Double Tank Milk Supply System with Automatic Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dairy farmers face challenges in maintaining a continuous, clean, and cool milk supply for calf feeders, as existing solutions are often labor-intensive and prone to contamination, with manual refilling and inadequate storage options leading to milk wastage and potential calf starvation.
Innovation Solution
A double tank milk supply system that automatically switches between two tanks, allowing one to be cleaned and cooled while the other provides milk, featuring independent fluid control, cooling, and washing systems, along with an agitation system and data input/display for user management, ensuring uninterrupted milk supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual refilling of milk tanks is used, then the system is simple, but labor requirements increase and continuous supply cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the milk storage into two separate tanks (first tank and second tank) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows one tank to be refilled or cleaned while the other continues supplying milk, automating the continuous supply function without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic level sensing and valve control mechanisms that enable the tanks to self-regulate their refilling operations. When the first tank level drops, the system automatically switches to the second tank and triggers its refilling, reducing the need for manual monitoring and intervention.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a single milk tank is used, then the system is simple, but continuous milk supply cannot be maintained during cleaning or refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The milk storage system is segmented into two independent tanks with separate outlet valves and level sensors. This allows the system to maintain continuous supply by switching between tanks - when one tank is being cleaned or refilled, the other continues to provide milk to calves.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-tank system ensures continuous useful action by maintaining one tank in service while the other undergoes cleaning or refilling. The automatic valve switching mechanism ensures that milk flow to calves never interrupts, maintaining continuous nourishment supply.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If open-top milk storage tanks are used, then the system is simple, but contamination from dirt and debris increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs covered tank designs with sealed openings and flexible sealing mechanisms that prevent contamination from dirt and debris while allowing for cleaning access. The tank structures incorporate protective barriers that maintain milk purity without requiring overly complex filtration or containment systems.
4Productivity
If foreign-made milk containers are used, then storage capacity is adequate, but manual washing is required and cleaning efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic washing mechanisms that enable the tanks to clean themselves without manual intervention. The washing system uses circulating water and cleaning agents delivered through automated pumps and spray systems, significantly improving cleaning efficiency and reducing labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual washing operations are replaced with automated mechanical washing systems that use pumps, spray nozzles, and circulating water systems to clean the tanks. This substitution of manual mechanical action with automated mechanical systems improves cleaning productivity and consistency.
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 provides a continuous, clean, and cool milk supply 24/7, reducing labor and minimizing milk wastage by automatically managing the switching and cleaning processes, ensuring calves always have access to milk without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system, which independently and alternately cools the first tank and then the second tank
Implementation Method 2
an agitation system, which independently agitates the milk product in the first tank, and independently agitates the milk product in the second tank
Implementation Method 3
a wash pump to pump out the hot cleaning solution from a set of outgoing washing pipes
Implementation Method 4
a tank insulation layer, configured to provide thermal insulation for the first tank and for the second tank
Data Source
AI summary
A double tank milk supply system for providing a continuous supply of cool clean milk or milk products. While one tank provides milk products, the other tank is cleaned. The two tanks are individually cooled, and the washing and cooling cycles are automatically controlled via a data input and display device. Included is an automatic valve system configured to dispense milk product from the second tank when the first tank is empty, and to dispense milk product from the first tank when the second tank is empty. An automatic washing system automatically washes the first tank when the first tank is empty, and washes the second tank when the second tank is empty. Also included is an agitation system, which alternatingly agitates the milk product in the first or second tank. The double tank milk supply system provides uninterrupted cool, clean milk products 24/7/365, saving the farmer time and labor.