Milk Filter Counterflow Cleaning in Automated Milking Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milking devices require labor-intensive filter sleeve replacements and excessive raw material consumption due to inefficient cleaning methods, particularly for the milk filter, which is not effectively cleaned by counterflow rinsing alone.
Innovation Solution
A milking device with a cleaning system that includes a heating device, additive storage, and a valve system for controlled cleaning cycles, featuring a counterflow rinsing step after the hot rinse to effectively clean the milk filter, and optional bypass lines to isolate the filter for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a milk filter is integrated into the milking device, then milk quality is improved through filtration, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The milk filter is integrated directly into the milking device structure, combining the filtration function with the existing milking mechanism. The filter element is positioned within the milk collection chamber, allowing milk to be filtered during the normal milking process without requiring separate filtration equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The milking device is designed to perform multiple functions: milk collection, filtration, and potential pasteurization. The filter element serves as a universal component that addresses both milk quality improvement and device functionality in a single integrated system.
2Reliability
If the milk filter is disposed of after a certain period, then filtration effectiveness is maintained, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element's physical or chemical parameters change over time during use, causing it to become less effective. The patent specifies a replacement criterion based on usage duration or performance degradation, allowing the filter to be replaced when its filtration capability diminishes to maintain effective milk filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed as a disposable component with a limited service life. After a predetermined period or when performance deteriorates, the filter is replaced with a new one, accepting the loss of the filter material as a necessary cost to maintain filtration effectiveness.
3Loss of substance
If the milk filter is cleaned instead of replaced, then loss of substance is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is designed to be easily removable and replaceable by the user without requiring complex cleaning procedures or specialized equipment. The simple attachment and detachment mechanisms allow users to replace the filter without needing precision cleaning tools or expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main milking device. This allows the filter to be easily removed for replacement without disassembling the entire device, simplifying the user's task and reducing the precision requirements for any cleaning or maintenance operations.
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 reduces labor and material waste by automating the cleaning process, improving filter efficiency and reducing flow resistance, ensuring effective removal of contaminants without clogging, and maintaining milk quality.
Implementation Method 1
a filter element (14) arranged inside the milk collection chamber (13) to filter the milk
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A milking device (1) for milking a dairy animal (100) is provided with milking means, a control system (40), a milk pipeline (10) for transporting the milk from the milking means to a milk tank (22), a milk filter (12) and a cleaning device. The cleaning device comprises at least one cleaning fluid holder (29), a heating device for heating cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid holder (29), an additive storage holder (33) for additive, an additive adding device for controlled addition of the additive to cleaning fluid, and a valve system for regulating flows of cleaning fluid and additive through the milking device. The cleaning device is configured for carrying out a cleaning cycle of the milking device with a prerinse with cold or tepid water, a hot rinse with heated water and an acidic or basic additive, a postrinse, and at least between the hot rinse and the postrinse, a counterflow cleaning step by passing cleaning fluid in counterflow through the milk filter (12). Thus, a milking device is provided that can be cleaned automatically as a whole including the milk filter (12). In particular, because the counterflow cleansing takes place after the hot rinse step, there is better removal of dirt and milk residues that are softened thereby, in particular from the milk filter (12).