Rotary Milking Parlor Movement Sensor for Mechanical Health Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current measurement systems for rotary milking parlors can accurately determine the position of the movable platform but fail to provide information on performance quality or mechanical health, limiting the ability to ensure consistent operation and extend equipment life.

Innovation Solution

A measurement system comprising a movement sensor with a first and second sensor member to register micro movements and accelerations, emitting a wireless sensor signal with adjustable repetition frequency based on movement thresholds, and a processing unit to derive operation-related information and movement signatures for error detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a periodic pattern with optical/magnetic sensors is used to determine platform position, then position accuracy is improved, but no information about performance quality or mechanical health is provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform position accuracyVSAvoidperformance quality and mechanical health information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The movement sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures platform position, detects mechanical health parameters, and monitors performance quality. By integrating these measurement capabilities into a single sensor system, the patent eliminates the need for separate specialized sensors for each function, thereby providing comprehensive information without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation mechanism that processes sensor data to distinguish between normal operational movements and abnormal mechanical conditions. This intermediary layer analyzes the characteristics of movement patterns to identify mechanical health issues, serving as a mediator between raw sensor data and actionable insights about system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If continuous monitoring of platform movement is implemented, then mechanical health monitoring is improved, but data transmission frequency and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical health monitoringVSAvoidsensor energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic data transmission frequency adjustment based on the operational state of the platform. During normal operation, the sensor transmits data at a lower frequency to conserve energy, while increasing transmission frequency when abnormal movements or mechanical issues are detected. This dynamic adaptation allows continuous monitoring capability while optimizing energy consumption according to actual system needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movement sensor employs periodic sampling and transmission of movement data rather than continuous transmission. By analyzing movement characteristics and using this information to determine appropriate sampling intervals, the system achieves reliable mechanical health monitoring while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 adaptive data collection and analysis of complex movement patterns, enhancing the monitoring of rotary milking parlor performance and mechanical health, facilitating longer service life and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

the movement sensor includes a first sensor member configured to perform measurements of displacements in at least one dimension and/or accelerations in at least one dimension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

the movement sensor includes a transmitter configured to emit a wireless sensor signal reflecting the measurements made by the first sensor member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Data Source

PatentEP3729104B1Measurement system for a rotary milking parlor, method, computer program for controlling a rotary milking parlor and non-volatile data carrier containing the computer program

Publication Date: 2023.03.01 DELAVAL HLDG AB

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The operation of a movable platform (110) in a rotary milking parlor (100) is measured by means of a movement sensor (210) arranged on the movable platform (110). The movement sensor 5 (210) registers micro movements of the movable platform (110) relative to a fix reference frame via a sensor member measuring displacements in at least one dimension, and/or accelerations in at least one dimension. A wireless sensor signal (SW ) reflecting the measurements is emitted by a transmitter to a receiver (230) 10 for processing/analysis, for example to derive a movement signature (S) of the movable platform (110) based on a series of measurement values.