Fresh cut flower transportation and packaging device with water and packaging process thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a fresh cut flower transportation and packaging device with water and a packaging process thereof, and relates to the technical field of fresh cut flower transportation and preservation, the device adopts a transparent or semitransparent water retention container, the top of the container is provided with an elastic insertion hole structure used for fixing fresh cut flower stems, and insertion hole gaps are irreversibly sealed through microcrystalline wax or UV resin; and a leakage-proof cavity is formed to accommodate a water retention solution containing a preservative, a nutritional agent and an anti-freezing agent. The matched process comprises the steps of flower stem insertion, water retention liquid preparation and injection, gap sealing and hot pressing / ultrasonic packaging, and the liquid level change is monitored in real time through the transparent part of the container to evaluate the freshness of the fresh flowers. According to the scheme, continuous water supply and multi-effect protection in fresh cut flower transportation are achieved, the secondary split charging risk is eradicated through the non-detachable packaging structure, a sealing system can adapt to different transportation environment temperatures, flower material dehydration damage and logistics loss are remarkably reduced, and the method is suitable for long-distance transportation of high-value fresh flowers and cross-border supply chain quality control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fresh-cut flower transportation and preservation technology, specifically to a fresh-cut flower transportation and packaging device with water and its packaging process. Background Technology

[0002] As a fast-moving consumer good, ensuring the quality of cut flowers during the post-harvest distribution process is a core challenge for the industry. After being separated from the parent plant, traditional cut flowers typically experience cell dehydration and petal wilting within 24 hours due to the loss of water and nutrient supply from the roots. This dehydration rate is exacerbated, especially during high-temperature or long-distance transportation, leading to mechanical damage to the flowers and a shortened vase life.

[0003] Currently, the industry commonly uses processes such as wrapping with water-retaining cotton or using single water-retaining pipes, but these methods have low water retention efficiency, poor sealing, and cannot effectively lock in moisture. Furthermore, they lack the function of slow-release of chemicals, making it difficult to inhibit the growth of microorganisms and metabolic losses during transportation.

[0004] Furthermore, existing packaging cannot prevent secondary repackaging, leading to the sale of substandard goods from cold storage facilities, severely damaging the end-consumer experience. With the increasing demand for flower exports and cold chain logistics, the limitations of traditional technologies in high-quality, long-term transportation scenarios are becoming increasingly apparent.

[0005] There is an urgent need for a systematic solution that integrates continuous water supply, multi-effect protection, and quality traceability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to solve the problems of the prior art, the present invention provides a fresh-cut flower transport packaging device with water and its packaging process.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: Firstly, a fresh-cut flower transport packaging device with water, comprising: The main body of the water-retaining container has a cavity inside for containing the water-retaining liquid; The main body of the water-retaining container is equipped with an insertion hole mechanism for inserting fresh cut flower stems. The number of insertion holes is a suitable specification for several fresh cut flowers. The top of the insertion mechanism is provided with an anti-derailment boss, and the bottom of the insertion mechanism is provided with a UV resin sealing cavity between the anti-derailment boss and the sealing boss. The bottom of the insertion mechanism is provided with a wax sealing area. The UV resin sealing cavity can encapsulate UV resin to prevent leakage of the water-retaining liquid. The water-retaining liquid contains at least one functional agent, which is selected from one or more of nutrients, preservatives, antifreeze agents, or pest and disease control agents. An observation window is provided on one side of the main body of the water-retaining container to determine the storage time and freshness of the cut flowers by observing the amount of water-retaining liquid consumed.

[0008] The socket structure is made of elastic materials, including but not limited to silicone.

[0009] It also includes one-time packaging, including thermo-press sealing or ultrasonic welding sealing of the opening of the water-retaining container.

[0010] This application presents a packaging process and device for transporting cut flowers with water, which achieves systematic protection and quality improvement throughout the entire transportation cycle through innovative design. Its core function is to completely solve the problem of dehydration damage caused by detachment from the root system during traditional transportation: The cut flower stems are encapsulated in a dedicated water-retaining container in a single step, combined with microcrystalline wax or UV resin gap-sealing technology to ensure a continuous and stable supply of water-retaining liquid. This allows the cut flowers to maintain a water absorption efficiency similar to that of the root system after detachment, reducing the dehydration rate by more than 90%. Simultaneously, the preservatives, nutrients, and protective agents added within the container work synergistically to continuously inhibit microbial growth, slow down flower metabolism, and enhance stress resistance during transportation, effectively resisting temperature fluctuations and pest infestations, thus extending the freshness of the flowers. Furthermore, the transparent container design and the visualized monitoring mechanism for water-retaining liquid consumption allow for quantifiable assessment of flower freshness, preventing the secondary flow of cold-storage stockpiled goods into the market, ensuring that end customers receive flowers in optimal condition, and reducing blooming losses and after-sales disputes. This technology has made a breakthrough in the long-distance transportation bottleneck of exported fresh flowers. By using leak-proof seals and antifreeze, it enables fresh flowers to maintain the quality standards at the time of harvest during cross-border transportation, promoting the industry's upgrade from "live-keeping transportation" to "quality transportation". It comprehensively reduces logistics loss costs by more than 30% and provides key technical support for the standardization and branding of the fresh flower supply chain.

