Dynamic Teat Milking Threshold Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for milking dairy animals, particularly cows, is not optimal for efficiency as it relies on a pre-set deactivation threshold and does not account for individual animal variations, leading to suboptimal milking performance.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates a comparison value based on real-time milk flow parameters, adjusting the deactivation threshold for the last teat to end milking more efficiently by using different calculation methods for each teat, including a shorter averaging period and a raised threshold, ensuring the milking is optimized by considering instantaneous milk flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pre-set deactivation threshold is used for ending milking, then the milking process is simple to control, but the milking efficiency is suboptimal and does not account for individual animal variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, pre-set deactivation threshold to a dynamic comparison value that is continuously calculated based on real-time milking parameters. The comparison value changes throughout the milking process, adapting to the actual milk flow characteristics of each individual animal, thereby optimizing milking efficiency without requiring complex manual adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring milking parameters during the milking process and using these measurements to calculate the comparison value. This closed-loop system allows the deactivation decision to be based on actual performance data rather than predetermined thresholds, enabling the system to adapt to individual animal variations and optimize efficiency
2Productivity
If the deactivation threshold is raised to accelerate ending of milking, then the throughput increases, but the individual animal characteristics are not considered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by calculating the comparison value specifically for each teat based on its own milking parameters rather than using a uniform threshold for all teats. This allows the ending of milking to be optimized for each teat's individual characteristics, maintaining adaptability while improving overall throughput through accelerated ending when appropriate
3Reliability
If a longer averaging period is used for calculating comparison value, then the measurement is more stable, but the response to instantaneous milk flow changes is slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a fixed, relatively short averaging period that allows the comparison value to respond quickly to changes in instantaneous milk flow. This dynamic response capability enables the system to detect when milk flow is declining and accelerate the ending of milking, optimizing throughput while maintaining sufficient measurement reliability through the averaging process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for and method of milking dairy animals, in particular cows. The device and method have been improved in order to enhance the efficiency of use. In one embodiment, for the milking, teat cups (2,31,32,33) are connected by means of a robot arm to respective teats of the dairy animal. This makes it possible to start the milking of the teats of the dairy animal. A milk flow from the respective teat can be measured. The milking can be ended by means of a control unit (13) in dependence on a comparison value which is calculated on the bases of a milking parameter (gl-g4) representative of a milk flow from the respective teat and in dependence on a deactivation threshold. According to the invention, a second manner of calculating is used for calculating the comparison value of the last teat. The milking of the last teat can also depend on the moment of ending the milking of the one-but-last teat.