Performance Analysis of a Linear Oscillatory Actuator for a Milking Unit

Milking with a conventional milking machine often involves teat trouble, because the pulsation rate of the milking is not variable. A new cylindrical linear oscillatory actuator (CLOA) developed by the authors has a freely variable pulsation rate. This paper analyzes the static and kinetic thrusts of the CLOA. The mover of the CLOA is capable of oscillation at a frequency of 1 Hz with a stroke of ±2 mm, and will be used in new milking machines.