[0011] Secondly, a packaging process for transporting fresh-cut flowers with water is characterized by the following steps: S1: Insert the fresh-cut flower stems into the insertion mechanism of the water-retaining container body, and insert multiple fresh-cut flowers into each container; S2: Inject water-retaining liquid into the cavity of the water-retaining container body, and add functional agents to the water-retaining liquid; S3: Use microcrystalline wax to seal the wax sealing area to ensure that the water-retaining liquid does not leak, and then encapsulate it. Use UV resin to encapsulate and seal the UV resin sealing cavity, so that the fresh cut flower stems and containers form an irreversible fixed structure. S4: Monitor the consumption of water-retaining liquid in real time through the transparent or semi-transparent part of the water-retaining container to assess the freshness and storage time of cut flowers.

[0012] In one specific embodiment of the second aspect, the addition ratio of functional agents is: 0.1%-0.5% of preservative, 0.05%-0.2% of nutrient, and 0.3%-1% of antifreeze (based on the volume of water-retaining liquid).

[0013] In one specific embodiment of the second aspect, during the sealing process, the encapsulation thickness of the microcrystalline wax and UV resin is 1-3 mm, and it covers all gaps in the contact surface between the stem and the socket.

[0014] In one specific embodiment of the second aspect, the encapsulation step includes heat-sealing or ultrasonic welding sealing the opening of the water-retaining container.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. Through the synergistic effect of the water-retaining container and sealing material, a stable water supply environment is provided for cut flowers, effectively maintaining their water balance during transportation. This fundamentally solves the problem of dehydration damage caused by detachment from the root system, significantly improving the cell activity and morphological integrity of cut flowers. The functional agents added to the water-retaining solution form a long-lasting protective system during transportation, which can inhibit the growth of microorganisms, delay metabolic aging, and enhance the stress resistance of cut flowers. At the same time, by supplementing nutrients, it simulates the root system's nourishing function, achieving "bionic nourishment" in the transportation process and greatly reducing the risk of quality deterioration caused by environmental fluctuations. 2. The packaging structure irreversibly fixes the cut flowers to the water-retaining container, completely preventing the unpacking during transportation or the secondary entry of low-quality products into the market. This ensures the traceability of flowers from harvesting to end consumption and promotes transparent supply chain management. The transparent container design, combined with a dynamic monitoring mechanism for water-retaining liquid consumption, allows for intuitive judgment of flower freshness and storage time, helping warehousing, logistics, and end customers make quick decisions and reducing resource waste and after-sales disputes caused by information asymmetry. 3. Through flexible adaptation of sealing technology and chemical formulation, cut flowers can withstand temperature changes, vibration and shock during long-distance transportation and cross-border logistics environments, breaking through the excessive reliance of traditional packaging on cold chain conditions, and providing reliable technical support, especially for the export of high value-added flowers; by reducing transportation losses, reducing reliance on flower reviving operations and terminal complaint rates, it promotes the transformation of the flower industry from "life preservation transportation" to "quality transportation", promotes synergistic efficiency among the production, logistics and consumption ends, and helps control the overall cost of the industrial chain and enhance brand value. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the water-retaining container of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the main body of the water-retaining container of the present invention.

[0018] Figures 1 to 2 In the middle: 1. Water-retaining container body; 2. Cavity; 3. Insertion hole structure; 4. Sealing material; 5. Water-retaining liquid; 6. Observation window; 7. Bouquet support rod. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] like Figures 1 to 2 The diagram shows a packaging device and packaging process for transporting fresh-cut flowers with water.

[0021] 1. Preparation and structure of the main body 1 of the water-retaining container Container material: Made of transparent or semi-transparent food-grade plastic, 1.5-2mm thick. The main body of the container is rectangular or cylindrical, and the size is adjusted according to the type of cut flowers.

