Milking Device Teat Cup Detachment Detection and Milk Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current milking devices fail to effectively prevent contamination of milk during the milking process, as they cannot reliably detect and separate milk that may become contaminated due to premature teat cup detachment or incorrect attachment, leading to potential bacterial contamination that can survive cheese production processes.
Innovation Solution
A milking device equipped with detection means, such as pressure sensors, to generate disruption signals for premature teat cup detachment or incorrect attachment, and a management system that separates milk into two distinct amounts, directing uncontaminated milk to a primary destination and potentially contaminated milk to a secondary destination, such as a storage tank or sewer, to prevent cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional milking devices are used without disruption detection, then the milking process is simple and continuous, but contamination can occur and compromise milk quality
Solution Approach 1:
The milk collection process is segmented into distinct phases: pre-disruption collection and post-disruption collection. The management system separates milk into different storage locations based on the disruption signal, creating segmented handling paths for clean and potentially contaminated milk.
Solution Approach 2:
The management system acts as an intermediary between the detection means and the milk storage system. It receives disruption signals and mediates the routing of milk to appropriate destinations, preventing direct contamination of the main milk supply.
2Reliability
If milk is continuously collected without separation, then collection efficiency is high, but contaminated milk mixes with clean milk reducing overall quality
Solution Approach 1:
Milk collection is divided into separate streams: milk collected before disruption signals and milk collected after disruption signals. This segmentation allows continuous collection while maintaining quality separation, preventing contaminated milk from degrading the entire batch.
Solution Approach 2:
The management system uses feedback from detection means to dynamically control milk routing. When disruption signals are detected, the system adjusts milk flow directions in real-time, separating potentially contaminated milk from clean milk based on ongoing monitoring.
3Reliability
If teat cups are monitored for detachment, then contamination risks are identified, but additional sensors and control systems increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The management system performs multiple functions: it controls milk collection, processes disruption signals from various sensors, and directs milk to appropriate storage locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means, management system, and milk routing mechanisms are merged into an integrated contamination prevention system. Sensors, signal processing, and milk flow control work as a unified system rather than separate components.
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 solution ensures that contaminated milk is isolated and prevented from mixing with uncontaminated milk, maintaining milk quality and reducing the risk of bacterial contamination, thereby enhancing the safety and commercial value of the milk produced.
Implementation Method 1
detection means, such as pressure sensors, to generate disruption signals for premature teat cup detachment or incorrect attachment
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention comprises a milking device (10), a method and software. The milking device comprises a device (20) for preventing contaminants in milk during the milking of an animal. The milking device comprises a teat cup (31, 32) to be attached to a teat and to be connected to a milk collecting vessel (41, 42) for collecting the milk. The device comprises detection means (51, 52) for generating and transmitting a disruption signal (S1, S2) as a result of the detection of a premature becoming detached of the teat cup, and/or as a result of the detection of the incorrect attachment of a teat cup. The device comprises a management system (60) to separate, on the basis of the disruption signal, the milk from the animal into a first amount of milk, which is led to a first destination (41, 81 ), and a second amount of milk, which is led to a second destination (42, 82) different from the first destination.