Automated Milking System with Independent Teat Cup Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanized milking systems cause over-milking due to independent operation of mammary quarters, leading to subclinical mastitis, which results in decreased milk production, increased drug costs, lower milk quality, and reduced cattle service life.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop system with discrete flow and vacuum sensors connected to a logic control device automatically removes teat cups when milk flow stops in each quarter, preventing over-milking by differentiating and recognizing milk flow independently for each quarter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the milking system operates in an open-loop manner with automatic control, then the milking process is simplified and easier to operate, but over-milking occurs when quarters have different milk volumes, leading to subclinical mastitis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop control system where flow sensors continuously monitor milk flow from each quarter and provide feedback to the control unit. When milk flow stops in any quarter, the system receives immediate feedback and automatically adjusts by removing the teat cup from that specific quarter, preventing over-milking while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the monitoring and control of each mammary quarter independently. Each quarter has its own flow sensor and control logic, allowing the system to detect and respond to milk flow cessation in individual quarters without affecting others, thus preventing over-milking while maintaining ease of automatic operation.
2Productivity
If the system continues milking until the quarter with the largest amount of milk is emptied, then all quarters are emptied, but quarters with smaller milk amounts experience over-milking for several minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of milk flow status in each quarter before over-milking can occur. Flow sensors continuously monitor each quarter, and when flow stops in a quarter, the system immediately removes the teat cup from that quarter, preventing the harmful over-milking effect before it can cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the milking process for each quarter based on real-time flow conditions. Instead of maintaining a fixed milking duration for all quarters, the system continuously adapts by monitoring flow and removing teat cups from quarters that have finished milking, allowing optimal productivity without over-milking damage.
3Measurement precision
If flow sensors and vacuum sensors are installed in each teat cup connection and a logic control device is implemented, then precise control and differentiation of milk flow in each quarter is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into separate flow sensors and vacuum sensors for each teat cup connection. This segmentation allows precise independent measurement of milk flow and vacuum conditions in each quarter, with each sensor handling a specific measurement task, thereby achieving high measurement precision through modular sensor deployment.
4Reliability
If the system automatically removes teat cups when milk flow stops in each quarter, then over-milking is prevented and milk production is maintained, but the control system requires closed-loop operation with multiple sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The closed-loop control system uses flow sensors to continuously monitor milk flow from each quarter and provides immediate feedback to the control unit. When flow stops, the feedback signal triggers automatic teat cup removal, ensuring reliable prevention of over-milking and subclinical mastitis through real-time monitoring and response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting when milk flow stops in each quarter and autonomously removing the teat cup without requiring manual intervention. The control unit processes sensor signals and executes the removal action, making the system self-regulating and reducing the need for external control while maintaining high reliability.
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
Prevents over-milking, reducing the incidence of subclinical mastitis, maintaining higher milk production, improving milk quality, and extending cattle service life by ensuring precise and controlled milking.
Implementation Method 1
a discrete flow sensor and a vacuum sensor... The sensor elements detects the presence of milk, which is pulsatory in each quarter
Implementation Method 2
a discrete flow sensor and a vacuum sensor... Both sensors from each teat cup are connected to a logic control device
Implementation Method 3
The milking process through current mechanized milking equipment (MME) consists extracting milk contained in the mammary gland quarts by means of applying a vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
A system that attached to mechanized milking equipment allows its automation that solves the subclinical mastitis by “differentiating” among each individual mammary quarter the time when teat cups must be removed after the milk is over, in an asynchronous and independent manner from other teat cups. Minimize the negative consequences of over-milking as a results of not removing teat cups on time after the milk flow has stopped; reduces economic, financial and productivity problems arisen as a result of subclinical mastitis mainly caused by over-milking; thus improving the product quality and amount. Mastitis produces somatic cells in milk, the greater the amount of these cells the lower the price received by the producer. Damage to the mammary gland may be permanent resulting in the loss of the gland and may be contagious.The system includes teat cups, tubes, collector, discrete flow sensor, vacuum sensor, command control, software comprising as a part thereof the mammary quarters with physiological and anatomical characteristics thereof.