[0022] Insertion mechanism 2 design: A single circular insertion hole is opened on the top of the container to accommodate multiple bouquets, specifically including anti-demolding boss 21, sealing plate 22, and UV resin sealing cavity 23.

[0023] 2. Treatment and insertion of fresh-cut flower stems Pretreatment: Cut the freshly picked flower stems at a 45° angle and remove the leaves from the bottom 40cm to reduce water evaporation and prevent rotting; rinse the stems with clean water to remove mud and sand.

[0024] Insertion procedure: Insert several fresh-cut flower stems vertically into the insertion hole mechanism 2, ensuring that the base is inserted to a depth of 3-5cm (touching the surface of the water-retaining liquid), and a 0.2-0.5mm annular gap is naturally formed between the stem and the insertion hole.

[0025] 3. Sealing material encapsulation process Microcrystalline wax encapsulation: Heat the microcrystalline wax to 70-80℃ to melt it, and inject it into the wax sealing area 12 through the inner hole of the insertion mechanism 2 using a glue gun, with a filling height of 2-3mm. It will naturally cool to below 25°C and solidify to form a sealing layer that covers all gaps in the contact surface between the stem and the socket.

[0026] UV resin encapsulation: UV resin (viscosity 500-800cps) is dripped into the UV resin sealing cavity 23 inside the socket mechanism, with a filling thickness of 1-2mm; Irradiate the resin with a 365nm UV lamp for 10-15 seconds to allow it to fully cure.

[0027] 4. Preparation and injection of water-retaining solution Formula ratio: Add the following agents based on the total volume of the water-retaining solution: Preservative: 0.1%-0.5% (8-hydroxyquinoline citrate); Nutrient supplement: 0.05%-0.2% (sucrose + vitamin C compound solution); Antifreeze: 0.3%-1% (propylene glycol, suitable for low-temperature transportation); Pest and disease control agent: 0.01%-0.05% (prochloraz).

[0028] Preparation process: Dissolve the preservative and nutrient in 40℃ warm water, stir until transparent, then add the antifreeze, and finally add the pest and disease control agent. Mix well and pour into a water-retaining container, with the liquid level reaching 80% of the container cavity.

[0029] 5. Initial sealing is achieved using microcrystalline wax or low-melting-point natural wax. The wax's water-reacting property provides initial sealing to the container and flower stems. However, due to the wax's brittleness and lack of strength and toughness during transport, a secondary UV resin seal is required after wax sealing. UV resin cures within seconds under ultraviolet light, enabling rapid sealing and improving efficiency. Furthermore, ultraviolet light also has a sterilizing effect on the stems of cut flowers.

[0030] 6. Transportation and End-Use Transportation conditions: Packaged fresh-cut flowers can be transported at 0-25℃, and can withstand temperatures as low as -5℃ when antifreeze is added; Terminal judgment criteria: Customers judge freshness by observing the level of the moisturizing liquid. If the liquid level is ≥50% remaining: the fresh flowers were picked ≤3 days ago and can be directly placed in a vase; Liquid level 30%-50% remaining: Must be used within 24 hours; Liquid level <30%: This indicates that the flowers have been stored for more than 5 days and need to be disposed of immediately.

[0031] Fresh-cut flowers packaged using the above process, after simulated transportation (72 hours, 25℃), have a dehydration rate of ≤8% (compared to ≥50% for traditional water-retaining cotton), extending their vase life to 12-15 days, reducing customer complaint rates by 70%, and decreasing the resale rate of cold storage stockpiled goods from 25% to below 3%.

[0032] Example: Packaging for transporting fresh-cut roses with water 1. Container preparation and parameters Materials and dimensions: Container material: transparent PET plastic, 1.8mm thick, cylindrical, 8cm in diameter, 30cm in height, with a cavity volume of 500mL.

[0033] Socket design: A single socket is provided at the top, which can accommodate approximately ten bouquets.

[0034] 2. Pretreatment of fresh-cut flowers Stem treatment: Within one hour of harvesting, make a slanted cut (45° angle), remove the leaves from the bottom 40cm, and rinse the stem surface with clean water.

[0035] Stem diameter: 2.2-2.8 mm.

[0036] 3. Sealing process parameters Microcrystalline wax encapsulation: Melting temperature: 75℃, injection pressure: 0.1MPa, filling height: 2.5mm, cooling and curing time: 10 minutes (ambient temperature: 25℃).

[0037] The thermal interaction time is extremely short, and heat conduction is limited. After the microcrystalline wax melts, it is quickly filled into the gaps through the glue gun (completed in about 1-2 seconds). The flower rod only briefly comes into contact with the high temperature liquid wax, and then the microcrystalline wax cools and solidifies rapidly (completely solidified within 10 minutes at 25°C).

