Automatic honey wine brewing machine capable of selecting alcohol degree and method

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic honey wine brewing machine capable of selecting alcohol degrees and a method, and belongs to the technical field of wine brewing. The brewing machine comprises an execution module and a control system, wherein the control system is configured to receive a target alcohol degree set by a user; monitoring raw material information of wine brewing raw materials; judging whether the target alcohol degree needs to be realized through distillation or not; and based on a judgment result, determining corresponding process parameters, and automatically controlling the execution module to execute a fermentation process or a combined process of fermentation and distillation. By constructing a closed-loop control system capable of intelligently selecting a brewing mode, the technical problem that low-degree fermented mead and high-degree distilled mead cannot be freely produced on single equipment in a traditional mode is solved, and individuation and full automation of mead brewing are realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of winemaking, and more particularly to an automated mead brewing machine that allows for free selection of the type of wine and alcohol content. Background Technology

[0002] Wine is an indispensable part of people's enjoyment of life. Traditional brewing equipment usually cannot select the type and alcohol content of the wine according to people's preferences, failing to meet people's demands for wine. At the same time, the high degree of human intervention increases the risk of wine contamination. Nowadays, there are generally two types of brewing machines:

[0003] A brewing device has a control system that manages the raw material processing, fermentation, distillation, and other steps in the brewing process, enabling automated control of the brewing process. The advantage lies in reducing human intervention and lowering the risk of contamination of the brewed liquid.

[0004] Another type of brewing equipment adjusts the flavor and taste of the wine through human intervention to meet people's needs. For example, in the brewing process of a brewing machine, the aging time of oak barrels is increased, and sugar, acid and other substances are added artificially. The advantage is that it is easier to make the wine achieve the desired quality and taste.

[0005] However, in the process of implementing the inventive technical solution in the embodiments of this application, the inventors of this application discovered that the above-mentioned technology has at least the following technical problems:

[0006] 1. Due to the relatively fixed brewing processes and control procedures, existing equipment is usually designed only for specific raw materials (such as grains or specific fruits), making it impossible for users to freely choose the type of wine they want to brew, and even more difficult to accurately set the alcohol content of the brewed wine, thus failing to meet people's high demand for diversified and personalized wines. In particular, for mead, there is a lack of automated solutions on the market that can produce both low-alcohol fermented wines and high-alcohol distilled spirits on a single machine.

[0007] 2. Due to the lack of automated control and the high degree of human intervention, the brewing equipment produces alcoholic beverages with a high risk of contamination, posing safety hazards. For example, in the production of distilled mead, the "cutting off the heads and tails" operation during distillation relies on manual experience and is difficult to control precisely, resulting in unstable alcohol content and quality of the finished product. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automated brewing machine and brewing method that can automatically brew a specified type and alcohol content of mead according to the user's personalized needs, so as to solve the technical problems of existing brewing equipment that cannot freely select the type and alcohol content of the wine, and that involve a lot of manual intervention and pose a risk of contamination.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an automated brewing machine with selectable alcohol content. The brewing machine includes an execution module and a control system.

[0010] The execution module is used to execute specific brewing processes, and for example, it may include a fermentation device for fermentation and a distillation device for distillation.

[0011] The control system is electrically connected to the execution module and is used to automate the brewing process. Specifically, the control system is configured to: receive a target alcohol content set by the user; monitor the raw material information of the honey raw materials; and, based on the monitored raw material information and the target alcohol content set by the user, determine a series of optimal process parameters for controlling the execution module; and finally, control the execution module to automatically execute the brewing process based on these optimal process parameters.

[0012] Corely, the control system is also configured to intelligently determine the target alcohol content set by the user. If the target alcohol content is lower than a preset fermentation threshold (e.g., 18 degrees), the system determines it to be in "fermentation mode" and only performs the fermentation process; if the target alcohol content is higher than the threshold, the system determines it to be in "distillation mode" and automatically starts and executes the distillation process after fermentation is completed.

[0013] Furthermore, the control system includes a monitoring sensor 101, which is used to monitor the raw material information of the brewing raw materials.

[0014] Furthermore, the monitoring sensor 101 is a first sensor (such as an optical sensor) used to measure the initial sugar content of the honey solution, and a second sensor (such as a high-precision temperature probe) used to monitor the temperature of the vapor at the top of the distillation column during the distillation process, providing a data basis for intelligent decision-making.

[0015] Furthermore, the control system includes a WIFI module 106 that communicates with the user's mobile device, and the control system receives the target alcohol content set by the user through the WIFI module 106.

