Flexible Container Gas Measurement Using Suction-Created Optical Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining gas concentration and integrity of flexible containers are often destructive and lack efficient, non-destructive optical technologies for real-time analysis.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) with an optical sensor and suction device to non-destructively measure gas concentration and integrity by pulling a flexible area of the container, creating a defined optical path for light transmission and detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical force methods are used to check container integrity, then reliability of integrity verification is improved, but the method becomes destructive and unsuitable for continuous monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrity verification reliabilityVSAvoidnon-destructive capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical force-based integrity checking with an optical measurement system. A suction device creates negative pressure to form a space between the flexible container wall and product, allowing light to pass through for optical sensing. This substitution eliminates mechanical destruction while maintaining reliability through optical detection of wall position and gas concentration measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary space created by suction between the flexible container wall and the product. This space allows optical signals to penetrate through the flexible wall for measurement without directly contacting or damaging the container. The intermediary space serves as a medium that enables non-destructive optical access to the container interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If optical measurements are performed through the container wall, then non-destructive testing is achieved, but measurement precision is reduced due to interference from the wall material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-destructive testing capabilityVSAvoidgas concentration measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by using suction to create a space between the flexible wall and product before optical measurement. This pre-created space optimizes the optical path by reducing interference from the wall material and positioning the measurement region for maximum precision. The space is formed in advance to ensure accurate gas concentration readings without wall interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a suction device is used to create measurement space, then non-destructive optical measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical measurement accessibilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device serves multiple functions: it creates the measurement space for optical access, applies controlled negative pressure to separate the wall from the product, and enables positioning of the flexible wall for optimal measurement geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving non-destructive optical measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables accurate, non-destructive determination of gas concentration and container integrity, suitable for flexible containers like bags and trays, enhancing quality control and shelf life monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

The optical sensor may be based on detecting an absorption in spectra in a transmitted light signal, for example by using Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) technology

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption Spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

detecting an absorption in spectra in a transmitted light signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

a suction device arranged for pulling at least one portion of the flexible area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS20260002830A1System and method for determining a concentration of a gas in a container

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 GASPOROX

AI summary

A system and method are for determining a concentration of at least one gas in a container having at least one side with a flexible area. The system includes a measuring area arranged for receiving the container; a suction device arranged for pulling at least one portion of the flexible area a distance to arranging at least the portion of the flexible area in a position to provide a space underneath at least the portion of the flexible area; an optical sensor, configured to be sensitive to the at least one gas, is arranged in relation to the measuring area for transmitting a light signal through the space and detecting a transmitted light signal; and a control unit configured for determining, based on the transmitted light signal, the concentration of the at least one gas in the container.