Capsule With Vapor-Permeable Membrane For Humidity Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidity control methods, such as using desiccants, fail to maintain a desired humidity range within small or uniquely shaped containers, like those for cigars or pharmaceuticals, as they either over-dry or under-control the environment, and are not suitable for small packaging sizes.
Innovation Solution
A humidity control device comprising a capsule with a vapor-permeable and liquid-impermeable surface, containing a humidity control agent like a salt solution or glycerol, which can absorb and release moisture to maintain a relative humidity between 30% and 85%, and is designed to fit within small containers using a friction fit or adhesive endcap mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If desiccants are used to control humidity in small containers, then moisture absorption is improved, but humidity control precision deteriorates (cannot maintain desired humidity range)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a salt solution with specific concentration (e.g., saturated or near-saturated) to achieve a desired equilibrium relative humidity. By changing the chemical composition and concentration parameters of the humidity control agent, the system can precisely maintain specific humidity levels rather than simply absorbing moisture. The salt solution creates a controlled vapor pressure that establishes a predictable equilibrium humidity in the container.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional desiccants are used in small containers, then moisture absorption is improved, but adaptability deteriorates (cannot fit unique shapes and sizes)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the humidity control function into a separate, modular capsule that can be independently sized and shaped. This segmented design allows the capsule to fit into various container configurations (cigars, pharmaceutical bottles, small boxes) without requiring the entire packaging system to be redesigned. The capsule acts as a self-contained unit that can be adapted to different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule uses a flexible or thin-walled structure that can conform to different container geometries. The vapor-permeable membrane or thin wall material allows the capsule to be compressed or shaped to fit unique packaging forms while maintaining its internal humidity control function. This flexible shell approach enables universal application across diverse container types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vapor-permeable and liquid-impermeable surface is used, then two-way moisture exchange is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule employs a porous or vapor-permeable material for its wall or membrane that allows water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water. This single-material solution achieves two-way moisture exchange (absorption when humidity is high, release when humidity is low) without requiring complex mechanical components, valves, or multiple layers. The porous structure provides selective permeability based on the phase of water.
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 device effectively controls humidity within a desired range, preventing spoilage and maintaining product freshness in small containers by allowing two-way moisture exchange, addressing the limitations of conventional desiccants in controlling humidity levels and fitting within compact packaging.
Implementation Method 1
the capsule may have at least one vapor permeable and liquid impermeable surface
Implementation Method 2
Provisional Application No. 62/553,242, entitled Moisture control Device with Osmosis Filling
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a humidity control device having a capsule and a humidity control agent arranged within the capsule. The capsule may have a sidewall arranged between a pair of end portions, and at least one end portion may be an endcap coupled to the sidewall. Further, the capsule may have at least one vapor permeable and liquid impermeable surface. The humidity control device may be configured to control relative humidity within an enclosure to a particular level or to within a particular range. The humidity device may be sized and configured to control humidity within a relatively small and/or uniquely shaped enclosure, such as a container for a single cigar or rolled cannabis product, for example.