Dual ACM Packaging for Respiring Produce Atmosphere Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging technologies for respiring biological materials, such as fruits and vegetables, face challenges in controlling the atmosphere within sealed containers to maintain optimal oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, as single atmosphere control members (ACMs) often fail to achieve desired ratios or pressure equalization.
Innovation Solution
The use of a combination of two ACMs with different oxygen to carbon dioxide transmission rate (OTR/COTR) ratios, where one ACM has a significantly higher ratio (e.g., 1.5 to 5.0) and the other has a lower ratio (e.g., 1.0 to 2.3), allowing for a controlled atmosphere within a sealed container by simultaneously or sequentially contacting the packaging atmosphere with both ACMs, which can be part of the container walls or an assembly, to achieve a desired R ratio and pressure equalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ACM is used to control the atmosphere in a sealed container, then the structure is simple, but the desired R ratio and pressure equalization cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The single ACM is divided into two separate ACMs with different R ratios. The first ACM has a higher R ratio (e.g., 1.5 to 5.0) and the second ACM has a lower R ratio (e.g., 1.0 to 2.3). By combining these two segmented components, the system achieves precise control over the packaging atmosphere that cannot be obtained with a single ACM, while each individual component maintains relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the container wall (or different components of the ACM assembly) are assigned different R ratios to perform specialized functions. The first ACM with higher R ratio is positioned or configured to provide primary atmosphere control, while the second ACM with lower R ratio is positioned or configured to fine-tune the atmosphere and assist in pressure equalization. This local differentiation of properties enables precise overall control.
2Ease of operation
If a single ACM is used to control the atmosphere, then the device is simple to operate, but the shelf life extension is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The atmosphere control function is segmented into two ACMs with complementary R ratios. This segmentation allows the system to achieve superior atmosphere control and shelf life extension while maintaining operational simplicity, as both ACMs can be integrated into the container structure and require no additional complex operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The two ACMs are combined in a coordinated arrangement where the first ACM with higher R ratio and the second ACM with lower R ratio work together synergistically. This merging of components with different properties creates a unified system that delivers enhanced shelf life extension while preserving ease of operation, as the combination is designed to function as an integrated unit.
3Device complexity
If a single ACM is used, then the container has fewer components, but pressure equalization between internal and external environments is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization function is achieved by segmenting the ACM into two components with different R ratios. The second ACM with lower R ratio (e.g., 1.0 to 2.3) is particularly effective for pressure equalization, working in conjunction with the first ACM to provide reliable pressure balance between the container interior and exterior environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The second ACM with lower R ratio is specifically positioned or configured to provide localized pressure equalization function, while the first ACM with higher R ratio provides the primary atmosphere control. This local specialization of functions enables reliable pressure equalization without adding excessive complexity to the overall system.
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
This approach allows for precise control of the packaging atmosphere, extending the shelf life of respiring biological materials by maintaining optimal gas composition and pressure, which cannot be easily achieved with a single ACM, and provides a controlled leak to equalize internal and external pressures.
Implementation Method 1
the ACM has an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) and a carbon dioxide transmission rate (COTR) such that the ratio of COTR to OTR (referred to herein as R ratio)
Implementation Method 2
produce a desired packaging atmosphere around respiring materials by placing them in a sealed container whose permeability to O2 and CO2 produces the desired packaging atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
Combinations of atmosphere control members are used to control the atmosphere within a sealed container which contains a respiring biological material. The combination makes use of a first ACM having a first R ratio (the ratio of carbon dioxide permeability to oxygen permeability) and a second ACM having a second R ratio, the first R ratio being substantially greater than 1.0, and the second R ratio being less than the first R ratio. This combination (31, 321, 322, 331, 332) can form part of the sealed container (1) itself, or can be part of an assembly (31, 32, 34) through which the packaging atmosphere within the sealed container (1) is circulated.