Milk Meter Float Position Sensor Using Tri-Coil Signal Ratio
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milk meters face challenges in accurately measuring flow rates due to external influences such as temperature fluctuations, which affect the precision of float position determination in stabilization chambers.
Innovation Solution
The milk meter employs a sensor device with first and second coils and a third coil, where the coils' positions change relative to each other with the float's movement, using transmitter and signal processing means to generate and analyze receiving signals, determining the float's position and flow rate by calculating the ratio or logarithm of these signals, thereby minimizing external influence effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single coil sensor device is used to measure float position, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to external influences such as temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is divided into multiple coils (first coil, second coil, and third coil) positioned at different locations. Each coil contributes to the measurement, and their combined signals provide more accurate float position determination while compensating for external influences like temperature fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The third coil acts as an intermediary reference element. By comparing the signals from the first and second coils with the reference signal from the third coil, the system can determine float position while eliminating the effects of external environmental factors.
2Measurement precision
If the coils are positioned close to each other to maintain compact device size, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensitivity to float position changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coils are arranged in a specific spatial configuration along the vertical axis of the stabilization chamber. The first and second coils are positioned at different heights, and the third coil serves as a reference. This vertical arrangement maximizes the sensitivity to float position changes while maintaining a compact overall device structure.
3Reliability
If multiple coils are used to eliminate external influences, then the reliability of measurement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing means compare the signals from the first and second coils with the reference signal from the third coil to determine float position. This feedback mechanism continuously adjusts the measurement by eliminating external influences, ensuring reliable measurements under varying temperature and environmental conditions.
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 configuration allows for highly accurate measurement of the float's position and flow rate, maintaining sensitivity and precision even under varying conditions, ensuring reliable flow rate determination.
Implementation Method 1
transmitter means for supplying a transmitting signal to the third coil so that the first and second coil each generate a receiving signal upon receiving the transmitting signal
Implementation Method 2
a float which is in the stabilization chamber and is configured to float on milk of the milk flow that is in the stabilization chamber
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
Milk meter for measuring a flow rate of a milk flow, provided with an inlet (2) to which, in use, the milk flow is supplied, an outlet (4) where the milk flow leaves the milk meter, in use, and a liquid flow path (5) extending from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the milk meter is furthermore provided with a stabilization chamber (6) which is included in the liquid flow path and a float (8) which is in the stabilization chamber and is configured to float on milk of the milk flow that is in the stabilization chamber. The milk meter is configured such that a level of milk in the stabilization chamber depends on the flow rate of the milk flow. The milk meter is furthermore provided with at least one sensor device (10) for determining the position of the float in the stabilization chamber in the direction in which the level of the milk can rise and fall in the stabilization chamber for therewith determining the flow rate of the milk flow through the milk meter. The milk meter is further provided with an outflow channel. The outflow opening is in fluid communication with the outlet via the outflow channel, characterized in that the sensor device is provided with at least a first (1001) and a second coil (1002) which have a fixed distance to each other and at least a third coil (1003). The first and the second coil on the one hand and the third coil on the other hand are displaceable relative to each other. The first, second and third coil are mounted such that the position of the third coil on the one hand and the positions of first and second coil on the other hand change with respect to each other when the float moves up or down in the stabilization chamber. The milk meter is further provided with transmitter means for supplying a transmitting signal to the third coil so that the first and second coil each generate a receiving signal upon receiving the transmitting signal from the third coil. The milk meter is furthermore provided with signal processing means for, on the basis of the receiving signals of the first and second coil, determining the position of the float with respect to the stabilization chamber and thereby the magnitude of the flow rate.