Device for holding a racking cane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional racking holders fail to securely hold a racking cane at an angle relative to carboys, especially during the critical phase of wine racking, leading to potential sediment disturbance and quality issues, and are not compatible with both glass and plastic carboy necks.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a base component with a compressible lining and adjustable clip component that can be securely attached to carboy necks of various diameters and shapes, allowing for adjustable angle and position of the racking cane, ensuring hands-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional racking holders are used, then the racking cane can be held during initial racking, but the holder cannot securely hold the cane at an angle during critical racking of the last portion of wine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of holding racking caneVSAvoidhands-free operation at all times

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holder features an adjustable clip mechanism that can be positioned at different locations along the carboy neck and angled to different orientations. This dynamic adjustability allows the holder to adapt to the specific geometry of the carboy neck and maintain secure contact with the racking cane throughout the entire racking process, including the critical phase when racking the last portion of wine off the sediment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is divided into distinct functional components: a base component that attaches to the carboy neck, a vertical member that provides structural support, and a clip component that contacts and holds the racking cane. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the clip being independently adjustable to maintain secure holding without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional racking holders are used, then they may work with one type of carboy neck, but they do not work effectively with both glass and plastic carboy necks of various diameters and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different carboy necksVSAvoidsecure attachment to carboy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with a base component that can be attached to various types of carboy necks (both glass and plastic, different diameters and shapes). The vertical member and clip component can be positioned and angled to accommodate different neck geometries, making the holder universally applicable to multiple carboy types while maintaining reliable attachment and secure racking cane holding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder allows for adjustment of the clip position along the vertical member and adjustment of the clip angle relative to the carboy neck. These parameter changes enable the holder to adapt to different carboy neck dimensions and shapes, maintaining secure attachment and effective racking cane holding across various carboy types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional racking holders are used, then they hold the racking cane vertically, but they do not allow the racking cane to be placed at an angle relative to the carboy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangle adjustment of racking caneVSAvoidsecure holding of racking cane

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clip component is designed to be adjustable in angle relative to the vertical member, allowing the racking cane to be held at various angles rather than being fixed in a vertical position only. This dynamic adjustability enables the holder to maintain secure contact with the racking cane regardless of the angle at which the cane is positioned, including angled positions that are optimal for racking the last portion of wine off the sediment.

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

The device effectively holds the racking cane at any angle, preventing sediment disturbance and ensuring secure attachment to both glass and plastic carboy necks, facilitating a more precise and efficient wine racking process.

Implementation Method 1

a base component with a compressible lining and adjustable clip component that can be securely attached to carboy necks of various diameters and shapes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11040822B1Device for holding a racking cane

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 MCCLOUD JOHN EDWIN

AI summary

A device for holding a racking cane is disclosed herein. The device includes a base component, the base component configured to be attached to a neck of a carboy; and a clip component coupled to the base component, the clip component configured to hold a racking cane steady relative to the carboy, the clip component being adjustable relative to the base component so as to allow a position and/or angle of the racking cane to be adjusted by a user.