Wireless Fermentation Sensor with Interchangeable Bung
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monitoring systems for winemaking are limited in their ability to continuously and wirelessly capture and analyze various parameters during the fermentation process, lacking flexibility and adaptability to different wine containers and failing to provide timely notifications and control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with integrated sensors and a controller that monitors parameters like pressure, temperature, and alcohol content, transmitting data wirelessly for analysis, and includes actuators for process control, with interchangeable bungs for different barrel sizes and optional microoxygenation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional monitoring systems are used for winemaking, then the system structure is simple, but the system lacks the ability to continuously and wirelessly capture and analyze various parameters during fermentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities (pressure, temperature, alcohol content sensors) and wireless communication functions into an integrated monitoring system that can continuously capture and transmit fermentation parameters, resolving the contradiction between automation capability and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed with multi-functional sensors and actuators that can handle various fermentation parameters and control operations through a single integrated platform, enabling continuous wireless monitoring without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional monitoring systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the system lacks flexibility and adaptability to different wine containers
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs interchangeable bungs designed for different barrel sizes and container types, allowing the monitoring system to dynamically adapt to various wine containers while maintaining a consistent core monitoring platform, thus achieving versatility without increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is divided into modular components including interchangeable bungs, sensor modules, and control units that can be configured for different container types, enabling flexibility while keeping each individual component relatively simple
3Reliability
If conventional monitoring systems are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the system fails to provide timely notifications and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor fermentation parameters and the controller automatically sends notifications and activates actuators when parameters deviate from optimal ranges, providing timely control while maintaining system simplicity through automated decision-making algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system includes automatic notification and control capabilities that operate autonomously without requiring constant human intervention, with the controller automatically responding to parameter changes through pre-programmed logic, enhancing reliability while keeping the control system manageable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and system for monitoring wine fermentation is provided. The system comprises a sensor conduit and a sensor enclosure. The sensor enclosure comprises a leveling indicator that indicates if the sensor conduit is vertical.