Controlled atmosphere fresh-keeping detection device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of fresh-keeping equipment, in particular to a modified atmosphere fresh-keeping detection device which comprises a fresh-keeping storage cavity, an opening and closing cover is detachably installed on the top of the fresh-keeping storage cavity and is of a three-layer structure which sequentially comprises a modified atmosphere control layer, a pH response layer and a protection layer from bottom to top, and a gas tank is installed on one side in the fresh-keeping storage cavity. The controlled atmosphere control layer adopts a microporous structure, and the pH response layer is embedded into an anthocyanin microcapsule array. According to the modified atmosphere fresh-keeping detection device, the modified atmosphere control function and the freshness detection function are integrated in the multi-layer structure of the opening and closing cover. The gas adjusting control layer is matched with a gas tank through a micropore structure, so that the precise adjustment and control of the gases of O, CO and N are realized; an anthocyanin microcapsule array is embedded into the pH response layer, natural pigments (anthocyanin of purple sweet potatoes, blueberries and lycium ruthenicum) with different pH responses are used for color development reaction, the change of food freshness is monitored in real time, and the problem that traditional fresh-keeping equipment is single in function is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of preservation equipment technology, and more specifically, to a modified atmosphere preservation detection device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of food preservation, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology extends the shelf life of food by regulating the gas composition in the environment, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and the physiological metabolic activities of the food itself. It has been widely used in the preservation and storage of fruits, vegetables, and meats. However, traditional MAP equipment mostly only has simple gas regulation functions, making it difficult to achieve precise control and real-time monitoring of gas concentrations in the preservation environment. Furthermore, it lacks effective means of detecting food freshness, failing to meet the demands of modern food preservation for intelligence and precision.

[0003] Some improved preservation technologies attempt to optimize preservation effects from the perspective of temperature control. For example, invention patent application number 201911357987.1 discloses a preservation device that uses an electrostatic field device to inhibit the aggregation and transformation of water molecules, lowering the freezing point of food, and uses a controller to regulate the refrigeration system to maintain the temperature inside the chamber at 0°C above the freezing point of food, thus inhibiting microbial metabolism and food respiration rates to a certain extent. However, this device only focuses on temperature control and electrostatic field preservation, lacking the function of dynamically adjusting and detecting the gas composition in the preservation environment. It cannot flexibly adjust the gas environment according to different food preservation needs, and it also lacks a freshness detection function, making it difficult to comprehensively and accurately guarantee the food preservation effect. In addition, existing preservation devices do not adequately consider the environmental friendliness and functional integration of materials in their structural design, making it difficult to meet the requirements of sustainable development. Therefore, the development of a modified atmosphere storage and freshness detection device with both intelligent detection functions and a reasonable and environmentally friendly structure is of significant practical importance. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a modified atmosphere storage detection device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, such as the lack of dynamic adjustment and detection function of gas composition in the storage environment, the inability to flexibly adjust the gas environment according to different food storage needs, and the lack of freshness detection function, making it difficult to comprehensively and accurately guarantee the food storage effect.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a modified atmosphere storage detection device, including a storage cavity. The top of the storage cavity is detachably fitted with an opening and closing cover. The opening and closing cover has a three-layer structure, consisting of a modified atmosphere control layer, a pH response layer, and a protective layer from bottom to top. An air tank is installed on one side of the interior of the storage cavity. The modified atmosphere control layer has a microporous structure, and the pH response layer is embedded with an anthocyanin microcapsule array.

[0006] This design utilizes a three-layer structure with a detachable, openable lid. The modified atmosphere control layer employs a microporous structure to achieve selective gas permeation, the pH response layer responds to pH changes caused by food spoilage through an anthocyanin microcapsule array, and the protective layer provides physical protection and maintains a stable internal environment.

[0007] Preferably, one side of the controlled atmosphere layer is connected to a vent pipe, the interior of the gas tank is divided into three compartments, which store O2, CO2 and N2 gases respectively, and the top of the gas tank is connected to the vent pipe through an output pipe.

[0008] This system uses separate compartments for storing O2, CO2, and N2. The gases are delivered to the controlled atmosphere layer via output and vent pipes, and the gas ratio within the compartments is adjusted using the gas permeability characteristics of the microporous structure. Each of the three compartments has an independent on / off valve installed at its output end.

