Wine Storage Device with Dispensing-Path Temperature Adjustment Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wine refrigerators cannot adjust the drinking temperature of wine separately from the storage temperature, leading to potential alteration of wine characteristics and requiring cumbersome manual temperature adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A wine storage device with a temperature adjustment module in the dispensing path, featuring a heating unit and a cooling unit, allows for independent control of drinking temperature through circulation and direct dispensing, and includes a main control part for automatic temperature adjustment based on preset values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the storage temperature of wine is adjusted separately from drinking temperature, then the drinking temperature can be optimized for flavor, but the device complexity increases due to additional heating/cooling modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating unit and cooling unit into a single integrated temperature adjustment module that shares common components such as the wine circulation path, temperature sensors, and control system. This merging approach enables separate storage and drinking temperature control while avoiding the need for completely independent heating and cooling systems, thus reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature adjustment module is designed with multi-functionality, where the same module can perform both heating and cooling operations depending on the desired drinking temperature. The module can selectively activate either the heating unit or cooling unit based on control signals, allowing a single device to handle multiple temperature adjustment scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Speed
If the wine temperature is changed rapidly by heater or cooler, then the drinking temperature can be adjusted quickly, but the wine characteristics such as taste and aroma may be altered
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the heating or cooling power based on the temperature difference between current and target drinking temperatures. When the temperature difference is large, the system applies higher power for faster adjustment, but as the temperature approaches the target value, the power is reduced to prevent overshooting and excessive temperature changes that could alter wine characteristics. This dynamic control ensures both speed and preservation of wine quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs temperature sensors to continuously monitor the wine temperature and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit compares the actual temperature with the target drinking temperature and adjusts the heating or cooling unit operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents excessive temperature changes and ensures the wine temperature is adjusted smoothly to the desired level without rapid fluctuations that could harm wine characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If a circulation path is used for temperature adjustment, then the wine temperature can be controlled more precisely, but the dispensing time increases due to multiple circulation cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial circulation action by controlling the circulation pump to operate only for the necessary duration and number of cycles required to achieve the target temperature. The control unit monitors the temperature during circulation and stops the circulation pump once the desired temperature is reached, avoiding unnecessary additional circulation cycles. This partial action approach maintains temperature control precision while minimizing the time loss during dispensing.
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
Enables convenient and precise adjustment of drinking temperature without altering wine characteristics, simplifies the internal structure, and prevents oxidation of wine by using inert gas, enhancing usability and flavor preservation.
Implementation Method 1
the heating unit may constitute a portion of a path through which the wine is dispensed
Implementation Method 2
the cooling unit may constitute a portion of a path through which the wine is dispensed
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed are a wine storage device and a wine dispensing method using same. A storage space (32) storing a wine bottle (B) may be formed in a cabinet (10), and the cabinet (10) may be provided with a dispensing head (100) dispensing wine (B) to the outside. Further, a temperature adjustment module (200) may be placed on a dispensing path for delivering the wine to the dispensing head (100), and the temperature adjustment module (200) may adjust the temperature of the wine being dispensed through the dispensing head (100). Here, the temperature adjustment module (200) may include a heating unit and a cooling unit. Accordingly, the wine may be heated or cooled while being dispensed, and thus have a drinking temperature different from a storage temperature.