Inductive Power Supply Coil Segmentation for Milking Cup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional milking systems face limitations in effectiveness and ease of use due to intermittent power supply to sensors and transmitters, leading to inactive sensors during milking and laborious reconnection processes, which can result in prolonged downtime and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A milking system with a direct and fixed electrical connection between the first and second coil components of the inductive power supply, held together by a fastening means during milking, ensuring continuous power to the electronic components and eliminating the need for large energy stores or frequent reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the first and second coil components are galvanically isolated via inductive coupling, then stray currents in the milking cup and teat are reduced, but electrical power is not available continuously during milking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the coil components into two separate parts: a first coil component integrated into the milking cup and a second coil component positioned in the milking claw. This segmentation allows galvanic isolation to reduce stray currents while maintaining inductive coupling for power transfer, resolving the contradiction between reducing harmful factors and ensuring continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary magnetic field coupling mechanism between the two coil components. This intermediary approach enables wireless power transfer through inductive coupling, eliminating the need for direct galvanic connections that cause stray currents while ensuring continuous power availability during milking operations.
2Ease of repair
If the milking cup is detached from the milking claw for reconnection or replacement, then components can be maintained or replaced, but the first and second coil components are separated causing power interruption to the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic fastening mechanism that automatically maintains connection between the coil components during milking operations. The fastening means is designed to remain engaged throughout the milking process, ensuring continuous power supply to sensors even during normal operational movements, while still allowing easy detachment for maintenance when needed.
3Reliability
If a large and heavy energy store is used to provide continuous power during separation, then power availability is maintained, but the system becomes undesirably bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous power transfer through permanent magnetic coupling between the two coil components. The fastening means ensures the coils remain coupled throughout milking operations, eliminating the need for large energy stores by maintaining continuous inductive power supply from the external source through the second coil to the sensor through the first coil.
4Reliability
If the fastening means is designed for secure connection during milking, then power continuity is maintained, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening function with the existing structural components of the milking system. The fastening means is integrated into the connection between the milking cup and milking claw, utilizing existing mechanical interfaces to maintain coil alignment and coupling without adding separate complex fastening mechanisms, thus maintaining power continuity while minimizing added complexity.
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 solution provides continuous electrical energy to sensors and transmitters, enhancing reliability and reducing labor in milking operations, while allowing for easy replacement of damaged components and minimizing stray currents, thus improving the overall efficiency and usability of the system.
Implementation Method 1
The power supply comprises an inductive power supply with a first coil component (28) and a second coil component (29). The first coil component (28) and the electronic component (6) are electrically connected to each other in a direct and fixed manner, and the second coil component (29) is electrically directly connectable to an external source of electrical energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A milking system for milking a dairy animal includes a milking cup to be attached to a teat of the dairy animal and milking the milk, and an electronic component. The electronic component includes a sensor which is arranged in or on the milking cup for measuring a value of a variable related to the milking, a transmitter for transmitting the measured values, and a power supply for supplying the sensor and/or the transmitter with electrical energy. The power supply may include an inductive power supply with a first coil component and a second coil component, where the first coil component and the electronic component are electrically connected to each other, and where the second coil component is electrically directly connectable to an external source of electrical energy. The milking system also includes a fastening means which holds the first coil component and the second coil component together.