Gas Control Apparatus Using Permeable Membrane for Cargo Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas control systems in shipping containers are expensive, complex, and inefficient in maintaining optimal carbon dioxide levels, leading to suboptimal storage conditions for perishable goods, which affects the shelf life of products.
Innovation Solution
A gas control apparatus with a sensor, controller, and selectively permeable membrane that regulates the flow of gases into and out of a container, using a gas buffer region to manage oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, allowing for active manipulation of gas compositions to maintain optimal storage conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Controlled Atmosphere systems are used to control gas composition, then optimal storage conditions can be maintained, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two distinct regions: a cargo storage region and a gas buffer region. The gas buffer region acts as a separate compartment that captures excess carbon dioxide produced by respiration, preventing it from accumulating in the cargo area. This segmentation allows simplified gas management without requiring complex active control systems throughout the entire container.
Solution Approach 2:
A selectively permeable membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the cargo storage region and the gas buffer region. This membrane allows carbon dioxide to pass through from the cargo area to the buffer region while blocking other gases, thereby mediating gas exchange passively and eliminating the need for active pumping or complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If active gas manipulation systems are implemented, then optimal carbon dioxide levels can be maintained, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas buffer region automatically captures and stores excess carbon dioxide produced by respiration without requiring external energy input or active control. The system self-regulates gas composition by passively directing carbon dioxide into the buffer region through the selectively permeable membrane, eliminating the need for expensive active gas manipulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The selectively permeable membrane changes the physical parameter of gas permeability to selectively allow carbon dioxide passage while blocking other gases. This parameter change enables passive carbon dioxide removal without requiring active mechanical systems, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining effective carbon dioxide level control.
3Reliability
If membranes or films are used to prevent gas movement, then gas composition can be controlled, but the system becomes less adaptable to changing gas conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to changing gas conditions through the selective permeability of the membrane. As carbon dioxide levels change in the cargo region, the membrane automatically adjusts gas flow based on concentration gradients, allowing the system to adapt to varying respiration rates and gas compositions without manual intervention or complex control mechanisms.
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 system effectively prolongs the shelf life of stored produce by actively controlling gas compositions, reducing the need for chemical interventions and maintaining optimal conditions at a lower cost compared to traditional Controlled Atmosphere systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gas permeable membrane being adapted to facilitate the passage there through of different molecules at different rates
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the composition of gases within a cargo container. The apparatus includes at least one sensor, at least one controller and at least one gas permeable membrane being adapted to facilitate the passage there through of different molecules at different rates. Said membrane defining a first region and a second region, the first region being for holding cargo and the second region defining a gas buffer region, said at least one inlet and/or outlet being in communication with said buffer region. The invention further relates to a container.