Automated Teat Cleaning Fluid Dispensing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated and semi-automated milking systems, there is a need to improve the efficiency and consistency of teat cleaning and disinfection processes to maintain high hygiene standards, reduce personnel intervention, and ensure a high level of animal health and milk quality.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system that applies two different process fluids automatically to the teats before and after the milking process, using separate dispensing lines and a positioning device to ensure precise and controlled application, reducing the risk of contamination and waste, and allowing for efficient operation without direct contact between the dispensing device and the teats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of teats is performed by operators, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but hygiene consistency and efficiency deteriorate due to variable operator performance and time pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning where the animal remains in position while the cleaning device automatically applies process fluids to the teats without requiring manual intervention by operators, thereby ensuring consistent hygiene standards while reducing labor involvement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning actions with an automated fluid dispensing system that uses controlled application of cleaning solutions, substituting human operators with a mechanized system that delivers consistent hygiene treatment
2Reliability
If separate dispensing lines are used for different process fluids, then contamination risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into separate independent lines for different process fluids, allowing each fluid type to be delivered through dedicated pathways that prevent cross-contamination while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
3Reliability
If teat cleaning is performed immediately before milking, then hygiene standards are improved, but milking process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by applying process fluids to the teats immediately before milking begins, ensuring hygiene requirements are met while the automated nature of the system minimizes the time required for this preparatory step
4Productivity
If automated fluid dispensing is implemented, then labor costs are reduced, but system acquisition and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing device is designed with multi-functionality to handle different types of process fluids through a single integrated system, reducing the need for multiple separate devices and thereby lowering overall system acquisition and maintenance costs while maintaining automated operational efficiency
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 achieves a high level of hygiene and efficiency in teat cleaning, reducing the risk of germ transmission and ensuring consistent milk quality by automating the application of cleaning agents, thereby minimizing manual intervention and maintaining animal health and milk production standards.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning device (120) which is designed to move the fluid dispensing device (110) to a second operating position (102), in which the teats (184) can be acted upon with a process fluid (132, 133)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 1d~1f
AI summary
An automatic cleaning system for teats is designed to apply at least two different process fluids (132, 133) to the teats (184) so that in advantageous embodiments, a cleaning treatment can be performed in an automated manner before and after the milking process.