Modular Sparkling Wine Disgorging and Dosage Layout for Higher Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disgorgement and dosage machines for sparkling wine production have modest production volumes and high operational and production costs, with rotary carousel machines being structurally and mechanically complex.
Innovation Solution
A machine with multiple side-by-side operative modules, each comprising a disgorgement and dosage station, allows simultaneous processing of multiple bottles without the need for a rotating carousel structure, maintaining a simple construction and reducing overall complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotary carousel machine is used to increase production volume, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The machine is divided into multiple independent operative modules (first operative module, second operative module, etc.) that are arranged side by side. Each module contains its own disgorgement station and dosage station, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple bottles without requiring a complex rotary carousel mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotary carousel that operates in a circular/rotational dimension, the invention arranges operative modules in a linear side-by-side configuration, utilizing the horizontal dimension to achieve parallel processing. This dimensional change simplifies the overall structure while maintaining high productivity.
2Device complexity
If linear machines with multiple stations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity remains modest
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple operative modules are combined in a single machine system, with each module containing both disgorgement and dosage functions. This merging of multiple processing units into one integrated system achieves high productivity while maintaining relatively simple construction within each module.
Solution Approach 2:
Each operative module is designed as a universal unit that can perform both disgorgement and dosage operations. This multi-functionality allows the machine to process multiple bottles simultaneously through parallel modules, significantly increasing productivity without requiring separate specialized machines for each function.
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
Significantly increases production volume while keeping production and operational costs low, with a structurally simple and reliable design.
Implementation Method 1
the neck of the bottles (still in an inverted position with the neck facing downwards) is subjected to a freezing step (by means of a cooling bath) in order to freeze the portion of the wine near the cork itself
Data Source
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AI summary
Machine for the disgorgement and dosage for producing sparkling wines, which comprises first transport means (21), adapted to transport, along a first advancement direction (A1), multiple bottles (100), an inlet station (22) intercepted by the first transport means (21), a treatment unit (3) adapted to receive the bottles (100) at the inlet station (22), an outlet station (23) arranged for receiving the bottles (100) from the treatment unit (3), and second transport means (24), which are adapted to transport the bottles (100) outside the outlet station (23) along a second advancement direction (A2). The treatment unit (3) comprises multiple operative modules (4), which are placed between the inlet station (22) and the outlet station (23) and are side-by-side with each other along a flanking direction (X) substantially parallel to the first advancement direction (A1). Each operative module (4) comprises movement means (5) arranged for moving the bottles (100) from the inlet station (22) to the outlet station (23) along a third advancement direction (A3) transverse to the first (A1) and second advancement direction (A2), and several operative stations (6) placed in succession along the third advancement direction (A3). The operative stations (6) comprise at least one disgorgement station (61) provided with an uncapping device (611) arranged for removing the cap from the bottle (100) and a dosage station (62) provided with a dosing tap (621) arranged for introducing a specific dose of dosage syrup in the bottle (100).