Rotatable Flap Valve for Calf Feeding Buckets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve devices for calf feeding buckets are difficult to clean, leading to contamination due to hard-to-reach non-return balls and insecure connections between the valve and teat, which complicates maintenance and hygiene.
Innovation Solution
A valve device with a rotatable non-return flap and a conical plug-in connection for the suction nozzle, combined with a bayonet lock for easy teat attachment, ensuring the valve channel is accessible and easy to clean, and the suction nozzle is removable for thorough cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-return ball is used in conventional valve devices, then backflow prevention is achieved, but the valve becomes difficult to clean and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device is divided into separable components: the valve body, the non-return flap, and the suction nozzle. The non-return flap can be removed from the valve body, and the suction nozzle can be detached via conical connection, allowing each component to be cleaned separately and thoroughly, eliminating the cleaning difficulties associated with conventional integrated non-return balls.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a non-return ball that requires disassembly to access, the patent employs a non-return flap that is already positioned in an accessible location on the valve body. The flap is designed to be easily removable and reattachable, inverting the traditional approach by making the backflow prevention mechanism itself accessible for cleaning rather than hiding it within a closed structure.
2Reliability
If a valve flap inserted from the inside is used, then backflow prevention is achieved, but secure connection between valve device and bucket and teat is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection functions into a single integrated valve body structure. The valve body provides both the backflow prevention mechanism (non-return flap) and secure connection interfaces: external threading for attachment to the bucket and a conical connection for the suction nozzle. This merging ensures that all connection points are robust and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical connection for the suction nozzle utilizes a curved, tapered geometry that provides automatic alignment and secure engagement. The conical shape creates a mechanical interlock that prevents detachment under suction forces, while the curved surface allows for easy insertion and removal of the nozzle, combining security with ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the suction nozzle is firmly connected to the valve, then connection stability is improved, but cleaning accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the suction nozzle and valve body is designed to be dynamically adjustable. The conical connection provides stable engagement during operation, preventing accidental detachment, while allowing intentional removal for cleaning. The connection transitions from a static fixed state during use to a removable state for maintenance, balancing stability with accessibility.
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 simplifies daily cleaning, reduces contamination risk, and ensures a secure connection, making the valve device more hygienic and easier to maintain.
Implementation Method 1
If there is no suction, the non-return flap folds down again due to gravity, which prevents backflow into the soda bucket
Implementation Method 2
When sucking, the non-return flap is pushed upwards by the flow of liquid towards the teat, which opens the valve channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device (1) has a valve body (2) provided with a valve channel (3), and a sucker (6) inserted or attached at an end of the channel, where the end faces a lactation drink container (4) and channel is conically widened at the end. A valve flap (7) is provided at another end of the channel, and stops return flow of nutrition fluid i.e. milk, into the container through the channel, where the end of the channel faces a suction pacifier (8). A guiding device for rotatable guiding of the flap is provided at the valve body. An independent claim is also included for a lactation drink bucket comprising a valve device.