Movable Capsule Knife for Sparkling Wine Disgorging Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disgorging apparatus for sparkling wines are not adaptable to various bottle sizes, particularly large capacities, and require precise positioning, making manual operation difficult and risky, with potential for incomplete sediment removal and bottle damage.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic disgorging apparatus with a movable capsule-removing knife and adjustable mechanism that can adapt to different bottle geometries, allowing for automatic positioning and tilting to ensure complete sediment removal without excessive operator effort or risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed capsule-removing knife is used in known disgorging apparatus, then the structure is simple, but the apparatus cannot adapt to different bottle geometries and capacities
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule-removing knife is made movable relative to the holder through a adjustment mechanism, allowing it to be repositioned along the longitudinal axis to adapt to different bottle neck positions and geometries. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same apparatus to handle various bottle types without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The disgorging apparatus is designed with adjustable components that enable it to perform the capsule removal function across multiple bottle types and capacities. The movable knife and adjustable holder positioning allow a single apparatus to universally handle from split bottles to large capacities, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for large capacity bottles, then the apparatus is simple, but the operation is difficult and dangerous due to weight and force
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates automatic mechanisms that perform the disgorging operation without requiring manual manipulation of the bottle. The tilting mechanism automatically positions the bottle, the movable knife automatically removes the capsule, and the system handles the sediment expulsion, allowing the heavy bottle to be processed without operator physical effort.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical manipulation of the bottle is replaced with an automated mechanical system. The apparatus uses controlled tilting, movable cutting mechanisms, and automated positioning to perform the disgorging operation, substituting the operator's manual skills and physical effort with a standardized automated process that handles the weight and force safely.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning is required for capsule removal, then the disgorging can be completed, but the operator needs great dexterity and experience
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs self-positioning through its adjustable mechanisms. The movable capsule-removing knife automatically aligns with the bottle neck position, and the tilting mechanism self-adjusts to the correct angle, eliminating the need for the operator to manually position components with precision. The system handles the positioning precision autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus allows for adjustable parameters such as knife position, holder angle, and tilting degree that can be modified to match different bottle geometries. These parameter adjustments are designed to be straightforward, transforming the complex positioning task into simple parameter changes that the operator can make without requiring great dexterity or experience.
4Reliability
If the capsule-removing knife is not positioned correctly, then the disgorging fails or the bottle is damaged, but fixed positioning cannot accommodate variations
Solution Approach 1:
The movable capsule-removing knife can be repositioned along the longitudinal axis to accommodate variations in bottle neck position caused by different geometries and manufacturers. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the knife is always correctly positioned relative to the actual bottle, maintaining high reliability across all bottle types while adapting to geometric variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates adjustment mechanisms that allow the operator to observe and fine-tune the knife position relative to the bottle neck. This feedback capability enables the operator to ensure correct positioning by visual inspection and minor adjustments, ensuring reliable capsule removal while accommodating variations in bottle geometry and manufacturing tolerances.
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 reliable and reproducible disgorging of all sparkling wine bottle sizes, including large capacities, by automatically positioning the capsule-removing knife and tilting mechanism, ensuring complete sediment expulsion with minimal wine loss and preventing bottle damage.
Implementation Method 1
said capsule-removing knife being movable relative to said capsule-removing mechanism in order to approach and to move away from said median axis, said capsule-removing knife being urged toward said median axis
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for the removal of sediment from sparkling wines, designed to remove the capsule covering the neck of a bottle (18) containing sparkling wine, comprising: a frame (12), a tilting mechanism (14) comprising: a holder (16) for supporting a bottle (18) in a predetermined position, said holder (16) being movable on the frame (12) between a low position, in which the neck is inclined downwards, and a high position in which the neck is inclined upwards, and a capsule removing mechanism (32) provided with at least one capsule removing knife, said capsule removing mechanism (32) being movable on the holder (16) and synchronized with said holder (16) so that the said capsule removing knife or knives remove(s) the capsule, when the holder (16) is in a predetermined angular position relative to the horizontal. The capsule removing knife is movable relative to the capsule removing mechanism (32).