Milking Vacuum Regulation for Teat Integrity and Extraction Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milking systems face challenges in efficiently extracting milk while maintaining teat integrity and energy efficiency, often leading to reduced milk quality and increased energy consumption due to constant under-pressure levels.
Innovation Solution
A milking system that dynamically adjusts under-pressure levels in the receiver based on the mass flow rate of milk extraction, transitioning from a first level to a second level when the flow exceeds a threshold, using vacuum regulators and sensors to optimize pressure according to the animal's milk production rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant under-pressure level is supplied to facilitate smooth application of teat cups and maintain teat integrity, then teat integrity is maintained, but milk extraction time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the under-pressure level in two stages: initially supplying a first under-pressure level to maintain teat integrity during cup application, then switching to a second higher under-pressure level when milk flow rate exceeds a threshold to accelerate extraction. This dynamic pressure adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining teat integrity and improving extraction speed.
2Stress or pressure
If the valve passage is narrowed to maintain appropriate under-pressure level at low milk flow, then under-pressure control is improved, but milk turbulence increases and milk quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically based on milk flow rate conditions. At low flow rates, a first under-pressure level is maintained with a narrow valve passage. When flow rate exceeds the threshold, the system switches to a second higher under-pressure level, which allows the valve passage to be opened wider, reducing turbulence and improving milk quality while maintaining effective pressure control.
3Productivity
If a higher under-pressure level is supplied continuously to increase milk extraction speed, then productivity increases, but energy consumption increases and teat integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies under-pressure in a periodic, adaptive manner: initially using a lower first under-pressure level during the application phase, then switching to a higher second under-pressure level only when needed for accelerated extraction. This periodic adjustment of pressure levels improves extraction speed when necessary while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-pressure application.
4Loss of time
If a higher under-pressure level is supplied continuously to increase milk extraction speed, then milk extraction time decreases, but teat integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by initially supplying a first under-pressure level that is optimized for teat integrity during the cup application phase, before milk flow is established. Only after the threshold flow rate is exceeded does the system switch to the second higher under-pressure level for accelerated extraction. This preliminary low-pressure phase protects teat integrity while enabling subsequent high-speed extraction.
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 enhances milk extraction efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and improves milk quality by protecting teat integrity, allowing for higher milk yields per unit time and reduced stress on animals.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump arrangement configured to generate a system vacuum pressure
Implementation Method 2
apply an under-pressure/milking vacuum under the tip of the teat
Implementation Method 3
a pulsation vacuum... causing rhythmical motions, opening and closing of the liner
Data Source
AI summary
A milking system includes: a plurality of teat cups; a plurality of milk evacuation tubes, each one connected to a respective teat cup; a vacuum pump arrangement; a receiver, connected to the vacuum pump arrangement via a pipe, and also connected to each one of the teat cups via the respective connected milk evacuation tube, wherein an under-pressure in relation to atmospheric pressure prevails in the receiver during the milking session; and a vacuum regulator for setting the under-pressure prevailing in the receiver to a first level of under-pressure at a commencement of the milking session; and increase the under-pressure during the milking session to a second level of under-pressure.