Dual Milk Jar Milking System Pumping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing milking systems often fail to ensure adequate milk quality due to their capacity limitations, which can lead to high-speed pumping that damages fat globules and introduces air into the milk.

Innovation Solution

The proposed milking system incorporates a dual milk jar system with separate pumping devices, where milk is initially pumped from the first milk jar to the second at a higher speed and then further pumped at a lower speed, reducing mechanical stress and air introduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If milk is pumped at high speed from the first milk jar to the storage tank, then the milking system capacity is maintained and the milk jar is available again quickly, but fat globules are damaged and air is introduced into the milk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilking system capacityVSAvoidfat globule damage and air admixture
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The milk transport system is segmented into two distinct stages: first pumping from the first milk jar to the second milk jar at high speed, then pumping from the second milk jar to the storage tank at low speed. This segmentation allows each stage to operate at optimal speeds for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between quick availability and milk quality preservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second milk jar serves as an intermediary buffer between the high-speed pumping source and the storage tank. It receives milk at high speed and then releases it at controlled low speed, acting as a mediator that decouples the conflicting requirements of rapid transfer and gentle handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If milk is pumped at high speed over long distance, then the storage tank is filled quickly, but many fat globules are damaged and free fatty acids are formed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilk transfer timeVSAvoidfat globule damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The long-distance transport is segmented into two phases: rapid transfer to the second milk jar followed by controlled transfer to the storage tank. This segmentation allows the first phase to minimize time loss while the second phase protects fat globules, resolving the contradiction between speed and quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second milk jar functions as an intermediary that receives milk quickly and then releases it slowly over a longer period, extending the total transfer time while protecting milk quality during the critical low-speed phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single milk jar system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the milk quality cannot be adequately guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilk jar system structureVSAvoidmilk quality guarantee
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single milk jar is segmented into two milk jars with distinct functions: the first milk jar optimized for rapid emptying and the second milk jar optimized for quality-preserving transfer. This segmentation provides the reliability needed for milk quality while maintaining relatively simple system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each milk jar is designed with local quality optimization: the first milk jar has properties suited for high-speed pumping and rapid availability, while the second milk jar has properties suited for gentle, quality-preserving transfer. This local optimization resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and quality guarantee.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This approach maintains milk quality by minimizing fat globule damage and air admixture, while also allowing for separate handling and treatment of milk from different dairy animals based on their properties.

Implementation Method 1

a first pumping device which is configured to pump the milking from the first milk jar into the first milk pipeline

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 2

a second pumping device which is configured to pump at least a part of the milking from the second milk jar into the second milk pipeline, wherein the second pumping device pumps the milking through the second milk pipeline at a lower flow rate than the first pumping device pumps said milking through the first milk pipeline

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3506739B2Milking system
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 LELY PATENT NV
  • EP3506739B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A milking system comprises one or more milking devices and a control unit. The system is provided with a plurality of milking cups, a first milk jar for receiving the milking, a first pumping device for pumping the milking, a second milk jar for receiving the milking from the first milk jar, and a second pumping device for pumping at least a part of the milking, and at least one storage tank for storing at least a part of the milking. The second pumping device pumps the milking at a lower flow rate than that at which the first pumping device pumps said milking. As a result, the milk is for the most part moved with low mechanical load, and little admixture with air. The milk quality improves as a result. In the case of a plurality of milking devices in the milking system, various milkings can be moved and treated separately.