Hydrostatic Pressure Sensor for Wine Barrel Level and Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling wine level and density in barrels are manual, time-consuming, resource-intensive, and lead to non-uniform product quality due to offline sampling, which introduces variations and exposes the wine to oxidation, while existing sensors are costly, prone to sediment deposition, and have limited operational ranges.
Innovation Solution
A level and density sensor device using hydrostatic pressure differential measurement through a sensorised stopper, incorporating differential pressure sensors and air injection to measure liquid level and density without opening the barrel, integrated with temperature compensation and meniscus minimization, enabling real-time monitoring and wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual offline sampling is used to control wine level and density, then the process can be carried out with simple equipment, but it consumes time and resources, induces variations leading to lower wine quality, and exposes wine to oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling operations with an automated sensor-based measurement system. The sensor device continuously monitors wine level and density through non-invasive hydrostatic pressure measurements, eliminating the need for manual sampling operations while improving efficiency and wine quality consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device enables self-monitoring of wine parameters without requiring operator intervention. The system automatically measures and records level and density data, allowing the wine-making process to monitor itself continuously without human involvement in the measurement process
2Measurement precision
If manual sampling is performed frequently to improve monitoring accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but wine exposure to oxygen increases causing oxidation and quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces intrusive manual sampling with non-invasive pressure-based sensing. The sensor measures wine level and density through hydrostatic pressure differential without requiring physical contact with or removal of wine, thereby eliminating oxidation risk while maintaining continuous measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydrostatic pressure as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure wine level and density. Instead of directly contacting or removing wine samples, the system measures pressure differential caused by wine column height and density, providing accurate measurements without exposing wine to oxygen
3Productivity
If existing sensor devices are used for continuous monitoring, then real-time data is obtained, but the sensors are prone to sediment deposition and have limited operational ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air columns as intermediaries to transmit pressure signals from the wine to the sensors without direct contact. The air-filled tubes convey hydrostatic pressure information from wine at different depths to the pressure sensors, preventing sediment deposition on sensing elements while maintaining real-time measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct liquid-contact sensors with indirect pressure measurement through air columns. This substitution eliminates the reliability issue of sediment deposition on sensor surfaces while preserving the ability to measure wine level and density in real-time through hydrostatic pressure principles
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple barrels are monitored individually to ensure uniform quality, then product quality consistency improves, but the complexity of the monitoring system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal sensor device that can be applied to multiple different barrel types and wine-making scenarios. The same basic sensor configuration monitors both level and density parameters across different barrels, providing consistent quality control without requiring complex specialized systems for each application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the monitoring function into independent sensor units that can be individually installed in each barrel. Each barrel receives its own dedicated sensor device, allowing individual monitoring while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular, standardized units that can be deployed independently
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
Enables real-time, cost-effective, and reliable monitoring of wine level and density, reducing waste and maintaining product quality by minimizing oxygen exposure and sediment impact, facilitating maintenance, and allowing for centralized control of multiple barrels.
Implementation Method 1
measuring through a hydrostatic pressure difference, the volume or the density of a liquid contained in a vessel
Implementation Method 2
A level and density sensor device using hydrostatic pressure differential measurement through a sensorised stopper, incorporating differential pressure sensors and air injection
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is related to a level and/or density sensor for vessels suitable for storing liquids, in particular barrels or vats, more in particular barrels or vats for storing or producing wine. The hydrostatic pressure differential sensor for measuring volume and/or density disclosed herein comprises a main body; a tube for diving into the liquid; a hydrostatic pressure differential sensor; an air injector for injecting air into said tube; wherein the tube is coupled to the main body; wherein the hydrostatic pressure differential sensor has two inlets, a first inlet airtight connected to the upper top of said tube, configured so that the tube maintains air present in the interior thereof when dived into the liquid, and a second inlet for communicating with the interior of the vessel.