[0016] In addition, the PLC device module 104 is used to control the execution module 105 to perform various brewing processes;

[0017] Information processing chip 102, which has a built-in backplane containing brewing process data for various raw materials

[0018] The chip is responsible for receiving monitoring data, especially prioritizing the identification of raw material categories, and combining the target alcohol content set by the user via the WIFI module from the mobile device. It retrieves data from the database or calculates a series of optimal process parameters required to achieve the target through algorithm analysis.

[0019] The main control chip 103 receives the best parameters given by the information processing chip, and integrates them into instructions for the best working mode (fermentation mode or distillation mode) to be executed according to the aforementioned intelligent judgment logic, and regulates the control of each execution module by the PLC equipment module 104.

[0020] The control system includes an information processing chip 102, a main control chip 103, and a PLC device module 104.

[0021] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides a brewing method, which includes the following steps:

[0022] First, receive the target alcohol content set by the user;

[0023] Next, monitor the raw material information of the honey;

[0024] Then, based on the raw material information and the target alcohol content, a series of optimal process parameters are determined;

[0025] Finally, based on these optimal process parameters, the process includes intelligently selecting to perform either a pure fermentation process or a combination of fermentation and distillation, depending on the target alcohol content.

[0026] Furthermore, the steps for determining the optimal process parameters may include: searching a preset background database; and when no matching process parameters are found, calculating the existing data using a preset algorithm to generate a new series of optimal process parameters.

[0027] One or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0028] 1. This invention enables personalized customization of alcohol content and type, meeting diverse user needs. This is because it incorporates an information processing chip, a main control chip, and a built-in background database, working in conjunction with monitoring sensors and a user input terminal (WIFI module). When a user sets their desired alcohol content, the system automatically identifies the type of raw material through sensors and utilizes the powerful data analysis capabilities of the information processing chip to match or intelligently calculate the optimal process parameters (such as fermentation temperature, time, distillation curve, etc.) required to brew that specific raw material to the specified alcohol content from the background database. Subsequently, the main control chip and PLC module convert these parameters into precise automated control commands. This closed-loop intelligent control mode of "perception-decision-execution" completely changes the limitations of traditional equipment with fixed functions, thus solving the problem that existing technologies cannot freely select the type and alcohol content of brewing according to user preferences.

[0029] 2. It achieves full automation of the brewing process, significantly reducing the risk of contamination of the wine.

[0030] This invention ensures the stability of product quality. It utilizes an automated architecture where a main control chip regulates the PLC equipment module, thereby controlling the execution module. The entire process, from raw material identification to final distillation, is precisely controlled by a pre-set program, requiring no manual intervention. This not only minimizes contaminants such as microorganisms and impurities introduced by human operation, ensuring the purity and safety of the liquor, but also improves production efficiency and product quality stability, thus solving the problem of high contamination risk in existing technologies due to excessive human intervention.

[0031] 3. It possesses intelligent learning and optimization capabilities, enabling it to continuously expand the range of wines that can be brewed.

[0032] The method of this invention is specifically designed with the logic of "if no existing optimal process parameters are found, then after analysis and calculation, changing the fermentation and distillation parameters." This means that even if the user inputs new raw materials that do not yet perfectly match the process in the database, or sets a unique combination of alcohol percentages, this invention can still explore and form a new optimal working mode through algorithms while ensuring the basic objective (alcohol percentage). This gives the brewing machine the ability to "create" new recipes, making its application scope and flexibility far exceed existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the brewing machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the brewing method in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figures 3 to 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of setting the alcohol content via a mobile user interface in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] in, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the initial interface for setting the alcohol content;

[0037] in, Figure 4 When the user triggers the input field, the interface displays a diagram of the numeric keypad.

[0038] in, Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the confirmation screen after the user enters the alcohol content;

[0039] in, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the interface for modifying the set alcohol content.

[0040] In the accompanying drawings, the reference numerals indicate:

[0041] 101. Monitoring Sensors

[0042] 102. Information processing chip

[0043] 103. Main control chip

[0044] 104. PLC Equipment Module

[0045] 105. Execution Module

[0046] 106. WIFI module Detailed Implementation

[0047] This application provides an automated brewing machine that allows users to freely select the type and alcohol content of the brewed beverage, enabling them to choose the type and alcohol content according to their preferences. Furthermore, the automated control system addresses the risk of contamination of the beverage due to human intervention.

[0048] To better understand the above technical solutions, the following will provide a detailed explanation of the technical solutions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0049] First Embodiment

[0050] Please see Figure 1 This embodiment provides a specific structure for an automated brewing machine with selectable alcohol content. The brewing machine mainly consists of an execution module 105 and a control system.

[0051] The execution module 105 is a component that completes specific brewing tasks, and it includes at least a fermentation device for fermentation and a distillation device for distillation.

