Milk Meter Using Magnetic Float for Wear-Free Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical milk meters are prone to wear and pollution due to moving parts, and the use of cables for data transmission is cumbersome and susceptible to moisture, leading to inaccuracies and maintenance issues in milking parlors.
Innovation Solution
A contactless electronic milk meter with a float in the measuring chamber that wirelessly transmits flow rate data, utilizing a magnetic field to measure height and featuring a compact design with a buffer reservoir for accurate flow rate determination, reducing wear and cable requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical moving parts are used in milk meters, then the meter can measure flow rate, but the moving parts are subject to wear and require maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical moving parts with a magnetic field-based measurement system. A permanent magnet generates a magnetic field that varies in strength along the height of the measuring chamber, and a magnetic sensor detects the magnetic field strength to determine the float height and flow rate. This eliminates mechanical wear while maintaining measurement precision.
2Loss of information
If cables are used for data transmission in milking parlors, then data can be transmitted, but the cables are susceptible to moisture and require complex routing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cable-based data transmission system with a wireless transmission system. The electronic measuring unit includes a wireless communication module that transmits flow rate data wirelessly to external devices, eliminating the need for physical cables and their associated moisture sensitivity and routing complexity.
3Device complexity
If electronic measuring unit is placed outside the float, then the float can be simpler, but the electronic unit is vulnerable to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the electronic measuring unit inside the float structure. The float serves as a protective housing that shields the electronic components from contamination while allowing them to function. The magnetic sensor and permanent magnet are integrated within the float, creating a sealed, contamination-resistant assembly.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the float is made larger to accommodate electronics, then the electronics are protected, but the float weight increases affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the float structure by using a lightweight material and designing the float wall thickness to be sufficient for protection but not excessive for weight. The electronic measuring unit is compactly integrated into the float, and the overall float design balances protective functionality with minimal weight to maintain measurement accuracy.
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 solution provides accurate, low-maintenance, and cable-efficient milk flow rate measurement, protecting electronic components from contamination and minimizing external interference, while allowing for easy upgrading and reducing cable length and moisture sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a float (8) which is in the measuring chamber (6) and is configured to float on milk of the milk flow that is in the measuring chamber
Implementation Method 2
the electronic measuring unit (12) is provided with a magnetic unit for generating a magnetic field in the measuring chamber (6) such that the magnetic field varies in a height direction (h) of the measuring chamber (6), wherein the electronic measuring unit (12) is configured for measuring the strength of the magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
Milk meter for measuring a flow rate of a milk flow, provided with an inlet to which, in use, the milk flow is supplied, an outlet where the milk flow leaves the milk meter, in use, and a liquid flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the milk meter is provided with a measuring chamber which is included in the liquid flow path and a float which is in the measuring chamber and is configured to float on milk of the milk flow that is in the measuring chamber, wherein the milk meter is configured such that a level of milk in the measuring chamber depends on the flow rate of the milk flow, wherein the milk meter is furthermore provided with a magnetic unit for generating a magnetic field in the measuring chamber such that the magnetic field varies in a height direction of the measuring chamber, and wherein in the float an electronic measuring unit is arranged for measuring the strength of the magnetic field, wherein the measured strength of the magnetic field is a measure of the height within the measuring chamber at which the float is floating on the milk in the measuring chamber and whereby hence the measured strength of the magnetic field is a measure of the flow rate of the milk flow.