Cold Fogging Fungicidal Treatment for Harvested Crops
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a significant need for effective methods to protect harvested crops from post-harvest loss, which not only results in the loss of valuable crops but also the inputs required for their production and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method of cold fogging a composition containing a fungicidally-active compound, water, and a filler, applied to a pile or stack of harvested crops, to protect against post-harvest loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spraying methods are used to protect harvested crops, then fungicidal coverage is achieved, but environmental impact and resource waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cold fogging technology using pneumatic mechanisms to generate fine droplet aerosols that penetrate crop stacks effectively. The system uses compressed air or vacuum to atomize the fungicidal composition into microscopic droplets that settle throughout the storage environment, achieving comprehensive protection with minimal chemical residue and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the fungicidal application by transitioning from liquid spray to cold fog aerosol. The composition is formulated with specific surface active agents and adjuvants that enable stable aerosol formation at low temperatures, maintaining fungicidal efficacy while reducing environmental harm through precise parameter control of droplet size and distribution.
2Reliability
If post-harvest treatment is applied to prevent loss, then crop protection is improved, but input resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cold fogging system is designed to be self-regulating, using the natural cooling effect of the fog itself to enhance droplet deposition and persistence on crop surfaces. The formulation includes self-emulsifying components that automatically distribute the fungicidal active ingredients without requiring additional energy input or manual intervention, optimizing resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition principles where the liquid composition is converted to cold fog aerosol through rapid expansion and cooling. This phase change enables the fungicidal composition to penetrate deep into crop stacks and adhere to surfaces through condensation and evaporation cycles, achieving effective protection while minimizing the volume of material required and thus reducing input resource consumption.
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 cold fogging method effectively protects harvested crops from fungal infections and other post-harvest losses, optimizing agricultural productivity and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
cold fogging a composition having about 1% to about 20%, by weight percent, of a first fungicidally-active compound, about 1% to about 90%, by weight percent, of water, and at least one filler
Data Source
AI summary
Method for the cold fogging of a fungicidally-active compound to a post-harvest crop.