Conical Brewing Device with Nesting Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Homebrewers face difficulties in efficiently transferring beer from carboys without mixing sediment (trub) due to the design of traditional fermentation containers, which often results in beer being left behind, and there is a need for improved brewing assemblies that allow easy access and minimize contamination.

Innovation Solution

A brewing assembly comprising a nested upper and base member with a conical lower portion and a tap, where the upper member can be lifted with the tap attached, and an external thermometer for temperature sensing without additional openings, along with an airlock for gas management, all made from plastic materials for ease of use and cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a siphon tube is used to transfer beer from the carboy, then beer can be transferred, but a quantity of beer is left in the carboy and trub is mixed into the beer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeer transfer efficiencyVSAvoidbeer loss and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The brewing assembly is divided into separate components: an upper member containing the beer and a base member containing the trub. The upper member can be removed and emptied separately, allowing complete beer transfer without mixing with sediment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-carboy system to a stacked configuration where the upper member sits atop the base member. This vertical arrangement enables the upper member to be lifted and emptied independently, solving the transfer efficiency problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the upper member is securely attached to the base member, then stability is improved, but the upper member cannot be easily removed for emptying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidupper member removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the upper member and base member is designed to be dynamically adjustable. During fermentation, the members are securely connected for stability. During emptying, the upper member can be easily detached and removed without tools, providing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the upper member is made detachable for easy emptying, then ease of operation is improved, but the assembly becomes less stable during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupper member detachmentVSAvoidassembly stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is designed to provide stable support during fermentation while allowing easy detachment for emptying. The geometric nesting and gravity-based retention provide stability during use, while the simple interface enables tool-free removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional openings are added to the fermenter for thermometer and airlock, then functionality is improved, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature monitoring and gas managementVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses an intermediary approach where the upper member acts as a sealable barrier. The lid with integrated thermometer and airlock provides a sealed interface that allows temperature monitoring and gas venting without creating open pathways for contamination, as the entire upper member can be sealed during fermentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 efficient beer transfer by allowing the upper member to be lifted with the tap attached, reducing contamination risks and sediment mixing, while the external thermometer and airlock system enhance fermentation control and minimize fluid loss.

Implementation Method 1

an external thermometer that senses temperature on an outer surface of the fermenter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an airlock for gas management

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

the upper member can be lifted from the base member with the tap remaining attached

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9546348B2Conical brewing device with nesting supporting member

Publication Date: 2017.01.17 DEMON BREWING COMPANY

AI summary

Brewing assemblies and kits are generally disclosed herein. In particular, a brewing assembly comprising an upper member having a generally conical lower portion and a base member having a funnel shaped portion wherein the lower portion of the upper member is arranged to nest with the funnel shaped portion of the base member is disclosed. The present disclosure also describes brewing kits comprising a fermenter, a lid arranged to close a top opening of the fermenter, a tap connectable to a tap opening of the fermenter, and a base member having a substantially continuous and generally conical portion arranged to mate with a generally conical lower portion of the fermenter. Other embodiments are disclosed.