[0009] Preferably, the anthocyanin microcapsule array is an integrated array of natural pigments with different pH responses, used to monitor freshness based on the anthocyanin color reaction. The natural pigments with different pH responses are purple sweet potato anthocyanins, blueberry anthocyanins, and black goji berry anthocyanins.

[0010] This experiment demonstrated that anthocyanins (purple sweet potato, blueberry, and black goji berry) with different pH responses exhibited differentiated colorimetric reactions in a microarray, reflecting pH changes caused by volatile substances produced during food spoilage through color variations.

[0011] Preferably, a camera is mounted on the bottom of the opening and closing cover via a bracket, with the camera's shooting end aimed at the center of the pH-responsive layer.

[0012] This setup involves pointing the camera at the pH-responsive layer and capturing images of anthocyanin color changes, then using image recognition technology to quantify the freshness level.

[0013] Preferably, the protective layer adopts a biodegradable nanofiber membrane structure.

[0014] This design allows the biodegradable nanofiber membrane structure to provide a physical barrier against external contamination, while also being biodegradable to reduce environmental burden.

[0015] Preferably, a retaining ring is installed on the outer side of the pH response layer, and a sensor module is installed on the retaining ring.

[0016] This mounting ring provides support for the sensor module, ensuring stable sensor operation and accurate positioning of the monitoring location.

[0017] Preferably, the sensor module includes a gas sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor, wherein the gas sensors are an O2 concentration sensor, a CO2 concentration sensor, and an N2 concentration sensor, respectively.

[0018] This setup utilizes multiple sensors working together to monitor O2, CO2, N2 concentrations, temperature, and humidity in real time, comprehensively sensing changes in preservation environment parameters.

[0019] Preferably, the sensor module further includes an alert unit, a communication module, and a power module. The sensor module is connected to an external device via the communication module for data transmission, the power module provides power, and the alert unit issues an alert when the concentration is abnormal.

[0020] This configuration enables remote data transmission via the communication module, ensures continuous power supply via the power module, and triggers an alarm when environmental parameters are abnormal.

[0021] Preferably, the reminder unit is one or a combination of sound reminder unit, light reminder unit, or vibration reminder unit, and the communication module is one of Bluetooth communication module, Wi-Fi communication module, or cellular network communication module.

[0022] This feature combines various alert methods (sound, light, vibration) and communication technologies (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular network) to adapt to different application scenarios.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0024] This modified atmosphere storage and detection device integrates modified atmosphere control and freshness detection functions into a multi-layered structure with an openable lid. The modified atmosphere control layer works in conjunction with the gas tank through a microporous structure to achieve precise control of O2, CO2, and N2 gases; the pH response layer embeds an anthocyanin microcapsule array, utilizing the color reaction of natural pigments (purple sweet potato, blueberry, and black goji berry anthocyanins) with different pH responses to monitor changes in food freshness in real time, thus solving the problem of the single function of traditional preservation equipment.

[0025] The sensor module integrates O2, CO2, and N2 concentration sensors, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor to comprehensively monitor preservation environment parameters in real time. Connecting to external devices via a communication module, the alert unit (sound, light, vibration) promptly sounds an alarm when gas concentration, temperature, or humidity is abnormal, enabling remote monitoring. A camera aimed at the pH-responsive layer captures anthocyanin color changes; combined with image processing technology, this quantitatively assesses food freshness, providing intuitive visual feedback.

[0026] The protective layer uses a biodegradable nanofiber membrane structure, which reduces the environmental pollution caused by traditional plastic packaging while ensuring preservation, aligning with the development trend of green food preservation. The gas tanks are divided into compartments for storing O2, CO2, and N2 gases, connected to the modified atmosphere control layer via venting pipes. This allows for dynamic adjustment of the gas ratios according to the preservation needs of different foods, achieving personalized modified atmosphere preservation and extending the shelf life of food. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the opening and closing cover in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the preservation and storage cavity in this utility model;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pH-responsive layer in this invention;

[0031] The meanings of the labels in the diagram are as follows:

