Modular Teat Cup Shell Segmentation for Milking Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current teat cup sleeves for milking dairy animals lack flexibility in adapting to different animal species and milking conditions, requiring frequent replacement and complicating the process of changing elastic teat holders, which limits efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A modular teat cup system comprising independently manufactured sleeve parts that can be easily coupled and decoupled, allowing for adjustments in dimensions, material, and configuration to accommodate various animal species and milking conditions, including connections for milk hoses, pulsation lines, and air inlets, enabling quick adaptation without the need for extensive tools or changes to the existing milking system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single integrated teat cup sleeve design is used, then manufacturing precision and mechanical stability are improved, but adaptability to different animal species and milking conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The teat cup sleeve is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently selected and combined. Each segment can be optimized for manufacturing precision while the combination of segments provides adaptability to different animal species and milking conditions through selective assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sleeve segments are designed with standardized connection interfaces that allow the same basic components to serve multiple functions across different animal species. By combining universal connection standards with variable segment configurations, the system achieves both manufacturing efficiency and broad adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent replacement of teat cup sleeves is required, then adaptability to different milking conditions is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the teat cup sleeve into modular components, only the necessary segments need to be replaced rather than the entire assembly. This reduces replacement time while maintaining adaptability, as individual segments can be quickly swapped without affecting other parts of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sleeve segments are prepared in advance with pre-configured connections and specifications. When adaptation is needed, the pre-prepared segments can be immediately installed without requiring on-site configuration or adjustment, significantly reducing replacement time.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex assembly procedures are used to ensure correct positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interfaces between sleeve segments incorporate localized features such as keyways,定位 pins, or tapered surfaces that automatically guide correct positioning during assembly. This ensures high positioning precision through local geometric constraints rather than complex overall assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular segments are designed with self-aligning connection features that automatically ensure correct positioning when brought together. The segments guide themselves into the proper configuration without requiring complex external alignment procedures or specialized tools, combining precision with operational simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a teat cup shell (100), which is structured from two shell parts (110, 120), which can be coupled together, to a modular teat cup system, and to a corresponding method for using a modular teat cup shell. The modular structure of the teat cup shell enables a versatile modification of a teat cup to different milking conditions, in that, for example, one shell part is changed while the other shell part having the necessary connection arrangement can be retained.