Wine Pump-Over Device With Conical Impeller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wine pump-over devices fail to provide uniform distribution of free-run wine over the cap, often resulting in obstructed flow and difficulty in cleaning, which can impact wine quality and taste.
Innovation Solution
A wine pump-over device featuring a joint member, impeller, and flow conditioner that ensures uniform distribution, unobstructed flow, and ease of cleaning, with a conical impeller and adjustable components made from food-grade materials, and a flow conditioner with ridged surfaces to match tank shapes, reducing splashing and ensuring complete coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional pump-over devices are used, then wine distribution is achieved, but uniform distribution over the cap is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The pump-over device divides the wine flow into multiple streams through a multi-hole distribution plate and conical impeller structure. The distribution plate has multiple holes arranged in specific patterns to create numerous small flow streams, while the conical impeller further segments the flow as it rotates, ensuring uniform coverage across the entire cap surface rather than concentrated flow from single points.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs different structural features in different zones: the distribution plate has varying hole patterns for different flow distribution needs, the conical impeller has blades with specific angles and spacing to create localized flow patterns, and the side opening is positioned to target specific areas of the cap. Each component is designed with local variations to optimize wine distribution across different regions of the fermentation tank.
2Productivity
If conventional pump-over devices are used, then wine flow is achieved, but unobstructed flow is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The conical impeller is designed to rotate dynamically in response to the wine flow itself, converting the kinetic energy of the incoming wine into rotational motion. This dynamic rotation actively promotes continuous flow by preventing stagnation and ensuring the wine constantly moves through the system. The rotation speed adapts automatically to flow rate variations, maintaining reliable unobstructed flow under different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller design allows the wine flow to drive its own rotation without requiring external motors or power sources. The flow of wine through the conical impeller creates torque that automatically rotates the impeller, which in turn enhances the flow distribution and prevents clogging. The system uses the wine's own kinetic energy to maintain its own unobstructed flow.
3Ease of operation
If conventional pump-over devices are used, then wine distribution is achieved, but ease of cleaning is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable components including the distribution plate, conical impeller, side opening assembly, and main body. This segmentation allows each component to be independently removed and cleaned, preventing cross-contamination and making it easier to reach all surfaces including hard-to-access areas. The modular design maintains functional complexity while simplifying maintenance procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical impeller is designed to be removable and reversible, allowing it to be taken out from the bottom of the device for cleaning. The side opening is positioned to allow access from the side, enabling cleaning tools to reach internal surfaces that would otherwise be inaccessible. This inverted access approach simplifies cleaning operations without requiring complete disassembly of the entire device.
4Device complexity
If simple pump-over devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but uniform distribution capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution plate and conical impeller are integrated into a single functional assembly where the distribution plate feeds wine onto the impeller surface. This merging of functions allows the wine to be distributed and simultaneously propelled by the rotating impeller, achieving uniform distribution without requiring separate complex pumping and spraying systems. The combined structure maintains simplicity while delivering precise distribution control.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical impeller serves multiple functions: it distributes wine across the cap surface, prevents flow obstruction through its rotation, and can be adjusted to control flow patterns. The side opening provides both wine entry and cleaning access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining device simplicity while achieving precise distribution uniformity through the versatile impeller design.
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 achieves uniform and homogeneous distribution of wine over the cap, ensuring unobstructed flow and ease of cleaning, thereby enhancing wine quality and reducing manual intervention in the fermentation process.
Implementation Method 1
The impeller is configured to rotate around the shaft
Implementation Method 2
allows the fermented liquid to flow uniformly around and down the conical-shaped outer surface of the impeller and through the impeller
Implementation Method 3
The flow conditioner extends from the bottom of the joint member and surrounds the shaft, and is configured to optimize together with the impeller the flow of the fermented liquid over the fermented cap
Data Source
AI summary
A device for distributing a fermented liquid uniformly over a fermented cap includes a joint member, an impeller, a shaft and a flow conditioner. The joint member has a top opening, a bottom opening, a side opening, a through-opening extending from the top opening to the bottom opening and a side-through-opening extending from the side opening to the through-opening. The impeller includes a one-piece conical shaped body that has a central-through-opening. The shaft extends through the through-opening of the joint member and through the central-through-opening of the impeller. The flow conditioner extends from the bottom of the joint member and surrounds the shaft. The bottom of the flow conditioner is shaped to match the shape of the fermentation tank.