[0032] 1. Fresh-keeping storage chamber; 2. Opening and closing lid; 21. Modified atmosphere control layer; 211. Ventilation pipe; 22. pH response layer; 221. Fixing ring; 222. Sensor module; 23. Protective layer; 24. Bracket; 25. Camera; 3. Gas tank; 31. Output pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0034] This utility model provides a modified atmosphere preservation detection device, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, it includes a fresh-keeping storage cavity 1, and a detachable opening and closing cover 2 is installed on the top of the fresh-keeping storage cavity 1. The opening and closing cover 2 has a three-layer structure, which consists of a modified atmosphere control layer 21, a pH response layer 22, and a protective layer 23 from bottom to top. An air tank 3 is installed on one side of the interior of the fresh-keeping storage cavity 1. The modified atmosphere control layer 21 adopts a microporous structure, and the pH response layer 22 is embedded with an anthocyanin microcapsule array.

[0035] The top of the fresh-keeping storage chamber 1 is fitted with a removable, hinged cover 2. Its three-layer structure includes a modified atmosphere control layer 21 with a microporous structure, allowing selective gas permeation; a pH-responsive layer 22 embedded with anthocyanin microcapsule arrays, capable of sensing pH changes caused by food spoilage; and a protective layer 23 that isolates external contaminants and maintains internal stability. Simultaneously, a gas tank 3 on one side of the fresh-keeping storage chamber 1 provides the gas source for the modified atmosphere control layer 21. Integrating modified atmosphere control and freshness detection functions into the hinged cover 2 enables active regulation and real-time monitoring of the preservation environment. The removable design facilitates cleaning and module replacement of the hinged cover 2.

[0036] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a ventilation pipe 211 is connected to one side of the controlled atmosphere layer 21. The interior of the gas tank 3 is divided into three compartments, which store O2, CO2 and N2 gases respectively. The top of the gas tank 3 is connected to the ventilation pipe 211 through the output pipe 31.

[0037] The gas tank 3 is divided into three compartments to store O2, CO2, and N2 gases. The top output pipe 31 connects to a vent pipe 211 on one side of the controlled atmosphere layer 21. Gas enters the controlled atmosphere layer 21 through the vent pipe 211, and the gas ratio within the preservation storage chamber 1 is adjusted using the permeability characteristics of its microporous structure. Precise control of the O2, CO2, and N2 concentrations within the preservation storage chamber 1 allows for flexible adjustment of the controlled atmosphere parameters according to the preservation needs of different foods, effectively inhibiting microbial growth and food respiration.

[0038] Specifically, the anthocyanin microcapsule array integrates natural pigments with different pH responses in a microarray form, which is used to monitor freshness based on the color reaction of anthocyanins. The natural pigments with different pH responses are purple sweet potato anthocyanins, blueberry anthocyanins, and black goji berry anthocyanins.

[0039] The anthocyanin microcapsule array in pH-responsive layer 22 is an integrated array of natural pigments with different pH responses, such as purple sweet potato anthocyanins, blueberry anthocyanins, and black goji berry anthocyanins. Volatile substances produced during food spoilage alter the environmental pH, triggering a colorimetric reaction in the anthocyanins. This visualized color change enables non-contact food freshness detection, allowing for a direct assessment of food condition without opening the preservation storage chamber 1.

[0040] Anthocyanins are a class of water-soluble natural pigments belonging to the flavonoid family. Their basic structure is a 2-phenylbenzopyran cation with multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups and other functional groups. The structural differences in anthocyanins from different sources, such as purple sweet potato anthocyanins, blueberry anthocyanins, and black goji berry anthocyanins, mainly lie in the type, number, and linkage position of glycosyl groups. These structural differences affect the stability and spectral characteristics of anthocyanins, resulting in different colors. The color of anthocyanins changes with the pH of the environment. Under acidic conditions, the oxygen atom on the pyran ring in the anthocyanin molecule is protonated, forming a stable cationic form, at which point the anthocyanin usually appears red or pink. As the pH increases, the anthocyanin molecule gradually loses protons, its structure changes, forming a quinone base structure, and the color gradually changes to blue or purple. When the pH increases further, the anthocyanin forms a chalcone structure, and the color becomes colorless or yellow. During the spoilage process, food produces various volatile substances that alter the pH of the environment, triggering a color reaction in anthocyanins. By observing the color changes of anthocyanins, the freshness of food can be monitored.

[0041] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, a camera 25 is mounted on the bottom of the opening and closing cover 2 via a bracket 24, with the shooting end of the camera 25 aimed at the center of the pH response layer 22.

