Pneumatic Pulsator Stimulation Device with By-pass Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic pulsators in milking plants lack the ability to adjust pulsation frequency for stimulation steps, making it difficult to effectively prepare animals for milking, leading to prolonged milking times and potential teat damage.
Innovation Solution
A stimulation device connected to the pneumatic pulsator with a by-pass channel of larger cross-section than the pulsator adjustment channel, allowing for increased frequency during stimulation without altering the pulsator's frequency adjusting pin, and featuring a timing system to automatically restore the nominal frequency after the stimulation period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pneumatic pulsator is used with fixed frequency adjustment, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to perform stimulation steps at high frequency (180-200 ppm) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A stimulation device is introduced as an intermediary component between the operator and the pulsator. This device includes a by-pass channel that temporarily alters the pneumatic circuit during stimulation steps, enabling high frequency operation without modifying the pulsator's internal structure or frequency adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static frequency configuration to a dynamic one by incorporating a by-pass channel that can be activated during stimulation steps. This allows the pulsator frequency to change from normal milking frequency to high stimulation frequency (180-200 ppm) temporarily, then return to normal, without permanent structural changes.
2Productivity
If manual frequency adjustment is required for stimulation, then operator control is maintained, but milking time increases and teat damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stimulation device is equipped with an automatic timing system that self-regulates the duration of high-frequency stimulation. Once activated, the system automatically restores the nominal frequency after the predetermined stimulation period without requiring continuous operator monitoring or manual intervention, thus reducing operational complexity and preventing teat damage from excessive stimulation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing system provides automatic feedback control by monitoring the stimulation duration and automatically restoring the pulsator to its nominal frequency setting. This closed-loop control ensures that stimulation occurs for the precise duration needed to prepare the animal for milking, optimizing both productivity and animal welfare.
3Reliability
If the pulsator frequency is increased for stimulation, then animal preparation is improved, but the risk of teat damage increases without automatic restoration
Solution Approach 1:
The timing system is pre-configured with the optimal stimulation duration before the process begins. When stimulation is initiated, the system automatically executes the predetermined time sequence, ensuring that high-frequency stimulation occurs for exactly the right duration to prepare the animal's udder without causing damage from over-stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic timing mechanism acts as a protective measure against excessive stimulation. By pre-setting the restoration time, the system cushions against the potential harm of prolonged high-frequency operation, automatically returning to safe nominal frequencies before teat damage can occur.
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
Enables the implementation of a stimulation step with frequencies suitable for animal stimulation (180-200 ppm) while maintaining precise control and minimizing operator intervention, ensuring efficient and safe milking operations.
Implementation Method 1
a by-pass channel (207) intended for the passage of a pneumatic medium and having a cross-section larger than that of the pulsator adjustment channel
Implementation Method 2
featuring a timing system to automatically restore the nominal frequency after the stimulation period
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a stimulation device (201) intended for a milking pneumatic pulsator (101) capable of varying the operating frequency of said pulsator over a desired time period, as well as a pulsator assembly (301) comprising a pneumatic pulsator (101) and said stimulation device (201). By virtue of the stimulation device (201) according to the invention, the pneumatic pulsator can be operated at a frequency of 180 - 200 ppm over a limited time period, thus stimulating the teat of the animal at the beginning of the milking step. According to the invention, the stimulation device (201) comprises at least one by-pass channel intended for the passage of the pneumatic medium and having a cross-section larger than that of the pulsator adjustment channel, whereby, when the pneumatic medium is guided through said by-pass channel, the frequency of the pulsator is increased to a value suitable for stimulation over a limited, adjustable time period, and when the passage of the pneumatic medium through the by-pass channel is prevented, the nominal frequency of the pulsator is duly restored.