Variable Capacity Tank for Liquid Oxidation Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wine storage containers face challenges in preventing oxidation due to oxygen exposure, particularly when the liquid volume changes, leading to spoilage, as previous solutions like inert atmospheres and inflatable tanks are either complex, prone to damage, or obstruct the container aperture.
Innovation Solution
A device with a variable capacity tank placed at the bottom of the container, connected to a filling fluid pipe, uses fastening means to keep the tank stable and fill the empty space without raising, allowing lower inflation pressures and preventing air entry, while a control unit adjusts the filling fluid to maintain optimal liquid levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflatable tank is used to compensate for liquid volume changes, then oxidation is prevented, but the tank is prone to damage from fatigue cycles and high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the inflatable tank at the top of the container as in prior art, this invention inverts the approach by placing it at the bottom. This inversion allows the tank to be filled from below through a lower aperture, preventing the tank from rising and obstructing the upper aperture while maintaining its volume compensation function to prevent oxidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter by using lower inflation pressure compared to prior art solutions. By positioning the tank at the bottom and filling it through a lower aperture, the system achieves volume compensation with reduced pressure requirements, thereby decreasing the mechanical stress and fatigue cycles on the tank material, which improves durability and reduces damage risk.
2Reliability
If the variable capacity tank is inserted from the upper aperture, then the container can be sealed, but the tank obstructs the aperture and breaks connections
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by inserting the variable capacity tank through a lower aperture at the bottom of the container rather than through the upper aperture. This inversion eliminates the obstruction problem at the upper aperture, maintaining both sealing effectiveness and aperture accessibility for monitoring and operation.
3Reliability
If a floating lid or movable parts with gaskets are used, then volume changes are compensated, but oxidation occurs due to leaks and inert gas contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the problematic movable parts with gaskets and floating lids from the system. Instead, it uses a variable capacity tank that can be securely anchored at the bottom, providing volume compensation through a more reliable sealed structure that prevents oxidation and contamination while maintaining volume adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting the position of the variable capacity tank to the bottom of the container, the invention achieves secure anchoring and sealing without requiring floating lids or movable gasketed parts. This inverted configuration provides volume compensation while eliminating the oxidation and contamination risks associated with traditional movable sealing components.
4Reliability
If high inflation pressure is used to fill the tank, then volume compensation is effective, but the tank material is stressed and torn
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure parameter by using lower inflation pressure compared to prior art solutions. By positioning the tank at the bottom and filling it through a lower aperture, the system achieves effective volume compensation with reduced pressure requirements, thereby decreasing the mechanical stress on the tank material and preventing tears while maintaining compensation effectiveness.
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
Effectively prevents oxidation by maintaining an air-free environment with lower pressure requirements, ensuring the tank remains stable and functional, even in large containers, and allows for easy adaptation to existing containers without obstructing the aperture.
Implementation Method 1
pneumatic control means...intended to produce an overpressure inside the container and on the liquid when the liquid is supplied outside the container
Implementation Method 2
pneumatic control means increase their volume by an amount equal to the change in the volume of the liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Device for protecting a liquid (10) from oxidation inside a container (1) comprising first means (5, 50) for supplying the liquid (10) inside said container (1), second means (6, 60) for supplying the liquid (10) outside the container (1) and a control unit (7). There being also provided pneumatic control means intended to produce an overpressure inside the container (1) and on the liquid (10) when the liquid (10) is supplied outside the container (1), such that following a decrease in the volume of the liquid (10) inside the container (1), the pneumatic control means increase their volume by an amount equal to the change in the volume of the liquid (10). The pneumatic control means comprise a variable capacity tank (21) and a pipe (22) supplying and discharging a fluid for filling the tank (21), there being provided means (3) supplying and discharging the filling fluid which are connected to said pipe (22). Moreover the supplying and discharging pipe (22) communicates with the variable capacity tank (21) through a connection placed inside the container (1) at the lower end of the container (1).