Gravity-Fed Container Guide for Fermentation Tank Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading systems for plant products into fermentation tanks are bulky, unsophisticated, and inefficient, leading to oxidation and mechanical damage, and require significant space for multiple tanks, which complicates the winemaking process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus involving a container-guided system where plant products are moved into a fermentation tank via a guide that allows for gravity-fed unloading, reducing oxidation and mechanical stress, and enabling efficient loading of multiple tanks with a closed-ring path and plunging piston for cap management, utilizing inert gas to prevent oxidation and minimizing equipment footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional loading systems are used, then loading can be performed, but the systems are bulky and require significant additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure serves multiple functions: it guides the container during loading, supports the container weight, and can be configured to serve multiple tanks. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate bulky loading equipment for each tank, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from ground-level loading operations to elevated loading above the tank. By positioning the guide and container in the vertical dimension above the tank opening, the system eliminates the need for lateral space and complex ground-level loading mechanisms, effectively moving the loading function to a different spatial dimension
2Loss of time
If plant product is loaded quickly, then oxidation risk is reduced, but mechanical stress may damage the product
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces aggressive mechanical loading methods (pumps, crushers) with a gentle gravity-based pouring mechanism. The container is positioned above the tank and the product is poured in controlled streams, eliminating mechanical stress while maintaining fast loading speed that minimizes oxidation exposure time
Solution Approach 2:
The loading method changes the physical parameters of the loading process by controlling the pouring height, flow rate, and distribution pattern. This allows the product to be loaded quickly through optimized pouring parameters rather than aggressive mechanical force, reducing both oxidation time and mechanical damage risk
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tanks are loaded with separate systems, then each tank can be loaded independently, but the equipment footprint increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single guide structure can be positioned to serve multiple tanks sequentially or simultaneously. The container travels along the guide and can unload into different tanks, allowing one loading system to replace multiple dedicated systems, thereby reducing equipment footprint while maintaining the ability to load multiple tanks independently
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the loading function for multiple tanks into a single integrated guide structure and container system. Instead of having separate loading equipment for each tank, the container and guide are combined into one versatile unit that can serve multiple tanks, reducing the overall equipment footprint while preserving operational independence
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 solution improves the efficiency and quality of the winemaking process by reducing oxidation and mechanical stress, simplifying the loading operation, and optimizing space usage, while allowing for simultaneous loading and plunging of multiple tanks with minimal equipment and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
there (that is, at that point, above said mouth) transferring (e.g. unloading by gravity in order to save energy and components) said amount into the tank
Implementation Method 2
The container may be provided with means for introducing an inert gas into the container in order to avoid oxidation of the plant product
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for loading a plant product, preferably must or grape, inside a fermentation tank (12) comprising on its top a loading mouth (14), comprising the steps of:moving a quantity of plant product by putting it inside a container (50) coupled to a guide (22) arranged to guide it up above the loading mouth and, there, and transferring said amount inside the tank.The method ensures easy handling of the product.