Dielectric Fluid Fill Sensing for Aging Beverage Barrels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining fluid fill metric and quality in containers are inaccurate due to changes in dielectric constant over time and environmental factors, leading to false readings and increased risk of adverse reactions, especially in the aging process of alcoholic beverages like wine and bourbon.
Innovation Solution
A sensing device with an inner and outer housing, equipped with sensor modules to generate an electric field based on electrical parameters, determines fluid fill metric and quality by processing dielectric constants and ambient parameters, transmitting data to a central control module for real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless sensors are used to determine fluid level based on dielectric constant, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to dielectric constant changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the dielectric constant of the fluid over time and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust and update the reference values. By comparing current measurements against historically calibrated reference values, the system compensates for dielectric constant changes and maintains measurement precision while enabling continuous real-time monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to changing conditions by updating the dielectric constant reference values based on observed changes in the fluid composition over time. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the sensor to maintain accuracy despite the fluid's dielectric properties evolving during storage and aging processes.
2Measurement precision
If manual sampling processes are used to monitor fluid quality, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to labor intensity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-calibration by automatically monitoring its own measurements over time and updating its reference values without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously adapts to fluid composition changes, eliminating the need for frequent manual sampling while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling processes with an automated wireless sensor system that electronically measures fluid properties. This substitution eliminates labor-intensive manual operations while maintaining or improving measurement precision through continuous automated monitoring and adaptive calibration.
3Loss of time
If infrequent manual testing is performed, then loss of time is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to increased risk of adverse reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless sensor system enables continuous monitoring of fluid quality parameters without interruption or manual intervention. By continuously measuring and tracking dielectric constant and other fluid properties, the system ensures reliable quality assurance while eliminating the time loss associated with periodic manual testing schedules.
4Device complexity
If environmental factors are not compensated for, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature and humidity effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated sensor unit that simultaneously measures dielectric constant, temperature, and humidity. By merging these measurements and using the environmental data to compensate for its effects on dielectric constant calculations, the system maintains measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
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
Provides accurate, real-time fluid fill metric and quality assessment, reducing manual intervention and enabling continuous monitoring, thus improving wine quality tracking and reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
Implementation Method 1
the dielectric constant of the bourbon changes over time as the mixture in the container evolves
Implementation Method 2
The at least one first sensor module is configured to generate an electric field based on detecting at least one electrical parameter of the portion of the fluid in the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods for determining fluid fill metric of fluid (e.g., wine, bourbon, etc.) in a receptacle and evaluating fluid quality. The sensing device includes an outer housing and an inner housing. The inner housing includes a cavity adapted to receive a portion of a fluid stored in the receptacle while the sensing device is inserted into the receptacle. The sensing device includes a first sensor module configured to generate an electric field based on detecting at least one electrical parameter of the portion of the fluid in the cavity. The sensing device includes a control circuitry communicably coupled to the first sensor module. The control circuitry determines a fluid fill metric of the fluid in the receptacle and generates sensory data based on processing the fluid fill metric, the ambient parameters, and one or more parameters associated with the fluid.