Combined Wine Fermentor and Press Vacuum Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wine separation methods from pomace involve transferring pomace, leading to exposure to oxygen, oxidation, and contamination, resulting in undesirable wine qualities.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a container with a preestablished volume, a drain space, and a vacuum system to separate liquid from unfermented must and pomace, minimizing exposure to air and contaminants by allowing fermentation and separation within the same vessel, using a pot with a false bottom and sealing mechanism to facilitate efficient liquid extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pomace is transferred to a second vessel for pressing, then the wine can be separated from the pomace, but the wine is exposed to oxygen, oxidation, and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fermenting vessel and pressing apparatus into a single integrated system. The fermenting vat includes an internal press structure with a plunger that can be inserted through the bottom of the vat to press the pomace directly within the same vessel, eliminating the need to transfer pomace to a second vessel and thus preventing exposure to oxygen and contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a press cord and plunger mechanism as an intermediary system that enables pressing operation within the fermenting vessel. The plunger acts as a mediator to apply mechanical pressure to the pomace through the vat bottom, allowing wine extraction without transferring the pomace to separate containers that would expose the wine to harmful factors
2Productivity
If a basket press or modern press is used to separate wine from pomace, then the wine can be extracted, but the process requires transferring pomace to a second vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fermenting and pressing operations into a single continuous process. The fermenting vat is designed with an internal press mechanism that can be operated directly within the vat, eliminating the time-consuming transfer step between vessels and allowing wine extraction to occur immediately after fermentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the pressing mechanism in advance within the fermenting vessel. The plunger and press cord are pre-positioned and ready for operation, allowing the pressing action to be performed immediately on the fermented pomace without requiring prior transfer to a separate pressing vessel, thus reducing overall process time
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
This approach reduces oxidation and contamination risks, enhances the quality of the separated wine by minimizing exposure to air and contaminants, and streamlines the process, saving time and reducing the risk of spoilage.
Implementation Method 1
actuating the pump creating at least a partial vacuum within the drain space 'DS'
Implementation Method 2
actuating the pump creating at least a partial vacuum within the drain space 'DS'; drawing the liquid from the must and the resulting future pomace
Implementation Method 3
positioning a false bottom within the pot, the false bottom having the capability of permitting a flow of liquid therethrough
Implementation Method 4
a sealing mechanism positioned between the outer circumference and the inside of the pot
Implementation Method 5
attaching a second end of the second tube to a pump; actuating the pump creating at least a partial vacuum within the drain space 'DS'
Data Source
AI summary
A combined fermentor and press assembly. The combined fermentor and press assembly includes a pot, container or bag having a preestablished volume “V” defined therein. A must and a future pomace being positioned in said preestablished volume “V”. A drain space “DS” defined within the preestablished volume “V” and a drain system, consisting of tubes and valves connected to a receptacle and a pump drawing a liquid from the must and the future pomace.