Fermentation Tank Gas Pressure Control via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage-making technologies lack efficient control over gas discharge during fermentation, leading to potential over-pressure and inconsistent fermentation outcomes, which can affect the quality and consistency of brewed beverages.
Innovation Solution
A beverage-making apparatus featuring a fermentation tank assembly with a gas extraction flow path, a pressure sensor, and a gas release valve that controls gas discharge based on pressure measurements to manage pressure build-up and optimize fermentation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas discharge is not controlled during fermentation, then fermentation process is simple, but pressure build-up occurs leading to safety issues and inconsistent fermentation outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a pressure sensor continuously monitors the pressure inside the fermentation tank and sends signals to a controller, which then activates or deactivates the gas release valve based on whether the pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures consistent fermentation outcomes by automatically regulating gas discharge without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The fermentation system performs self-regulation of pressure through automated gas discharge control. The pressure sensor and controller work together to monitor and adjust gas release automatically, allowing the system to manage its own pressure conditions without external intervention, thereby improving reliability while maintaining reasonable complexity.
2Measurement precision
If pressure control is implemented during fermentation, then fermentation completion can be accurately determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback on the fermentation tank's internal pressure to the controller. By monitoring pressure changes over time, the system can accurately determine when fermentation is complete (when pressure stabilizes or returns to baseline), providing precise measurement without requiring complex analytical instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex chemical or biological analysis methods for determining fermentation completion with a simple pressure-based detection system. The pressure sensor and controller provide an automated, precise method for detecting fermentation status based on physical pressure changes, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining accuracy.
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 apparatus ensures precise control over gas discharge, reducing pressure build-up and allowing for accurate determination of fermentation completion, thereby enhancing the consistency and quality of brewed beverages.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor disposed on at least one of the gas extraction flow path or the fermentation tank cover... measure a pressure inside the gas extraction flow path using the pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
a gas release valve disposed in the gas extraction flow path and configured to discharge gas from the fermentation tank... control the gas release valve to stop a discharge of gas from the fermentation tank
Implementation Method 3
fermentation ingredients... The yeast is often referred to as leaven, and is typically added to malt to induce fermentation. The yeast may also facilitate the generation of alcohol and carbonic acid.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a fermentation tank assembly including a fermentation tank having an opening formed therein and a fermentation tank cover configured to open and close the opening. The apparatus also includes an ingredient receiving portion configured to receive, through the opening of the fermentation tank, fermentation ingredients; a gas extraction flow path connected to the fermentation tank; a gas release valve disposed in the gas extraction flow path and configured to discharge gas from the fermentation tank; and a pressure sensor disposed on at least one of the gas extraction flow path or the fermentation tank cover.