationary unit for equipment storage and milk collection, minimizing the space needed for each component.
3Extent of automation
If the animal enters a robotic zone for treatment, then automation is improved, but human interaction with the animal is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile unit dynamically positions itself along the ramp, allowing human operators to remain in safe zones while the robot performs operations. The system adapts its position based on the animal's location and the specific task required, enabling flexible human-robot collaboration.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic functions are extracted into a separate mobile unit that operates independently from the human operator's workspace. This allows humans to interact with animals in traditional milking positions while the mobile robot handles automated attachment and detachment tasks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing milking parlors are used without modifications, then adaptability is improved, but the system cannot be integrated into traditional setups
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile unit's ability to move along the ramp allows it to adapt to various existing parlor configurations without requiring fixed installations. The system can be integrated into traditional parlors by placing the stationary unit in available spaces and allowing the mobile unit to traverse the ramp structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile unit is designed as a universal platform that can serve multiple functions: transporting teat cups, performing robotic milking operations, and returning equipment to the stationary unit. This multi-functionality allows integration with various existing parlor types without requiring specialized modifications.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for treating dairy livestock having fore legs and hind legs, wherein the system comprises a milking parlor ramp, livestock stalls positioned along at least part of the milking parlor ramp, wherein each stall is configured to contain one dairy livestock, at least one vertical upright teat cup holder comprising teat cups and a mobile unit. The mobile unit comprises equipment for treating livestock and a processor, where the mobile unit is configured to travel between the fore legs and hind legs of the dairy livestock on the milking parlor ramp and use the equipment to perform at least one action related to a treatment of the dairy livestock. Also disclosed is that the equipment includes an arm configured to withdraw the teat cups from the vertical upright teat cup holder and connect them to the dairy livestock.