Milk Meter Calibration Using Reference Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The calibration of milk meters in milking systems is often inadequate, leading to inaccuracies in measuring milk production, despite advances in technology.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that obtain milk flow data for multiple animals to determine milk flow profiles, compare them to establish a subset meeting specific criteria, and use these profiles to determine a reference value for calibrating milk meters, ensuring improved accuracy and reliability in calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used with standard reference values, then the calibration process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and reliability of milk meters are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection and analysis by gathering milk flow data from multiple milking animals over time, establishing reference profiles before calibration is needed. This pre-established reference data enables more accurate calibration without adding complexity to the actual calibration execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces milk flow reference profiles as an intermediary element between the calibration process and the milk meter. These profiles serve as a mediator that translates complex measurement requirements into usable calibration references, improving accuracy while managing complexity
2Reliability
If routine calibration is performed with standard reference values, then the calibration frequency can be maintained, but the calibration quality and reliability remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-calibration capability by allowing the milk meter to automatically compare its measurements against established reference profiles and perform adjustments without requiring manual intervention or complex calibration procedures, thereby improving reliability while minimizing time loss
3Measurement precision
If standard calibration reference values are used, then the calibration process is straightforward, but errors in milk production measurement persist
Solution Approach 1:
Milk flow reference profiles act as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple calibration operations and precise measurement requirements. The profiles translate complex measurement standards into accessible reference data that maintains accuracy while preserving operational simplicity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
This disclosure generally relates milking systems and, in particular, automatic milking systems. The disclosure presents methods, apparatuses and computer program for providing a reference value to be used for controlling a calibration of at least one milk meter in a milking system. In accordance with one embodiment, a method may comprise obtaining (510) milk flow data for a plurality of milking animals to determine a milk flow profile for each milking animal of the plurality of milking animals;comparing (520) the determined milk flow profiles to establish a subset of milk flow profiles that meets a pre-defined selection criteria; determining (530) said reference value based on the established subset of milk flow profiles; and providing (540) the determined reference value for controlling a subsequent calibration of at least one milk meter in a milking system.