Automated Distilled Spirit Composition Tracking System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The distilled spirits industry faces challenges in accurately tracking the composition and age of spirits due to complex manual processes, which are time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when dealing with temperature corrections and ethanol evaporation, making it difficult to reconcile ethanol production and shipment quantities as required by regulatory agencies.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system and method for tracking the composition and age of distilled spirits throughout the production process, which automates the propagation of composition through blends, accounts for ethanol evaporation, and provides real-time operational information, enabling accurate estimation of final product composition and tax calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual processes are used for tracking composition and gauging distilled spirits, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but accuracy and time efficiency deteriorate due to human error and time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking processes with an automated computer-based system that uses sensors, databases, and software algorithms to track composition, temperature, and ethanol quantities throughout the production process, eliminating human error while maintaining process flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs gauging calculations, temperature corrections, and composition tracking without requiring manual intervention at each step, with the computer system self-managing the data collection, processing, and reconciliation functions
2Productivity
If manual gauging and tracking processes are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency worsen due to time-consuming manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual gauging operations with automated computer-based calculations that instantly process temperature corrections, proof gallons, and composition data, dramatically increasing tracking speed and productivity while reducing manual labor
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously tracks composition and ethanol quantities throughout the entire production process without interruption, automatically updating records as materials move through blending, storage, and processing stages, eliminating gaps in tracking
3Measurement precision
If temperature corrections are manually applied to hydrometer readings, then measurement adaptability is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to manual calculation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual temperature correction calculations with automated computer-based algorithms that instantly adjust hydrometer readings based on temperature data, eliminating calculation errors while simplifying the operator's task to merely input raw measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The computer system acts as an intermediary between temperature measurement and final proof calculation, automatically applying the appropriate correction factors and presenting the corrected value without requiring the operator to manually consult correction tables or perform calculations
4Reliability
If manual tracking of ethanol quantities is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but reliability worsens due to inability to reconcile production and shipment quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors and compares ethanol production quantities against shipment quantities, automatically generating reconciliation reports and alerting operators to discrepancies, ensuring reliable tracking throughout the production and distribution process
Solution Approach 2:
The computer-based tracking system serves multiple functions simultaneously: tracking composition, monitoring temperature, calculating proof gallons, managing inventory, and reconciling production with shipments, providing comprehensive reliability across all tracking needs
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 system improves accuracy and efficiency in tracking and reporting, allowing for automated reconciliation of ethanol quantities, real-time operational visibility, and compliance with regulatory requirements, reducing manual errors and increasing productivity.
Implementation Method 1
the hydrometer bulb raised and lowered from top to bottom 5 or 6 times to obtain an even temperature distribution over its surface
Implementation Method 2
quantities and amounts of ethanol in distilled spirits should be tracked throughout the distilled spirits production process and any losses of ethanol, due to evaporation or other events, must be noted
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for propagating distilled spirit composition throughout production are disclosed. The composition of distilled spirits in each of a plurality of containers is tracked. A first distilled spirit from a first container in the plurality of containers is blended with a second distilled spirit from a second container in the plurality of containers to form a third quantity of a third distilled spirit. The third distilled spirit is placed into a third container in the plurality of containers and the composition of distilled spirits in the third container is computed based on the known composition and quantities of the first distilled spirit, the second distilled spirit, and the known composition and quantities already present in third container at a time prior to placing the first and second quantities into the third container. The composition and quantity of distilled spirits in the containers is then stored.