Storage and display device for plant matter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and display systems for fruit and vegetables face challenges in maintaining moisture levels to prevent decay while allowing accessibility and avoiding excessive moisture buildup.
Innovation Solution
A storage and display device with an inner and outer container configuration, incorporating a water reservoir and mist-generating devices, along with passages and deflectors to control moisture and mist distribution, ensuring effective misting without excessive moisture accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If misting is used to prevent moisture loss in fruit and vegetables, then freshness is improved, but excessive moisture build-up occurs which encourages fungal growth and decay
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the storage space into two separate containers: an inner container for holding fruit and vegetables, and an outer container that houses the misting system. This segmentation allows the mist to be generated in the outer container and then distributed to the inner container through controlled passages, preventing direct excessive moisture contact while maintaining freshness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate misting system with controlled passages that acts as a mediator between the water source and the produce. The mist is generated in the outer container and transported through passages to the inner container, providing controlled moisture distribution that prevents both excessive dryness and harmful moisture buildup on the fruit and vegetables.
2Reliability
If enclosed storage is used to control atmosphere around fruit and vegetables, then moisture control is improved, but accessibility by customers to select items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested container structure where the inner container (holding produce) is placed within the outer container (housing misting system). The inner container has an open upper face that allows customer access to select items, while the outer container provides the enclosed atmosphere control. This nesting arrangement simultaneously achieves both moisture control and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by operating in multiple spatial dimensions: the outer container provides atmospheric control in the horizontal plane, while the inner container's open top provides vertical access. The mist distribution passages extend vertically to deliver moisture from the outer to inner container, creating a multi-dimensional solution that satisfies both enclosure and accessibility requirements.
3Ease of operation
If open bowl storage is used for easy access and aesthetics, then accessibility and appearance are improved, but moisture loss increases limiting storage life
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service misting where the system automatically generates and distributes moisture without requiring user intervention. The mist-generating device in the outer container continuously provides moisture to the inner container, allowing the open-top design to maintain accessibility while the system autonomously compensates for moisture loss that would otherwise occur.
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 maintains fruit freshness by controlled misting, preventing fungal growth and decay, while allowing easy access and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one mist-generating device connected to the water reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a deflector being mounted on the said other end to deflect mist passing up the passage downwardly on to the interior of the inner container
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and display device for plant matter comprises a body having an outer container (1) and an inner container (2) within the outer container with an enclosed space therebetween. The interior of the inner container (2) is open at the upper face thereof for receiving the plant matter in use. The enclosed space contains a water reservoir (11, 25) and at least one mist-generating device (14, 27) connected to the water reservoir. A plurality of passages (16) is provided between the enclosed space and the interior of the inner container. In an alternative arrangement, the inner container comprises a passage (40) therethrough opening at one end below the inner container and at the other end above the upper face thereof, a deflector (42) being mounted on the said other end to deflect mist passing up the passage downwardly on to the interior of the inner container.