Rubber Teat Element with Undulatory Head for Milking Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber teat elements fail to adapt to the diverse geometries and sizes of animal teats, leading to inefficiencies and discomfort during milking, particularly with smaller and thinner teats, which can result in reduced milk flow and extended milking times.
Innovation Solution
A rubber teat element with a head part and shank part, featuring an undulatory cross-section expansion region that allows for flexibility and adaptability to various teat geometries, reducing the overall height and diameter while maintaining robustness, ensuring gentle and efficient milking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the head outside diameter of the rubber teat element is reduced to accommodate smaller and thinner teats, then the adaptability to different teat geometries is improved, but the robustness and flexibility of the head are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The head is divided into multiple regions with different cross-sectional geometries: a first region with a first cross-section and a second region with a second cross-section. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently - the first region can be designed for robustness while the second region adapts to smaller teats, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the head are given different local properties through varying cross-sectional dimensions. The first region has dimensions optimized for structural integrity and robustness, while the second region has reduced dimensions for adaptability to smaller teats. This local differentiation allows the single head to simultaneously provide both robustness and adaptability across its structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a joint is provided between the head part and shank part to enable relative movement, then the adaptability to various teat angles is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint functionality is merged into the head structure itself through the provision of multiple regions with different cross-sections, eliminating the need for a separate joint component between the head and shank. The head's multi-region design inherently provides the relative movement capability, combining the functions of both the head and the joint into a single integrated component, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The head is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the sealing function and the articulation function typically requiring separate components. The multi-region head structure universally handles both structural support and angular adaptation, eliminating the need for dedicated joint mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Strength
If the lateral surface thickness of the head is increased to improve robustness, then the structural strength is improved, but the flexibility and adaptability to small teats are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The head's lateral surface is segmented into different regions with varying thicknesses. The first region has a greater lateral surface thickness for robustness, while the second region has a reduced lateral surface thickness for flexibility. This segmentation allows the head to simultaneously provide both structural strength and adaptability to different teat sizes without compromising either property.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral surface thickness is varied locally across different regions of the head. Rather than using a uniform thickness, the design applies greater thickness where structural strength is needed and reduced thickness where flexibility and adaptability are prioritized, optimizing both properties within the same component.
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 solution enables faster and gentler milking by accommodating a wide range of teat geometries, improving adhesion and reducing the risk of teat constriction, thus shortening milking time and preventing pressure on sensitive areas.
Implementation Method 1
The rubber teat element is made of a soft, flexible material that can adapt to different teat geometries
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a rubber teat element which, on account of the radial expandability of the head part, is able to adapt to different teat geometries, in particular in the case where an animal has small, thin and short teats. A teat cup and a milking cluster with a corresponding rubber teat element are also provided.