[0052] The control system is electrically connected to the execution module 105 and is responsible for the intelligent control of the entire brewing process. In this embodiment, the control system consists of multiple cooperating components, including:

[0053] Monitoring sensor 101 is used to monitor various parameter information within the brewing machine. In this invention, it includes at least a first sensor (such as an optical sensor) for measuring the initial sugar content of the honey solution and a second sensor (such as a temperature probe) for monitoring the steam temperature during distillation.

[0054] The execution module 105 includes a fermentation apparatus and a distillation apparatus required for subsequent distillation.

[0055] PLC module 104 is used to control the execution module 105 to execute various brewing processes, such as fermentation and distillation, which effectively helps to achieve fully automated control of the brewing process, reduce manual intervention, and reduce the risk of contamination of the wine.

[0056] The information processing chip 102 contains a background database, which is used to compare and analyze the received data with the data stored in the background database to obtain a series of target alcohol values. After receiving the parameter data information transmitted from the monitoring sensor 101, the information processing chip 102 prioritizes processing information about raw materials. After identifying the type of raw material, it retrieves the parameter data of the relevant raw materials in the background database for brewing wine of that alcohol value according to the target alcohol value. Then, it analyzes and calculates a series of optimal process parameters required to brew wine with the best taste and flavor from the relevant raw materials.

[0057] The main control chip 103 integrates a series of target alcohol values ​​obtained by the information processing chip 102 into instructions for the optimal working mode to be executed, and intelligently selects to execute "fermentation mode" or "distillation mode" according to the target alcohol value, and regulates the control of each execution module by the PLC equipment module 104.

[0058] The brewing machine also includes a WIFI module 106 for wireless communication with the user's mobile terminal and to receive instructions such as the alcohol content set by the user.

[0059] The control system includes an information processing chip 102, a main control chip 103, and a PLC device module 104.

[0060] Second Embodiment

[0061] See Figure 2 The present invention also provides a brewing method using a brewing machine, comprising the following steps:

[0062] Step A00: Set the desired alcohol content;

[0063] Step B00: The main control chip confirms the required alcohol content and transmits the set value to the information processing chip;

[0064] Step C00: The monitoring sensor begins to monitor various parameter information and simultaneously transmits the parameter information to the information processing chip;

[0065] Step D00: The information processing chip receives data;

[0066] Step E00: Compare the data on raw material information with the data stored in the background database to determine the raw material category;

[0067] Step F00: Retrieve information on the relevant raw material categories used to brew the wine with the set alcohol content;

[0068] Step G00: Compare the data of the remaining parameters with the brewing data of the relevant raw materials, and analyze and calculate the series of optimal process parameters required to brew the wine with the best taste and flavor from the relevant raw materials.

[0069] Step H00: The main control chip receives a series of optimal process parameters and integrates the data into instructions for the optimal operating mode to be executed.

[0070] Step I00: The main control chip determines whether the target alcohol content is greater than a preset threshold (e.g., 18 degrees) to determine whether to execute "fermentation mode" or "distillation mode".

[0071] Step J00: The PLC device module receives the instruction.

[0072] Step K00: The PLC equipment module controls the execution module to perform each brewing process according to the instructions.

[0073] The steps for determining a series of optimal process parameters include: searching a preset background database; when no process parameters matching the raw material information and target alcohol content are found, calculating the existing data using a preset algorithm to generate a new series of optimal process parameters.

[0074] Third Embodiment

[0075] See Figures 3 to 6 The method for setting the alcohol content according to the present invention strictly follows the user interface logic shown in the accompanying drawings, and specifically includes:

[0076] S1: The alcohol content setting interface displays the title "Set Alcohol Content" and provides two parallel input boxes: a first input box (for tens digits) and a second input box (for units digits), as shown below. Figure 3 As shown;

[0077] S2: When any input field is triggered by the user, the numeric keypad is activated and displayed at the bottom of the interface, allowing the user to input data, such as... Figure 4 As shown;

[0078] S3: As Figure 5 As shown, the first and second input boxes on the interface receive the first and second data input by the user, which represent the tens and units digits of the alcohol content, respectively.

[0079] S4: The interface automatically verifies whether the complete alcohol content formed by combining the first and second data is within the allowable range (10 to 50% vol);

[0080] S5: After the user completes the input and triggers the confirmation button (“√”) on the numeric keypad, the interface receives the confirmation signal, locks and displays the complete alcohol content formed by the combination of the first and second data to confirm that the setting was successful;

[0081] S6: If the combination of data entered by the user exceeds the allowed range, the interface will display an error message and ask the user to re-enter the data;

[0082] S7: The interface continuously displays precautions, reminding users that the set alcohol content range is 10 to 50% vol;

[0083] S8: As Figure 6 As shown, before final confirmation, if the user wishes to modify the entered alcohol content, they can click on any input box again. At this time, the numeric keypad will remain or pop up again, and the user can use the delete key ("×") or re-enter the number to make the modification. The subsequent verification process is the same as S4 to S7.

