Milking System Reagent Pad Dosing Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milking system sampling and analysis devices face challenges in controlling the delivery of small sample droplets to reagent pads, leading to potential spills and inefficiencies, especially when using smaller reagent pads, which are desirable for prolonged use in unattended milking systems.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a dosing device that supplies sample droplets from below the reagent pads, utilizing gravity to control the liquid supply, reducing the risk of spills and allowing for smaller reagent pads, with an optical sensor detecting radiation from the pads to analyze the presence or concentration of substances, and includes features like a displaceable nozzle and overflow device for precise control and collection of excess liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the reagent pads are made smaller to reduce reagent usage and extend operational duration, then the duration of action is improved, but the control over sample drop delivery becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by supplying the sample drop from below the reagent pad rather than from above. This inversion allows gravity to assist in controlling the sample delivery, making it easier to deliver precise amounts to smaller reagent pads. The dosing device positions the sample drop source beneath the reagent pad, and gravity naturally guides the drop onto the pad surface, improving control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of sample delivery from downward (conventional) to upward (against gravity initially, then utilizing gravity for control). By positioning the dosing device below the reagent pad and controlling the sample delivery to occur against gravity initially followed by gravity-assisted placement, the system achieves better control over sample drop delivery to smaller reagent pads.
2Loss of substance
If the reagent pads are made smaller to reduce reagent usage, then the loss of substance is reduced, but the precision of sample delivery becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the sample delivery direction to supply samples from below the reagent pad. This inversion, combined with gravity assistance, enables precise delivery of sample drops to smaller reagent pads, maintaining delivery precision while reducing reagent pad size and consequently reducing reagent usage.
3Device complexity
If sample is supplied from above the reagent pads, then the setup is simpler, but spillage of sample liquid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the sample supply direction from above to below the reagent pad. This inversion reduces spillage because gravity assists in controlling the sample flow and any excess sample naturally flows back into the collection container rather than spilling onto the reagent pad or surrounding areas. The optical path is arranged to pass through the base material of the tape from below, accommodating this inverted configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of gravity (which could cause uncontrolled flow) into a beneficial force by positioning the dosing device below the reagent pad. Gravity now assists in controlling the sample delivery and prevents spillage by directing excess sample back into the collection container, transforming what could be a source of spillage into a control mechanism.
4Measurement precision
If the optical sensor passes through the base material of the tape, then the detection of substances is enabled, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the base material of the tape transparent or translucent specifically in the region where the optical path passes through it. This localized property change enables optical detection of substances on the reagent pad through the tape base material without requiring the entire tape structure to be complex or transparent, thus minimizing overall structural complexity while enabling detection.
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 approach enables precise and controlled sample delivery, reduces spillage, and allows for the use of smaller reagent pads, improving the reliability and accuracy of milk analysis in milking systems, while also simplifying the collection and handling of excess fluid.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor device arranged to detect optical radiation from said reagent pad supplied with said part of the sample, and to analyse the detected optical radiation to provide an indication of a presence or concentration of said at least one substance
Implementation Method 2
When the reagent pad, i.e. the active and fluid-receiving part, faces downward, gravity assists in the control of sample liquid supply, in that it does not exert an additional force on the liquid during supplying, but rather a counteracting force
Data Source
AI summary
A milking system includes a milking device, a milk line, and a sampling and analysis device for the milk that includes a control unit, a tape mover to move and unwind a tape wound on a tape reel and with a base material with reagent pads, that detect a substance in the sample, and a dosing device to provide the sample onto a reagent pad, and a sensor to detect radiation from said reagent pad, and to analyse the detected radiation to indicate a presence or concentration of said substance. The reagent pad is facing downward during provision of the sample. In this way, the chance of excess liquid falling from the reagent, and possibly onto a camera, is reduced. Smaller reagent pads may be used, it reduces the chance of supplied liquid spilling over to a neighbouring reagent pad, the measures preventing this spilling may be limited, and it is easier to suck away excess fluid.