Rotary Quickstart Clevis Pulley Sensor Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dairy milking systems are inefficient and lack scalability, particularly in the automatic release mechanism for attaching a milking cluster to livestock, which hinders the streamlined operation of dairy milking operations.
Innovation Solution
A rotary quickstart system comprising a milking cluster, a clevis assembly with a pulley system and sensor, and a controller that automatically activates the assembly to release the milking cluster when lifted by an operator, allowing for efficient attachment to livestock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional manual release mechanism is used for attaching the milking cluster to livestock, then the system structure remains simple, but the operational efficiency and scalability are reduced due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic release of the milking cluster through self-service mechanisms. When the operator lifts the milking cluster, the pulley system automatically triggers the release mechanism without requiring manual operation of release levers or buttons, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminate manual intervention in the release process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical release mechanisms with a simpler pulley-based automatic release system. The pulley system converts the lifting motion into an automatic release action, substituting the need for complex manual control mechanisms with a more efficient mechanical advantage system that reduces operational complexity
2Extent of automation
If an automatic release mechanism is implemented to improve operational efficiency, then manual intervention is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulley system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the milking cluster, enables automatic release through lifting motion, and provides mechanical advantage for the release mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite adding automation
Solution Approach 2:
The pulley system acts as an intermediary between the operator's lifting action and the release mechanism. Instead of directly coupling complex manual operations to the release function, the pulley system mediates this relationship, converting simple lifting motion into automatic release while isolating the complexity of the release mechanism from the operator's input
3Reliability
If the clevis is designed with multiple members and apertures for pulley coupling, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clevis is segmented into multiple members (first member, second member, base member) with dedicated apertures for pulley coupling. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with standardized features, improving attachment reliability through modular design while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to a monolithic complex structure
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 system enables automatic and efficient attachment of the milking cluster to livestock, enhancing the operational efficiency of dairy milking operations by streamlining the release mechanism and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The pulley system of the assembly includes a cord. The cord includes a first end coupled to the milking cluster.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is configured to generate a displacement signal in response to detecting that a portion of the clevis is within a predefined distance of the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A milking system includes an assembly, a controller, and a milking cluster configured to attach to one or more teats of a livestock. The assembly includes a clevis, a piston, a pulley system, and a sensor. The clevis includes a first member, a second member, a base member, and a cylinder. The cylinder is coupled to the base member. The piston is positioned at least partially within the cylinder, and is configured to move within the cylinder. The pulley system of the assembly includes a cord configured to be coupled to the milking cluster. The assembly includes a sensor configured to generate a displacement signal in response to detecting that a portion of the clevis is within a predefined distance of the sensor.