Milk Sampling Device with Air Separation and Upward Channel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milk sampling devices face challenges in obtaining representative samples, especially during small milk flows, and are prone to mixing of milk from different times, creaming, and air contamination, leading to inaccurate results and equipment complexity.
Innovation Solution
A device with an air separation system, measurement device, and sampling system that includes an upwardly open channel to separate milk from air, conduct it to a sampling device, and ensure reliable sampling without deceleration of milk flow, using a strainer to prevent clogging and a movable slide for precise milk collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cyclone with annular groove is used for milk sampling, then individual animal sampling is enabled, but accurate extraction of representative sample quantity is not possible especially during small milk flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by collecting milk in a reservoir chamber before the measurement and sampling occurs. This allows the milk flow to be stabilized and accumulated to a sufficient level before analysis, ensuring that even during small milk flows at the beginning or end of milking, an adequate sample quantity is available for accurate extraction and representative analysis.
2Quantity of substance
If vacuum is applied to the entire circumference of the annular groove, then milk sample can be extracted, but a large amount of air is sucked in along with milk, reducing the suck-off vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary component (milk) from the mixture of milk and air by using a selectively openable valve that directs milk flow to the sampling device. This prevents air from being drawn into the sampling system, maintaining the suck-off vacuum pressure and ensuring efficient milk sample extraction without the dilution effect of air intake.
3Measurement precision
If milk is backed up in measuring and collecting chamber, then milk flow can be determined, but newly incoming milk mixes with older milk, causing carryover that makes sampling less representative
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the milk handling system into distinct functional zones: a measuring chamber for flow determination, a reservoir chamber for accumulation, and a sampling device for representative sampling. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently, ensuring that flow measurement does not compromise sample representativity through mixing or carryover effects.
4Extent of automation
If magnetic valve is used for controlled sampling, then automated sampling is achieved, but complicated and computationally intensive control is necessary requiring numerous expensive electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing a sampling system that automatically responds to milk flow conditions without requiring complex external control. The selectively openable valve is activated by the milk flow itself, allowing the system to perform automated sampling based on intrinsic flow characteristics, thereby reducing the need for expensive electronic components and computationally intensive control systems.
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
Enables accurate and representative milk sampling even during small milk flows, reduces mixing of milk from different times, and minimizes air contamination, improving the reliability and efficiency of milk analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the circulatory movement of the milk has already slowed down to such an extent that there is no longer any centrifugal force that would be worth mentioning and that would drive the milk into the annular groove
Implementation Method 2
The upwardly open channel is arranged upstream of the measurement device and configured for accommodating at least a part of the milk, which has been separated from the intermixed air in the air separation device, and conducting said milk such that it flows at least partially to the sampling device
Data Source
AI summary
A device for carrying out at least one measurement and for removing milk samples from a milking machine, through which milk can flow and which contains an air separation device, a measurement device, a sample removal device and a channel that is open to the top. The air separation device is designed to separate the milk from air with which the milk is mixed. The measurement device is device and is connected to the air separation device by a first milk outlet opening of the air separation device and designed to carry out one or more measurements with the milk flowing through the device. The sample removal device is designed to supply milk to a sample container.