Dynamic Vacuum Time Control Using Pressure and Humidity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum packaging technologies face challenges in consistently achieving optimal vacuum quality due to factors like water evaporation, leakages, tray volume, and product size, leading to prolonged vacuum times that increase energy consumption and may not ensure desired packaging quality.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize pressure and humidity sensors to dynamically adjust the vacuum time by determining reference time instants and calculating delay times based on pressure variations and humidity levels, optimizing the vacuum cycle without relying on constant pre-set values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum time is prolonged to ensure optimal vacuum quality, then packaging quality is improved, but energy consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring vacuum level through pressure sensors and adjusting vacuum pump operation accordingly. The system transitions from fixed-time vacuumization to dynamic, real-time control based on actual vacuum achievement, eliminating unnecessary prolonged vacuuming while ensuring quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment of vacuum time based on real-time pressure measurements and product conditions. Instead of using constant pre-set values, the system adapts vacuum duration to actual requirements, optimizing both quality and efficiency.
2Reliability
If vacuum time is extended to compensate for water evaporation and leakages, then vacuum quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure sensors to monitor vacuum level in real-time and adjusts pump operation based on actual vacuum achievement, preventing energy waste from prolonged vacuuming to compensate for evaporation and leakages when not necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed time duration to dynamic time based on actual vacuum level, pressure readings, and detected product conditions, optimizing energy usage by vacuuming only as long as necessary.
3Device complexity
If constant pre-set vacuum time is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various product conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and control logic that automatically adapt vacuum parameters to different product conditions (water content, size, type) without requiring complex manual adjustments, maintaining simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment based on real-time monitoring of vacuum level and product conditions, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while achieving high adaptability to various packaging scenarios.
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 ensures consistent vacuum quality, reduces packaging cycle duration, and enhances productivity by adapting to various product conditions without compromising packaging quality.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum chamber (4; 24; 54); a vacuum device (6; 26; 56) configured to extract gas from the vacuum chamber (4; 24; 54)
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor (102) configured to detect pressure present in the vacuum chamber (4; 24; 54) or in a conduit connected to the vacuum chamber (4; 24; 54)
Implementation Method 3
a humidity sensor (103) configured to detect a humidity parameter of gas present in the vacuum chamber (4; 24; 54) or in a conduit connected to the vacuum chamber (4; 24; 54)
Implementation Method 4
when vacuum is pulled in the vacuum chamber and reaches boiling pressure, water starts to generate moisture from the product surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device can be used for setting vacuum time in a packaging apparatus and in a packaging process. The method and device provide for determining, from pressure signals or from humidity signals detected in the vacuum chamber, a reference time instant. The method and device also provide for commanding a vacuum device either to stop extracting gas from the vacuum chamber or to execute one or more prescribed steps preluding to end of the vacuum cycle at expiration of a delay time interval following said reference time instant.