[0084] Fourth embodiment: Low-temperature fermentation mode

[0085] This embodiment illustrates how to use the present invention to brew 12-degree fermented mead.

[0086] Users access the website via mobile devices, such as... Figure 3 The alcohol content setting interface is shown below. The specific steps are as follows: First, the user clicks the first input box on the left and enters "1" using the pop-up numeric keypad; then, the user clicks the second input box on the right and enters "2". The two input boxes combined display as "12". Finally, the user clicks the confirmation button ("√") on the keypad.

[0087] After the system receives the setting value "12", the main control chip 103 determines that it is lower than the preset fermentation threshold (e.g., 18 degrees), and therefore determines that this task will only execute the fermentation mode.

[0088] Based on the target of "12 degrees", the information processing chip 102 calculates the required honey-to-water ratio and the optimal fermentation parameters. The PLC module 104 controls the execution module to complete the fermentation process according to the instructions.

[0089] After fermentation, the brewing process automatically terminates because the target alcohol content has been reached, and the distillation unit remains inactive throughout the process. This achieves automated brewing of low-alcohol fermented mead.

[0090] Fifth embodiment: High-temperature distillation mode

[0091] This embodiment illustrates how to use the present invention to brew 45-degree distilled honey wine.

[0092] Users set the target alcohol content to "45" via their mobile devices. The specific operation strictly follows... Figure 5 The process is as follows: The user enters "4" in the first input box of the alcohol content setting interface, then enters "5" in the second input box, the interface displays "45", and then clicks the confirmation button ("√").

[0093] After receiving the set value "45", the main control chip 103 determines that it is higher than the preset fermentation threshold (18 degrees), and therefore determines that the task needs to execute the combination mode of "fermentation + distillation".

[0094] First, the system automatically executes the fermentation process to prepare a honey fermentation liquid suitable for distillation.

[0095] After fermentation is complete, the main control chip 103 automatically starts the distillation program. The information processing chip 102 calculates the precise cutting temperature range of the core fraction during the distillation process based on the target of "45 degrees". The PLC equipment module 104 precisely controls the distillation device and automatically executes the "cutting off the head and tail" process based on the real-time readings of the temperature sensor.

[0096] The final collected core fraction has an average alcohol content of approximately 45% ABV, as set by the user. This achieves automated brewing of highly distilled mead.

[0097] The above design and embodiments are merely for clearly describing the function and structure of this design and do not imply any limitation on this design. Any modifications, substitutions, and improvements made based on the design concept and principles should be included within the scope of protection of this design.

[0098] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0099] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0100] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0101] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0102] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention.

[0103] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A brewing machine, characterized in that, include: An execution module (105) is used to execute the brewing process; and A control system is electrically connected to the execution module (105). The control system is configured as follows: Receives the target alcohol content set by the user; Monitor raw material information for brewing ingredients; Based on the raw material information and the target alcohol content, a series of process parameters for controlling the execution module (105) are determined; and Based on the aforementioned series of process parameters, the execution module (105) is controlled to automatically execute the brewing process.

2. The brewing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The execution module (105) includes a fermentation device for fermentation and a distillation device for distillation.

3. The brewing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system includes a monitoring sensor (101) for monitoring the raw material information.

4. The brewing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The monitoring sensor (101) includes: a first sensor for measuring the initial sugar content of the honey solution, and a second sensor for monitoring the steam temperature during distillation.

5. The brewing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system includes a wireless communication module (106) that communicates with a user's mobile device. The control system receives the target alcohol content set by the user through the wireless communication module (106).

6. A method for brewing mead, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: a) Receive the target alcohol content set by the user; b) Monitor information on honey raw materials; c) Based on the raw material information and the target alcohol content, determine a series of fermentation process parameters and / or distillation process parameters; d) Based on the optimal process parameters, automatically control the brewing process.

7. The brewing method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Step d) "Automatic control of the brewing process" includes: Determine whether the target alcohol content is greater than a preset fermentation threshold; If not, then only the fermentation device is controlled to perform the fermentation process; If so, after the fermentation device completes fermentation, the distillation device is further controlled to perform the distillation process.

8. The brewing method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The steps for determining the distillation process parameters include: based on the target alcohol content, searching in a preset background database or calculating through an algorithm to determine the steam temperatures corresponding to the start and end cutting points of the core fraction (heart of the liquor) during the distillation process.

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