[0042] A camera 25 is mounted on the bottom of the opening / closing cover 2 via a bracket 24. Its imaging end is aimed at the center of the pH-responsive layer 22, capturing real-time images of the color changes in the anthocyanin microcapsule array. Image recognition technology is then used to quantitatively analyze the food's freshness. This achieves automated and digital freshness detection. The detection data can be stored and transmitted, facilitating remote monitoring of food status and quality traceability for users.

[0043] Furthermore, the protective layer 23 adopts a biodegradable nanofiber membrane structure.

[0044] The protective layer 23 adopts a biodegradable nanofiber membrane structure, forming a physical barrier at the top of the preservation and storage cavity 1 to prevent external pollutants from entering, and this material is biodegradable. While ensuring the preservation effect, it meets environmental protection requirements and reduces the environmental burden caused by traditional packaging materials.

[0045] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, a fixing ring 221 is installed on the outside of the pH response layer 22, and a sensor module 222 is installed on the fixing ring 221.

[0046] The fixing ring 221 on the outer side of the pH response layer 22 is used to install the sensor module 222, ensuring that the sensor module 222 is stably fixed and accurately collects environmental data inside the preservation and storage cavity 1. This improves the reliability of the sensor module 222 installation, optimizes the layout of monitoring points, and ensures the accuracy and stability of environmental data collection.

[0047] Furthermore, the sensor module 222 includes a gas sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor, wherein the gas sensors are an O2 concentration sensor, a CO2 concentration sensor, and an N2 concentration sensor, respectively.

[0048] The sensor module 222 integrates an O2 concentration sensor, a CO2 concentration sensor, an N2 concentration sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor to monitor the gas concentration, temperature, and humidity within the preservation and storage chamber 1 in real time. This multi-dimensional environmental data acquisition within the preservation and storage chamber 1 provides a precise basis for the controlled atmosphere control layer 21 to adjust the gas and assess food freshness, enabling intelligent control.

[0049] Furthermore, the sensor module 222 also includes an alert unit, a communication module, and a power supply module. The sensor module 222 is connected to an external device through the communication module for data transmission, the power supply module is used to provide power, and the alert unit is used to issue an alert when the concentration is abnormal.

[0050] The communication module in sensor module 222 is responsible for transmitting environmental data to external devices, and the power module supplies power to the entire sensor module 222. When parameters such as gas concentration, temperature, or humidity become abnormal, the alert unit triggers an alarm. This allows users to remotely monitor the environmental status inside the preservation and storage chamber 1, providing timely warnings of abnormal situations, enabling users to quickly take measures to reduce the risk of food spoilage.

[0051] Furthermore, the reminder unit is one or a combination of sound reminder unit, light reminder unit, or vibration reminder unit, and the communication module is one of Bluetooth communication module, Wi-Fi communication module, or cellular network communication module.

[0052] The alert unit includes sound, light, vibration, or other alert methods. The communication module utilizes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular network communication to adapt to different usage scenarios and user needs. This improves response efficiency in abnormal situations, meets diverse usage scenarios, and provides users with a more convenient and flexible interactive experience.

[0053] When using the modified atmosphere storage and detection device of this invention, the three compartments inside the gas tank 3 first store O2, CO2, and N2 gases respectively as the gas source for modified atmosphere storage. According to the storage requirements, the output pipe 31 at the top of the gas tank 3 delivers the gas to the ventilation pipe 211 on one side of the modified atmosphere control layer 21, and then the gas is introduced into the modified atmosphere control layer 21 through the ventilation pipe 211.

[0054] The modified atmosphere control layer 21 employs a microporous structure, utilizing the adaptability of gas molecule size and micropore diameter to selectively permeate O2, CO2, and N2 gases entering the preservation and storage chamber 1. By adjusting the permeation rate and ratio of the gases, the gas concentration within the preservation and storage chamber 1 is brought to a state suitable for food preservation, inhibiting microbial growth and the food's own respiratory and metabolic activities.

[0055] During food preservation and storage, as food spoils, volatile substances are produced, causing changes in the pH value of the environment inside the preservation and storage chamber 1. The anthocyanin microcapsule array embedded in the pH-responsive layer 22 is composed of natural pigments with different pH responses, such as anthocyanins from purple sweet potato, blueberry, and black goji berry. Different pH environments trigger color reactions in these anthocyanins, resulting in different color changes.

