Wine Bottle Closure With Inert Gas and Oxygen Scavenging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preserving oxygen-sensitive substances like wine fail to effectively prevent oxidation without altering taste or texture, are expensive, complex, or inefficient, and do not provide combined protection of inert gas and oxygen scavenger methods.
Innovation Solution
A closure device that combines inert gas and oxygen scavenger methods, using a body with a chamber for storing inert gases and absorbent material, a fastening member for airtight seal, a blister to release gases, and an indicator unit to detect oxygen levels, ensuring a protective barrier against oxidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If vacuum preservation methods are used to remove oxygen from the container, then the shelf life of the product is extended, but the taste and texture of the product are altered and volatile aromatics are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inert gas (such as nitrogen or argon) into the container to displace oxygen and create an inert atmosphere that prevents oxidation. This method extends shelf life without removing volatile aromatics or altering taste, as the inert gas simply replaces oxygen rather than creating a vacuum that would strip aromatic compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an oxygen scavenger as an intermediary substance that chemically reacts with and removes oxygen from the container. This mediator approach allows oxygen removal without the harmful effects of vacuum sealing, as the scavenger selectively targets oxygen while leaving aromatic compounds and product quality intact.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If industrial vacuum sealers are used to extend shelf life, then the shelf life is extended, but the device is expensive, complex, and can alter taste and texture of foods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable oxygen scavenger packets that are inexpensive and simple to use. These single-use scavengers eliminate the need for expensive, complex vacuum sealing equipment while achieving effective oxygen removal and shelf life extension. The scavenger packets are simply placed in the container and activated, providing a low-cost alternative to industrial vacuum sealers.
3Quantity of substance
If oxygen scavengers are used to remove oxygen from the container, then oxygen is removed, but unpleasant odors are produced and volatile aromas are removed due to negative pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite oxygen scavenger materials that combine oxygen-absorbing compounds with aromatic-preserving agents. This composite approach allows effective oxygen removal while preventing the formation of unpleasant odors and protecting volatile aromas from being stripped away. The composite material addresses both oxygen removal and sensory quality preservation simultaneously.
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 device effectively maintains the freshness of oxygen-sensitive substances by creating an inert atmosphere and removing residual oxygen, preventing oxidation and undesirable flavors, while being user-friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
The body defines a channel or a chamber that is configured to store one or more primary gases... releasing the one or more primary gases into the container to form a protective barrier
Implementation Method 2
The body defines a channel or a chamber that is configured to store one or more primary gases and at least one absorbent material... exposing the absorbent material to the headspace of the container
Implementation Method 3
The blister is connected to a hollow shaft, and the hollow shaft contains at least one secondary gas... The blister is configured with an indicator unit indicating the presence of oxygen in the container
Data Source
AI summary
A closure device for a container to provide a combined protection of inert gas and oxygen scavenger methods. The closure device comprises a body, a fastening member, one or more plurality of protrusions, a blister, a hollow shaft, and a seal member. The closure device is removably coupled to an open end of the container through a fastening assembly. The fastening assembly includes at least one of friction fit, a snap fit, a screw fit, or any of a variety of fastening mechanisms. The closure device provides a combined protection of inert gas and oxygen scavenger methods. This is beneficial because it prevents nutritional and organoleptic degradation processes of wine through oxidation while aids to preserve the fruitier and fresher aromas and flavors of the wine. The closure device is designed to fit snugly over the neck of the bottle and create an airtight seal.