Automated Teat Dip Injection via Pulsation Liner Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated teat dipping systems for dairy animals fail to provide uniform dip coverage and efficient dip application, often leading to inadequate protection against mastitis pathogens and excessive dip consumption.
Innovation Solution
An automated dipping system that injects teat dip into the liner dome at the end of milking, coordinating the pulsation to stop in the 'off position before dip application, allowing the liner to collapse around the teat for improved coverage and reduced dip usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dip is applied using manual dipping cup, then teat coverage is improved, but labor intensity increases and dipping solution consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the milker unit's own pulsation mechanism to automatically apply dip to the teat. The pulsation chamber collapses and expands cyclically, drawing dip solution from the reservoir and forcing it onto the teat surface without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach eliminates labor intensity while maintaining uniform coverage through the mechanical pulsation action.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical dipping action is replaced with an automated pneumatic system. The pulsation chamber creates pressure differentials that automatically draw dip solution through the milk tube and onto the teat, substituting manual mechanical manipulation with automated pneumatic pressure differentials.
2Ease of operation
If automated spray devices are used to apply dip, then labor intensity is reduced, but dip solution consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic pressure differentials created by the pulsation chamber to control dip solution flow. The vacuum and pressure cycles automatically regulate the amount of dip drawn through the milk tube and applied to the teat, preventing excessive consumption while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameters dynamically during the pulsation cycle. By alternating between vacuum and atmospheric pressure, the system controls the flow rate and volume of dip solution applied to the teat, optimizing both labor efficiency and substance utilization.
3Device complexity
If dip is applied before pulsation stops, then application timing is simplified, but teat coverage becomes inadequate due to liner detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary coordination by stopping the pulsation cycle before dip application begins. This ensures the liner remains attached to the teat during the entire dip application process, preventing detachment that would compromise coverage uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping the liner attached to the teat throughout the dip application process. By coordinating the pulsation stop with dip start, the system ensures uninterrupted contact between the dip solution and teat surface, maximizing coverage effectiveness.
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
Ensures uniform teat dip coverage, reduces dip consumption, and prevents contamination of the milk and downstream milk system components by coordinating pulsation with dip application, enhancing teat health and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum is applied through the milk tube. This vacuum also draws milk from the liner into the milk tube and milk collecting device
Implementation Method 2
Milk is drawn from each teat by applying a pulsation of vacuum and atmospheric pressure to the pulsation chamber
Implementation Method 3
vacuum inside the liner causes the liner into massaging contact with the teat
Implementation Method 4
the liner exerts little or no pressure on the teat because it is offset by vacuum inside the liner
Implementation Method 5
allowing vacuum in the liner to spread dip along the dairy animal teat
Implementation Method 6
applying dip having a viscosity of between about 1 centipoise and about 20 centipoise
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are used at the end of a dairy animal milking process to stop milking pulsation in an off position and then applying a teat dip into a milker unit teat cup liner to improve dip coverage on the teat.