Bridge Crane Gravity Winemaking Punch Down
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current winemaking processes are labor-intensive and costly, with manual operations and complex equipment leading to contamination and inefficiencies, particularly in large-scale production, where gravity-assisted techniques require significant space and skilled labor.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a gravity-assisted winemaking system using bridge cranes to transfer materials between levels, incorporating a ballasted punch down device suspended from the crane to perform pigeage, which disturbs the cap of grape solids and increases maceration, while minimizing contamination and manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operations are used for pigeage and winemaking processes, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The punch-down device is designed to be self-submerged using its own weight (ballast), eliminating the need for external lifting mechanisms. The device automatically performs the punch-down action by being lowered into the fermenter, disturbing the grape cap through its weight and shape, then automatically rising back to the surface after completion of the cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The punch-down function is extracted from manual operation and embodied in a dedicated device that can be independently controlled and positioned. The device separates the punching action from the lifting action, with the lifting being performed by gravity rather than mechanical actuators.
2Productivity
If pneumatic punch down tools are used to automate pigeage, then labor requirements are reduced, but equipment complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex pneumatic systems, seals, and actuators are extracted and replaced with a simple ballasted device that uses gravity for both the punching and lifting phases. Only the positioning system requires actuation, while the punch-down action itself is passive and driven by the device's weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The punch-down device is designed as a simple, inexpensive structure that can be easily cleaned and sanitized. The design prioritizes ease of maintenance over long-term durability, using simple materials and construction that can be quickly replaced or refurbished if needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If gravity-assisted processing techniques are implemented, then operational costs are reduced, but space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vertical dimension by suspending the punch-down device from overhead structures within the fermenter. This allows the device to access the entire volume of the fermenter without requiring additional horizontal space, using the third dimension (height) to achieve comprehensive cap management.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge crane system serves multiple functions: it positions the punch-down device, lifts the fermenters, and can potentially handle other winemaking equipment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated equipment for each task, optimizing space utilization across the winemaking facility.
4Productivity
If specialized tools are used for large-scale production, then production capacity increases, but contamination risk and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The punch-down device is designed to be self-contained and self-cleaning to the extent possible. Its simple structure with minimal crevices and surfaces allows for easy sanitation, reducing contamination risk. The device can be quickly removed and cleaned between uses without complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device design avoids porous materials that are difficult to sanitize, opting instead for smooth, non-porous surfaces that can be easily cleaned and sanitized. The structure minimizes dead zones where contaminants could accumulate, prioritizing hygienic design for food contact applications.
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 enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and optimizes space utilization by leveraging gravity for multiple stages of winemaking, improving flavor and color extraction while minimizing contamination and labor requirements.
Implementation Method 1
one or more bridge cranes operable to transfer objects between a lower level of the winery and an upper level of the winery
Implementation Method 2
a ballasted punch down device suspended from the crane to perform pigeage, which disturbs the cap of grape solids and increases maceration
Implementation Method 3
leveraging gravity for multiple stages of winemaking, improving flavor and color extraction
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for gravity-assisted winemaking and other fermentation processes. In one example, a method may include using gravity to process grapes or a fermentate from a first upper location to a lower location and using a bridge crane to transfer the grapes or the fermentate to a second upper location to be further processed. In certain examples, the lower location may be located on a lower level of a building and the first and second upper locations may be located on an upper level of the building. In an additional or alternative example, the method may include using the bridge crane to translate a punch down device along orthogonal axes, including lowering the punch down device into a vessel containing a liquid on which a cap of solids floats. In certain examples, the vessel may be transferred between the upper and lower levels using the bridge crane.