Cask Agitator Vibration for Maturation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accelerating the maturation of liquor and wine in casks face challenges in effectively transmitting vibrations without causing cavitation or temperature increases, which can harm the product and slow the aging process.
Innovation Solution
A cask agitator device with an electric vibration generator and magnet, designed to be removably attached to metallic components of casks, such as hoops or chimes, to transmit vibrations that accelerate the maturation process without interfering with storage orientation or causing harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sufficient acoustical energy is introduced to accelerate maturation, then the aging process is accelerated, but cavitation and temperature increase occur which can harm the product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibration generator that produces controlled vibrations to accelerate maturation. The vibration generator is positioned to transmit vibrations through the cask wall into the product, creating agitation without the harmful effects of excessive acoustical energy. The vibration frequency and amplitude are controlled to achieve beneficial circulation while avoiding cavitation and unwanted temperature increases.
2Productivity
If vibration is transmitted through the cask to accelerate maturation, then chemical and physical aging processes are accelerated, but the device must be attached to metallic components which may affect storage orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration generator is designed as a separate, modular unit that can be attached to various metallic components of the cask such as hoops or chimes. This segmentation allows the device to be positioned in different locations on the cask, providing flexibility in attachment while maintaining vibration transmission effectiveness. The modular design enables adaptation to different cask configurations and storage orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses metallic components of the cask (hoops, chimes) as intermediaries to transmit vibrations. The vibration generator attaches to these metallic components, which then serve as conduits for transmitting vibrations through the cask wall into the product. This intermediary approach allows effective vibration transmission while maintaining storage orientation flexibility, as the metallic components are already integral to the cask structure and can accommodate various positioning requirements.
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 cask agitator effectively circulates the product, accelerating chemical and physical changes, resulting in a comparable taste to products aged for a longer period without vibration, as demonstrated by taste tests showing improved tannin softening and balance in wine samples.
Implementation Method 1
an electric vibration generator with at least one magnet operably connected thereto... capable of producing vibration in the cask product by attachment to the outside of the cask
Implementation Method 2
at least one magnet operably connected thereto... removably attached to any metallic component of a cask
Data Source
AI summary
A cask agitator for accelerating the maturation of a cask product. The cask agitator comprises a vibration generator with a fixedly attached magnet for removable attachment to a cask. One or more vibration extenders can be operably connected to a cask agitator to distribute vibration across a greater area of the cask.