[0056] A camera 25, mounted on a bracket 24 at the bottom of the opening / closing lid 2, is aimed at the center of the pH-responsive layer 22, capturing real-time images of the color changes in the anthocyanin microcapsule array. The captured images are transmitted to an external device or the built-in processing unit, where image recognition technology quantifies the color changes into corresponding freshness values, thus achieving automated and digital detection of food freshness. Users can remotely monitor the food's condition and perform quality traceability by viewing the detection data.

[0057] The sensor module 222 installed on the outer fixing ring 221 of the pH response layer 22 integrates an O2 concentration sensor, a CO2 concentration sensor, an N2 concentration sensor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. These sensors monitor environmental parameters such as gas concentration, temperature, and humidity inside the preservation and storage chamber 1 in real time, acquiring multi-dimensional environmental data.

[0058] The communication module in sensor module 222, using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular network communication, transmits the collected environmental data to external devices such as mobile phones or computers. The external devices analyze and process the data, comparing it to preset normal parameter ranges.

[0059] When parameters such as gas concentration, temperature, or humidity become abnormal and exceed preset ranges, the alarm unit in sensor module 222, through one or more combinations of sound, light, or vibration alarms, will trigger an alarm, reminding the user to take timely measures to adjust the preservation environment and reduce the risk of food spoilage. Simultaneously, the user can also remotely monitor the environmental status within the preservation storage chamber 1 via external devices, achieving intelligent management.

[0060] Finally, it should be noted that the electronic components in the sensor module 222 and other components in this embodiment are all general standard parts or components known to those skilled in the art. Their structure and principle can be learned by those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods. In the idle space of this device, all the above-mentioned electrical components are connected by wires. The specific connection method should refer to the working order between the electrical components in the above working principle to complete the electrical connection. All of these are technologies known in the art.

[0061] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A modified atmosphere storage detection device, comprising a storage chamber (1), characterized in that: The top of the fresh-keeping storage cavity (1) is detachably fitted with an opening and closing cover (2). The opening and closing cover (2) has a three-layer structure, consisting of a modified atmosphere control layer (21), a pH response layer (22), and a protective layer (23) from bottom to top. An air tank (3) is installed on one side inside the fresh-keeping storage cavity (1). The modified atmosphere control layer (21) adopts a microporous structure, and the pH response layer (22) is embedded with an anthocyanin microcapsule array.

2. The modified atmosphere storage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas control layer (21) is connected to a ventilation pipe (211) on one side. The interior of the gas tank (3) is divided into three compartments, which store O2, CO2 and N2 gases respectively. The top of the gas tank (3) is connected to the ventilation pipe (211) through an output pipe (31).

3. The modified atmosphere storage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anthocyanin microcapsule array is an integrated array of natural pigments with different pH responses, used to monitor freshness based on the anthocyanin color reaction. The natural pigments with different pH responses are purple sweet potato anthocyanin, blueberry anthocyanin, and black goji berry anthocyanin.

4. The modified atmosphere storage detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A camera (25) is mounted on the bottom of the opening and closing cover (2) via a bracket (24), and the shooting end of the camera (25) is aimed at the middle of the pH response layer (22).

5. The modified atmosphere storage detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protective layer (23) adopts a biodegradable nanofiber membrane structure.

6. The modified atmosphere storage and detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A fixing ring (221) is installed on the outside of the pH response layer (22), and a sensor module (222) is installed on the fixing ring (221).

7. The modified atmosphere storage detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sensor module (222) includes a gas sensor, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor, wherein the gas sensors are an O2 concentration sensor, a CO2 concentration sensor and an N2 concentration sensor, respectively.

8. The modified atmosphere storage detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sensor module (222) also includes an alert unit, a communication module, and a power supply module. The sensor module (222) is connected to an external device through the communication module for data transmission. The power supply module is used to provide power. The alert unit is used to issue an alert when the concentration is abnormal.

9. The modified atmosphere storage and detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The reminder unit is one or a combination of sound reminder unit, light reminder unit, or vibration reminder unit, and the communication module is one of Bluetooth communication module, Wi-Fi communication module, or cellular network communication module.

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