Teatcup Cartridge Locking Mechanism for Barrel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing teatcup cartridges are prone to twisting when inserted or removed, which deforms the barrel and reduces performance, especially in polygonal barrels that are sensitive to rotation.
Innovation Solution
The cartridge design features a flange with multiple locking members that extend beyond and grip the head member, preventing rotation by engaging with a lower surface, and a bayonet coupling system to securely attach the cartridge to the connector, ensuring stable attachment even under powerful forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cartridge is inserted or removed with rotary movement, then the insertion and removal process is simplified, but the barrel rotates in relation to the elongated sleeve causing twisting and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing locking members with asymmetric engagement surfaces that engage with corresponding asymmetric features on the flange. This asymmetric design creates a mechanical interlock that permits axial insertion and removal movements while preventing rotational movement, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and shape stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection interface into multiple locking members (at least three) distributed around the periphery of the barrel. Each locking member independently engages with the flange, creating multiple constraint points that collectively prevent rotation while allowing straightforward linear insertion and removal, addressing both ease of operation and stability requirements
2Stability of the object's composition
If the locking members are uniformly distributed around the periphery, then the attachment stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the locking members: they provide rotational constraint through engagement surfaces, distribute mechanical loads uniformly around the barrel, and prevent axial displacement. By combining these functions into a single structural element that is uniformly distributed, the design achieves high attachment stability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed with specific local geometric features (engagement surfaces oriented away from the lower end section) that provide enhanced gripping capability. This localized geometric optimization allows each locking member to be simple in overall structure while providing complex functional behavior, balancing stability and complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A teatcup, a connector (2) and a cartridge (1) are disclosed. The teatcup is configured to be attached to the teat of an animal to be milked. The cartridge comprises an elongated sleeve (8), having an upper end section (8') and a lower end section (8"), and a barrel (9) pre-mounted in the elongated sleeve (8) and having an inner space (10) for receiving the teat. A pulsation chamber (11 ) is formed between the elongated sleeve and the barrel. A head member (12) provided at the upper end section comprises a lip (13) surrounding an opening (14) to the inner space. The elongated sleeve has a flange (20) extending outwardly at the upper end section. The head member comprises a plurality of locking members (19) each gripping the flange. Each of the locking members extends towards the lower end section and beyond the flange.