Wine Refill Assembly with Separate Gas and Liquid Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for refilling high-value wine or spirit containers face challenges in maintaining the taste and mouthfeel of the liquid due to gas bubbles and direct contact with air, which can oxidize the liquid, making the process complex and difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A refill device with a hollow body and separate orifices for gas and liquid channels, using valves and adapters to ensure controlled transfer of liquid and air, preventing direct contact and bubble formation, maintaining the quality of the wine or spirit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple funnel is used for refilling, then the refilling process becomes simple and easy to operate, but gas bubbles appear in the wine or spirit which impairs the taste and mouthfeel
Solution Approach 1:
The refilling device segments the gas and liquid flow paths into separate channels. The gas outlet (24) and liquid outlet (25) are positioned at different locations, with gas escaping through one path and liquid through another, preventing gas bubbles from entering the final container with the wine or spirit.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary structure (the refilling apparatus with separate outlets) between the refill container and final container. This intermediary controls the refilling process to prevent direct contact between gas and liquid streams, thereby protecting the quality of the wine or spirit.
2Device complexity
If direct filling from refill container is performed, then the refilling process is simple, but air directly contacts the liquid causing oxidation and quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the atmospheric interface from the liquid by providing a gas outlet (24) positioned away from the liquid outlet (25). This allows air to be displaced through the gas outlet without directly contacting the wine or spirit, preventing oxidation while maintaining a controlled refilling process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate gas and liquid outlets are implemented, then gas and liquid paths are separated preventing bubbles and oxidation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the gas outlet (24) and liquid outlet (25) into a single endpiece (14) structure at the end of the hollow body (12). This integration allows separate gas and liquid paths to be achieved while consolidating components, reducing overall device complexity compared to having completely separate assemblies.
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 transfers wine or spirit without altering its taste or mouthfeel by separating gas and liquid paths, ensuring a smooth and high-quality refilling process.
Implementation Method 1
separate first and second orifices (24, 25) which are in fluid communication with the reservoir (13), the first orifice (24) being in fluid communication with the reservoir (13) via a tube (40) extending through the reservoir (13)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for refilling a final container with at least one wine or spirit, comprises a hollow body forming a reservoir, and, at or near a first end of the hollow body, separate first and second orifices which are in fluid communication with the reservoir. The first orifice is in fluid communication with the reservoir via a tube extending through the reservoir.