Wine Pump-Over Device with Conical Impeller for Uniform Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wine pump-over devices fail to provide uniform and homogeneous distribution of free-run wine over the cap, often resulting in obstructed flow and difficulty in cleaning, which affects the quality and taste of the wine.
Innovation Solution
A wine pump-over device featuring a T-joint member, an impeller with a conical shape and curved blades, and a shaft, along with a ball bearing and bushing to reduce friction, ensuring uniform distribution and ease of cleaning, and a flow conditioner for improved flow, made from materials like stainless steel or plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional pump-over devices are used, then wine can be distributed over the cap, but the distribution is not uniform and homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The pump-over device is segmented into multiple functional components: a distribution manifold with multiple nozzles arranged in a circular pattern, an impeller with radially extending blades, and a conical screen. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the manifold distributes wine uniformly, the impeller creates rotational flow, and the screen prevents clogging - collectively achieving uniform distribution without flow obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from simple linear flow to three-dimensional rotational flow by incorporating an impeller that rotates wine in a circular path. The wine is pumped through the manifold, then spun by the impeller blades, creating a vortex that distributes wine uniformly in all directions over the cap, adding a rotational dimension to the distribution process
2Productivity
If conventional pump-over devices are used, then wine flow can occur, but the flow becomes obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic impeller that rotates to actively move wine through the system. The rotational motion of the impeller blades creates continuous fluid dynamics, preventing stagnation and obstructions. The system adapts to varying flow conditions through the rotational mechanism, maintaining reliable flow even when viscosity or volume changes
Solution Approach 2:
A conical screen with porous structure is incorporated into the device. This screen allows wine to pass through while filtering out grape solids and debris that would cause obstructions. The porous structure maintains open flow paths while preventing clogging, ensuring reliable uninterrupted wine flow to the cap
3Ease of operation
If conventional pump-over devices are used, then wine distribution can occur, but cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with segmented, modular components including a removable manifold, separable impeller, and detachable screen. This segmentation allows each component to be easily removed and cleaned separately. The manifold with its nozzle array can be disassembled for thorough cleaning, and the screen can be removed for washing, making maintenance simple despite the complex distribution function
4Productivity
If wine is pumped over the cap, then extraction of useful chemicals occurs, but non-uniform distribution affects quality
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution manifold is divided into multiple nozzle sections arranged uniformly in a circular pattern. This segmentation ensures wine is delivered to multiple points around the cap simultaneously, creating uniform coverage. The impeller is also segmented into multiple blades that distribute rotational force evenly, ensuring homogeneous mixing and extraction across the entire cap surface
Solution Approach 2:
The device adds rotational motion as a second dimension to the wine distribution process. Wine is first pumped through the manifold, then the impeller rotates it in a circular path, creating a vortex flow that distributes wine uniformly in all radial directions. This multi-dimensional approach ensures every part of the cap receives equal wine exposure, maximizing extraction efficiency and homogeneity
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 ensures uniform distribution of wine over the cap, maintains unobstructed flow, and is easy to clean, enhancing the quality and taste of the wine by preventing 'bruising' or 'misting' and ensuring efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The impeller is configured to allow the wine to flow uniformly around and down the conical-shaped outer surface of the impeller and through the impeller
Implementation Method 2
The device further includes a ball bearing configured to reduce rotational friction during the rotation of the impeller
Data Source
AI summary
A device for distributing wine uniformly over a wine cap includes a T-joint member, an impeller and a shaft. The T-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 circular base, a cylindrical center, a conical-shaped outer surface, a central-through-opening extending through the cylindrical center, and a plurality of curved blades extending from the top of the cylindrical center along the inclined outer surface. The T-joint member is configured to allow wine to be pumped into the through-opening through the side opening and to exit through the bottom opening and then to flow onto the impeller. The impeller is configured to allow the wine to flow uniformly around and down the conical-shaped outer surface of the impeller and through the impeller.