Cork Stopper Sealing Test Device with Segmented Insulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing the sealing ability of cork stoppers are unreliable and lack precision, often failing to detect internal defects that lead to wine leakage or deterioration, despite efforts to improve selection processes through visual inspection and internal analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sealing test device and process that divides the cork stopper into compartments, uses an inflatable sleeve to hermetically seal the central part, and pressurizes one compartment with a test fluid to detect any fluid communication with the opposing compartment, providing objective and precise measurement of sealing ability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection and internal analysis methods are used to assess cork stopper sealing ability, then the selection process can be performed, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient and fail to detect internal defects
Solution Approach 1:
The test chamber is divided into two separate compartments (first compartment and second compartment) that are hermetically isolated from each other. The cork stopper is positioned to bridge these compartments, allowing independent pressurization of each side. This segmentation enables precise detection of fluid communication through the cork by comparing pressure conditions in isolated zones, directly resolving the measurement precision and reliability contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
A hermetically sealable insulator is introduced as an intermediary element that divides the test chamber into two isolated compartments. This intermediary structure enables the creation of controlled pressure differentials across the cork stopper and provides a reliable means to detect fluid communication. The insulator acts as a mediator that transforms the indirect visual inspection into direct pressure-based measurement, improving both precision and reliability.
2Reliability
If accessory techniques such as cork disks, colmatation, or aluminium covers are arranged to improve sealing, then the sealing reliability may be enhanced, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the need for accessory sealing techniques (cork disks, colmatation, aluminium covers) by implementing a direct pressure-based testing method. Instead of adding complex protective elements to the cork stopper, the solution takes out these accessories entirely and uses hermetically sealable insulators to create isolated test compartments, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable sealing assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device enables self-service assessment of cork stopper sealing ability through automated pressure application and detection. The hermetically sealable insulators and isolated compartments allow the system to independently evaluate each cork stopper without requiring additional manual intervention or accessory components, reducing both device complexity and production process complexity while maintaining high reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional visual inspection by specialized technicians is performed, then the process can be carried out with simple equipment, but the measurement precision and objectivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical/visual inspection system (human technicians visually examining cork surfaces) with a pressure-based detection system. Instead of relying on human vision and subjective assessment, the device uses hermetically sealable insulators to create isolated compartments and applies pressure differentials to objectively detect fluid communication through the cork. This substitution maintains ease of manufacture while dramatically improving measurement precision and objectivity.
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 solution allows for accurate assessment of each cork stopper's sealing ability, reducing the risk of wine leakage and deterioration by identifying defective stoppers and ensuring effective sealing, thereby improving the selection process and reducing costs associated with inefficient sealing methods.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable insulator (9) to a central part (4) of the cork stopper (R) body, wherein the insulator (9) is configured for, upon actuation, hermetically sealing the central part (4) of the cork stopper body in relation to the outside environment, and simultaneously for arranging each end (5a, 5b) of the stopper (R) in one of said compartments (8a, 8b)
Implementation Method 2
at least one test fluid source (14) connected to at least one test fluid inlet (12)... pressurizing said at least one compartment (8a, 8b) with a test fluid; f) detecting a head loss in said at least one closed compartment (8a, 8b) or detecting the presence or absence of test fluid in the opposing compartment (8b, 8a)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process and a device (1) to test the sealing of cork stoppers (R). The device (1) comprises a partitioning mechanism dividing a chamber in two compartments (8a, 8b). The partitioning mechanism comprises: an adjustable insulator (9) configured to hermetically seal a central part of the stopper (R) from the outside environment and simultaneously to arrange each end of the stopper (R) in one of the compartments (8a, 8b); and an insulator actuation member (10) to arrange the insulator (9) on the central part of the stopper (R). The device further comprises a block (11a) for closing the compartment (8a); an inlet (12) connected to a test fluid source, the source arranged in the block (11a), and a detection member (13) connected to the same block (11a). The present invention finds application in the field of cork stopper production and in the cork industry in general.