Permeable Teatcup Support Structure for Uniform Pulsation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing teatcups have a bulky design due to the combination of the teatcup liner, elongated sleeve, and connector casing, and lack a reliable path for pulsating pressure propagation.

Innovation Solution

A teatcup design featuring an elongated support member with a permeable intermediate structure, such as a net or perforated sheet, allowing free gas flow and uniform pulsating pressure distribution, and a slim profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the teatcup is designed with a traditional structure comprising a teatcup liner, elongated sleeve, and connector casing arranged in one another, then the teatcup provides reliable milk extraction functionality, but the teatcup achieves a bulky size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveteatcup sizeVSAvoidpulsating pressure path reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies porous materials by making the intermediate support structure permeable to gas. The intermediate support structure comprises a permeable material allowing free flow of gas between the pulsation chamber and the environment, eliminating the need for complex internal pathways while ensuring reliable pulsating pressure propagation throughout the teatcup liner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the intermediate support structure with the elongated support member by making the intermediate support structure an integral part of the elongated support member. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall teatcup structure, contributing to a slimmer design while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Weight of moving object

If the teatcup uses a traditional multi-component structure, then the teatcup provides structural support and sealing functionality, but the teatcup requires more material and has increased weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveteatcup weightVSAvoidstructural support capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate support structure is made from a permeable material that provides structural support while allowing gas flow. This porous material replaces heavier solid structures, reducing the overall weight of the teatcup while maintaining the necessary structural integrity to support the teatcup liner and transmit pulsating pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs thin-walled structures for the elongated support member and intermediate support structure. These thin films and shells provide sufficient structural support for their intended functions while minimizing material usage and overall weight of the teatcup assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If the teatcup design includes a dense intermediate support structure, then the teatcup provides structural stability, but the gas flow and pulsating pressure distribution are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidpulsating pressure propagation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate support structure utilizes a permeable material that inherently provides both structural stability and gas flow pathways. The porous structure maintains the shape and position of the teatcup liner while allowing uniform distribution of pulsating pressure throughout the milk extraction system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The elongated support member comprises a composite structure with an intermediate support structure that combines structural integrity with permeability. This composite design integrates materials with different properties to achieve both structural stability and effective gas flow, ensuring reliable pulsating pressure propagation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 design achieves a slimmer teatcup with efficient gas flow and uniform pressure distribution, reducing material and weight while maintaining effective milk extraction.

Implementation Method 1

The intermediate support structure is permeable to gas permitting the pulsating pressure to propagate freely through the intermediate support structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow through permeable structure: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP4075954B1A teatcup

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 DELAVAL HLDG AB

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5

AI summary

A teatcup (1) for the teat of an animal comprises a casing (2) having an upper end (2a) and a lower end (2b), a cartridge (3) inserted in the casing, and a pulsation chamber (14). An upper annular seal element (4) extends between the cartridge and the casing for sealing the pulsation chamber from the environment. The cartridge comprises an elongated support member (5), comprising an upper end section (5a), a lower end section (5b) and an intermediate support structure (5c) between the upper and lower end sections. A barrel (6) defining an inner space (7) for the teat is mounted in the elongated support member and stretched between the upper and the lower end sections. The intermediate support structure is permeable to gas. The pulsation chamber is delimited by the barrel, the casing and the upper annular seal element positioned at the upper end of the casing.