Fermentation Basket Self-Ejection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wine production processes in stainless steel fermentation tanks require manual entry, water usage, and labor-intensive methods for must/pomace removal, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A removable stainless steel strainer basket with a perforated design and lifting mechanisms for easy installation and removal, eliminating the need for tank entry and reducing contamination risks, which allows for efficient separation of solids from liquids within the tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual entry and labor-intensive methods are used for must/pomace removal, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor consumption and time loss increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fermentation basket is designed to be self-removable by the fermentation mass itself. The basket sits on the fermentation mass, and as the mass expands during fermentation, it automatically pushes the basket upward and outward, causing the basket to self-eject from the tank without requiring manual intervention or additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the removal function from manual labor and mechanized systems, allowing the fermentation process itself to perform the extraction. The basket is designed to be passively removed by the physical expansion forces generated during fermentation, eliminating the need for active removal mechanisms.
2Quantity of substance
If water usage and manual handling are employed for must removal, then complete removal is achieved, but water consumption and energy usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the fermentation mass's own physical expansion to perform the removal work. No external water or energy input is required - the biochemical process of fermentation generates the mechanical force needed to eject the basket, making the system self-powered and eliminating water consumption associated with manual washing and removal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tank entry and manual methods are used, then adaptability to different must types is maintained, but contamination risk and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic self-ejection mechanism eliminates the need for human entry into the tank and manual handling of the must. The fermentation mass automatically performs the basket removal, preventing contamination from external sources and eliminating safety hazards associated with tank entry and manual操作中.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional removal methods are used, then must removal is achieved, but time loss and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The removal process occurs automatically during the fermentation process itself, utilizing the natural expansion of the fermentation mass. This eliminates separate removal operations and reduces the overall time required, as the basket is ejected automatically when the fermentation mass reaches sufficient volume and pressure.
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
This solution reduces labor, water, and energy consumption, minimizes contamination, and enhances safety by eliminating the need for manual handling and equipment setup, resulting in cost savings and improved wine production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
it is perforated about its floor (bottom) and side, such that when it is removed from the tank, solids larger than the perforation holes remain in the basket while liquids remain in the tank
Data Source
AI summary
A fermentation basket for suspension in a fermentation tank during wine fermentation which includes a perforated bottom side, at least one perforated vertical side, an open top side having an upper edge with a circumference or perimeter, cable or chain connecting elements disposed around said upper edge for connecting a hoist cable or chain to hoist said filtration basket, and hanging structure disposed around said upper edge for suspending said filtration basket in the interior of a fermentation tank such that said bottom side is spaced apart from the bottom of the fermentation tank.