[0038] The contact area between the flower stem epidermis and the microcrystalline wax is small, and the plant cell wall has a certain degree of heat insulation, so the actual heat conducted to the inside of the flower stem is extremely low and insufficient to cause cell damage.

[0039] 4. Formulation and Injection of Water-Retaining Solution Dosage ratio (based on 500mL of water-retaining solution): Preservative: 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate, 0.3% (1.5g); Nutritional supplement: 2g sucrose + 0.5g vitamin C; Antifreeze: 0.8% propylene glycol (4 mL, for transport at -5°C); Pest and disease control agent: imazalil 0.02% (0.1g).

[0040] Preparation process: Dissolve the preservative and nutrient in 40℃ warm water, add antifreeze and stir, finally add imazalil dropwise, mix and pour into the container to a liquid level of 24cm (occupying 80% of the cavity).

[0041] 5. Initial sealing is achieved using microcrystalline wax or low-melting-point natural wax. The wax's water-reacting property provides initial sealing to the container and flower stems. However, due to the wax's brittleness and lack of strength and toughness during transport, a secondary UV resin seal is required after wax sealing. UV resin cures within seconds under ultraviolet light, enabling rapid sealing and improving efficiency. Furthermore, ultraviolet light also has a sterilizing effect on the stems of cut flowers.

[0042] 6. Transportation and Effectiveness Verification Simulated transportation conditions: 25℃ constant temperature environment, vibration frequency 5Hz (simulating 72 hours of land transportation).

[0043] Test results: Dehydration rate: 7.5% (38% dehydration rate in the traditional water-retaining cotton control group); Vase life: 14 days (average 6 days in the control group); Customer complaint rate: ≤5% (25% for traditional processes).

[0044] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A packaging device for transporting fresh-cut flowers with water, characterized in that, include: A water-retaining container body, wherein the water-retaining container body is provided with a cavity for containing water-retaining liquid; The water-retaining container body is provided with an insertion hole mechanism for inserting fresh cut flower stems, and the number of insertion holes is a suitable specification for several fresh cut flowers; The top of the insertion mechanism is provided with an anti-delamination boss, and the bottom end of the insertion mechanism is provided with a UV resin sealing cavity between the anti-delamination boss and the sealing boss. The bottom end of the insertion mechanism is provided with a wax sealing area. The UV resin sealing cavity can encapsulate UV resin to prevent leakage of water-retaining liquid. The water-retaining liquid contains at least one functional agent, which is selected from one or more of nutrients, preservatives, antifreeze agents, or pest and disease control agents. The water-retaining container has an observation window on one side, which is used to determine the storage time and freshness of the cut flowers by observing the amount of water-retaining liquid consumed.

2. The fresh-cut flower transport packaging device with water according to claim 1, characterized in that, The socket structure is made of elastic material, including but not limited to silicone.

3. The fresh-cut flower transport packaging device with water according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes one-time packaging, including thermo-press sealing or ultrasonic welding sealing of the opening of the water-retaining container.

4. A packaging process for transporting fresh-cut flowers with water, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Insert the fresh-cut flower stems into the insertion mechanism of the water-retaining container body, and insert multiple fresh-cut flowers into each container; S2: Inject water-retaining liquid into the cavity of the water-retaining container body, and add functional agents to the water-retaining liquid; S3: Use microcrystalline wax to seal the wax sealing area to ensure that the water-retaining liquid does not leak, and then encapsulate it. Use UV resin to encapsulate and seal the UV resin sealing cavity, so that the fresh cut flower stems and containers form an irreversible fixed structure. S4: Monitor the consumption of water-retaining liquid in real time through the transparent or semi-transparent part of the water-retaining container to assess the freshness and storage time of cut flowers.

5. The fresh-cut flower transport packaging process with water according to claim 4, characterized in that, The addition ratio of the functional agents is as follows: 0.1%-0.5% preservative, 0.05%-0.2% nutrient, and 0.3%-1% antifreeze (based on the volume of water-retaining liquid).

6. The fresh-cut flower transport packaging process with water according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the sealing process, the encapsulation thickness of the microcrystalline wax and UV resin is 1-3 mm, and it covers all gaps between the stem and the socket.

7. The fresh-cut flower transport packaging process with water according to claim 4, characterized in that, The encapsulation step includes heat-press sealing or ultrasonic welding sealing of the opening of the water-retaining container.

Images