Barrel Sealing Device for Fermentation and Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing barrel designs for wine-making are inadequate as they cannot be used for both fermentation and storage phases without requiring separate sets of barrels or costly modifications, such as removing hoops for changing the bottom.

Innovation Solution

A sealing device with an attachment ring and a two-part sealing mechanism that provides enhanced tightness and allows for the attachment of various accessories, enabling the same barrel to be used for both fermentation and storage phases, with an off-center opening for better mixing and easy access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a trap door with opening and mixing elements is provided in the bottom of the barrel, then grape introduction and mixing are facilitated, but the barrel cannot be used for storage phase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrape introduction and mixingVSAvoidbarrel usability for storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom of the barrel is divided into two independent parts: a fixed bottom portion and a removable sealing device. The sealing device can be detached to provide opening for grape introduction and mixing, then reattached to seal the barrel for storage, allowing the same barrel to serve both purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing device transitions from a static permanent bottom to a dynamic removable component. During fermentation, the sealing device is removed or opened to allow grape introduction and mixing arm operation. During storage, the sealing device is reattached to provide a sealed bottom, enabling the barrel to adapt its configuration based on operational phase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bottom is replaced between fermentation and storage phases, then the barrel can be used for both phases, but hoops must be removed which is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrel usability for both phasesVSAvoidtime for removing hoops

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of replacing the entire bottom and removing hoops, only the sealing device portion is made removable. The main bottom structure with hoops remains in place, and only the sealing component needs to be detached and reattached, significantly reducing the time and effort required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing device serves multiple functions: it provides a sealed bottom during storage phase, and when removed, allows for grape introduction and mixing during fermentation phase. This multi-functional component eliminates the need for separate barrels or complex modifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a seal is provided at the opening level of the bottom, then tightness is improved, but the opening cannot be accessed for grape introduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetightness of sealVSAvoidaccess for grape introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing device is designed to be dynamically removable or openable. During fermentation setup, the sealing device can be completely removed or opened to provide wide access for grape introduction. During storage, the same sealing device is securely attached to provide excellent tightness, achieving both accessibility and sealing requirements at different times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the same barrel to be used for both fermentation and storage with improved tightness and versatility, allowing for the attachment of accessories like taps and temperature probes, while maintaining efficient mixing and easy grape introduction/withdrawal.

Implementation Method 1

a second part that can be screwed onto the ring, the second part as it is being screwed tending to increase the force of the pressure between the first part and the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a first part that can be wedged at the level of the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS8136685B2Device for closing a barrel or the like

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 TONNELLERIE BARON

AI summary

A sealing device for a barrel or the like, the barrel including an opening (22) arranged especially at the level of at least one bottom (14), characterized in that it includes, on the one hand, an attachment ring (24) located on the periphery of the opening (22) at the level of the outer surface of the bottom (24), connected to the bottom by any suitable manner, and, on the other hand, a sealing device having a first part (30) that can be wedged at the level of the opening (22) and a second part (32) that can be screwed onto the ring (24), the second part (32) as it is being screwed tending to increase the force of the pressure between the first part (30) and the opening (22).