Wooden Part-Component Categorization via Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting wood for wine barrels rely on empirical and subjective analysis, leading to inefficiencies and errors in determining the optimal wood composition for aroma, perfume, and color conditioning in wine, which are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy to analyze specific compounds in wood, such as ellagitannins and polyphenols, to objectively categorize food-grade wooden components for wine-making, allowing for rapid and simple industrial implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If empirical methods with complex analyses are used to select wood for wine barrels, then the selection can be based on geographic origin and growth factors, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential compounds (ellagitannins and polyphenols) that determine wine conditioning quality, analyzing only these specific components rather than performing comprehensive wood composition analysis. This selective extraction approach maintains measurement precision for the critical parameters while dramatically reducing analysis time and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the analytical parameters from comprehensive wood composition analysis to focused measurement of specific compound concentrations (ellagitannins and polyphenols). By shifting from general compositional analysis to targeted parameter measurement, the method achieves sufficient precision for wood categorization while reducing time and resource requirements
2Ease of operation
If subjective operator analysis is used to categorize wood for barrels, then experience-based decisions can be made, but considerable margins of error are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an objective feedback mechanism where chemical analysis results (ellagitannin and polyphenol concentrations) provide quantitative data that determines wood categorization. This replaces subjective operator judgment with measurable feedback, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity through clear threshold-based classification
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the mechanical/cognitive system of operator analysis with a chemical-analytical system. Instead of relying on human senses and experience, the method uses chemical measurements and spectroscopic analysis to objectively determine wood quality, replacing subjective decision-making with instrument-based measurement
3Loss of information
If comprehensive wood analysis is performed at the origin, then complete compositional data can be obtained, but costs and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the critical information needed for wood categorization (ellagitannin and polyphenol content) from the complete compositional analysis. By identifying and measuring only these essential compounds, the method obtains sufficient data for quality determination without the complexity of comprehensive analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial action by performing analysis on a limited set of compounds rather than complete wood composition. This partial analysis approach provides adequate information for categorization purposes while avoiding the excessive complexity and cost of analyzing all wood components
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional categorization methods are used, then wood can be selected based on available data, but the process lacks objectivity and consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the basis of categorization from subjective assessment of multiple factors (geographic origin, growth factors, visual inspection) to objective measurement of specific chemical parameters (ellagitannin and polyphenol concentrations). This parameter change ensures consistent categorization results while maintaining process simplicity through standardized measurement procedures
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 method provides an objective and efficient way to categorize wood components, reducing errors and costs by determining the optimal wood type for wine barrels, ensuring consistent quality and flavor profiles.
Implementation Method 1
a near-infrared spectroscopic apparatus (3) which is configured so as to execute a spectrographic analysis on the wooden part-components (2)
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for characterizing food-grade wooden part-components, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: emitting an IR radiation beam towards food-grade wooden part-components (2), receiving radiations reflected/transmitted by the radiated wooden part-components (2), processing said radiations reflected/transmitted by the radiated food-grade wooden part-components (2) to generate information indicative of the radiation spectrum, determining on the basis of said spectrum at least one conditioning parameter (PE(i)) which is indicative of a respective compound present in the food-grade wooden part-components (2) adapted, in use, to influence the aroma and/or the perfume and/or the color of a wine, or wine-derived product, when it is put into contact with the wooden part-components (2) themselves.