Wooden Stave Channel Pattern for Barrel Maturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barrel solutions for maturing and storing alcoholic drinks face challenges in achieving a significant increase in the contact surface between the liquid and the wood, leading to inefficient flavor and aroma transfer, and issues with complete emptying, resulting in product losses and unwanted residues.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a wooden stave design with a pattern of machined channels on its internal surface, creating a geometric framework that increases the contact surface with the liquid while allowing for unobstructed flow during emptying. This design is adapted parametrically to the stave's shape, optimizing the contact surface and flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If grooves or cuts are made in the internal surface of the staves to increase contact surface, then the maturing process is accelerated and more intense flavors are obtained, but the barrel cannot be completely emptied and liquid accumulations occur in the perforations
Solution Approach 1:
The internal surface of the stave is segmented into multiple channels that divide the liquid flow path. These channels are formed by removing material in a specific pattern, creating separate flow pathways that guide liquid from different areas of the barrel toward the exit opening, preventing stagnation in any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional surface modification (grooves on the surface) to a three-dimensional channel structure that extends into the stave thickness. The channels have depth and width, creating a volumetric flow path that allows liquid to be channeled efficiently to the exit opening, eliminating dead zones where liquid could accumulate.
2Quantity of substance
If the contact surface is increased through grooves or cuts, then more wood substance is transferred to the liquid, but the execution becomes limited and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The channel dimensions (depth, width, spacing) and the pattern geometry are optimized to achieve the desired balance between contact surface area and manufacturability. The channels are designed with specific dimensional parameters that maximize wood-liquid interaction while remaining feasible to produce using conventional woodworking machinery such as routing or milling tools.
3Productivity
If traditional smooth internal surface is used, then the barrel is easy to manufacture and empty, but the maturing process is slower and less intense flavor transfer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The channelled surface creates a porous-like structure that increases the effective contact area between the liquid and wood. The channels act as pathways that expose additional wood surface area to the liquid, enhancing the transfer of wood substances while maintaining a structured form that facilitates complete drainage.
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 increased contact surface enhances the transfer of wood substances to the liquid, improving flavor and aroma, while the unobstructed flow path ensures complete emptying of the barrel, preventing product losses and unwanted residues.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid receives a greater amount of substance coming from the wood, which will give it more intense colours and aromas
Implementation Method 2
increase the contact surface between the liquid and the inside of the barrel
Implementation Method 3
the pattern formed by the crossing channels permits a continuous and obstruction-free path for the liquid when it is extracted
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wooden stave and barrel for the maturing or storage of alcoholic or spirit drinks, in which the internal side of the stave has a machining comprising at least two first channels and at least two second channels crossing with the first channels, determining a pattern of geometric elements. Said elements will remain submerged in the liquid contained in the barrel, providing a greater contact surface, thereby producing a greater transfer of the substances of the wood itself to said liquid. In addition, the pattern formed by the crossing channels permits a continuous and obstruction-free path for the liquid when it is extracted through one of the staves with an opening for the entry and exit of the liquid inside the barrel, thereby preventing unnecessary losses and unwanted internal residue for future reuse of the barrel.