Optical Sensor System for Milk Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing milking systems are limited in measuring milk properties quickly and efficiently, often being complex and prone to errors due to the need for agitators and multiple sensors, which can mix milk, introduce air, and complicate data processing.
Innovation Solution
A milking system with a measuring chamber and multiple optical sensor devices arranged vertically or horizontally, capable of measuring milk properties at various locations without an agitator, using identical sensors for redundancy and averaging, and integrated with a control unit for reliable data processing and decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an agitator is used to homogenize milk in the measuring chamber, then measurement quality is improved, but mechanical complexity increases and milk quality may be negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the agitator component entirely from the measuring chamber system. Instead of using mechanical homogenization, the system relies on natural convection and multiple optical sensors positioned at different locations to measure milk properties without mechanical intervention, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical agitator system with an optical measurement system. Multiple optical sensors detect milk properties at different locations, and the control unit processes these readings to determine overall milk composition without requiring mechanical mixing, thus substituting mechanical action with optical detection
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different sensors are used to measure milk properties, then measurement coverage is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions multiple identical optical sensors at different spatial locations within the measuring chamber rather than using different sensor types. Each sensor measures local milk properties at its specific position, and the control unit integrates these localized measurements to determine overall milk composition, simplifying data processing while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical optical sensors throughout the measuring chamber rather than heterogeneous sensor types. This homogeneity in sensor design simplifies the data processing requirements, as all sensors provide data in the same format and can be processed uniformly by the control unit to determine milk properties
3Device complexity
If a single sensor location is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement representativeness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measuring chamber into multiple measurement zones by positioning optical sensors at different locations (e.g., top, middle, bottom or different radial positions). Each sensor measures milk properties in its local zone, and the control unit combines these segmented measurements to determine the overall milk composition, thereby achieving representative measurements without requiring a single complex sensor
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 system achieves high measuring flexibility and speed, reduces mechanical complexity, ensures accurate milk quality assessment, and allows for in-line measurements, enhancing reliability and reducing false positives by using identical sensors for redundancy and averaging.
Implementation Method 1
having a sensor system arranged therein or thereon for measuring at least one property of the milk, wherein the sensor system comprises a plurality of at least three optical sensor devices, each configured to measure values of a property of the milk
Data Source
AI summary
A milking system for milking a dairy animal includes a milking cup and a measuring chamber which is in flow communication with the milking cup for the obtained milk where the chamber has a sensor system for measuring at least one property of the milk. The sensor system includes at least three optical sensor devices, each configured to measure values of a property of the milk, and a sensor control unit for actuating the sensor system and for processing the measured values. The sensor control unit is configured to repeatedly select one of the sensor devices. Two of the optical sensor devices are identical, and the sensor system is configured to in each case measure the local value of the property of the milk and to determine a value of the at least one property of the milk in the measuring chamber on the basis of the values measured locally.