Antimicrobial Packaging System with Controlled Chlorine Dioxide Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems for perishable products lack features to address harmful microbial contaminants, which can lead to foodborne illnesses and other safety issues during shipping and storage.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system that incorporates an antimicrobial agent reservoir, allowing for the controlled release of agents like chlorine dioxide, silver nitrate, or other antimicrobial substances into the storage space to reduce or eliminate pathogens, pathogens, viruses, and parasites, thereby enhancing food safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If packaging systems include features for creating modified atmosphere to extend product lifespan, then the duration of product freshness is improved, but the system lacks features to address harmful microbial contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into separate functional components: a modified atmosphere generation system and a separate antimicrobial agent delivery system. The antimicrobial component includes a reservoir containing the agent and a delivery mechanism that releases the agent into the packaging headspace, allowing independent optimization of each function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple protective functions into a single packaging system: modified atmosphere control for extending freshness and antimicrobial agent delivery for pathogen reduction. This integration allows the packaging to simultaneously address both product lifespan extension and microbial contamination prevention through coordinated action of multiple subsystems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If packaging systems add antimicrobial agent delivery features, then protection against harmful factors is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antimicrobial agent delivery system is designed to operate autonomously without external intervention. The system includes a reservoir containing the antimicrobial agent and a delivery mechanism that automatically releases the agent into the packaging headspace based on predetermined conditions such as temperature changes or time, eliminating the need for manual application or monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery mechanism utilizes changes in physical parameters such as temperature or pressure to trigger controlled release of the antimicrobial agent. For example, the system may be designed to release the agent when temperature increases during shipping, leveraging environmental parameter changes to activate the protective function without requiring additional active components.
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 system effectively reduces microbial contamination in perishable products, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, by releasing antimicrobial agents in a controlled manner, thereby extending shelf life and ensuring food safety without compromising product quality.
Implementation Method 1
The body or agent reservoir is constructed to release the antimicrobial agent into the storage space
Implementation Method 2
one or more body walls may be perforated, or constructed of a permeable or semi-permeable material or membrane, or a combination thereof, which ultimately provides for the desired release of the agent into the storage space
Data Source
AI summary
A package providing a storage space with features capable of affecting atmospheric conditions therein, comprising a body having a first and at least one second storage space adjacent thereto, wherein the first storage space is defined by sidewalls, and the at least one second storage space is defined by sidewalls including at least a portion thereof which further defines the first storage space, the second storage space providing a reservoir for containing an antimicrobial agent therein, wherein the antimicrobial agent includes a precursor to chlorine dioxide gas and the portion of the sidewall which further defines the first storage space is configured to allow for the delivery of the chlorine dioxide gas from the second storage space into the first storage space.