Gas Permeable Membrane Buffer for Controlled Atmosphere
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shipping container systems struggle to maintain optimal gas compositions for perishable goods, leading to reduced shelf life due to reliance on expensive and complex Controlled Atmosphere systems, which require skilled maintenance and are not well-suited for varying gas requirements of different products.
Innovation Solution
A container system with a gas permeable membrane and a buffer region connected to a vacuum pump, allowing for controlled flow of gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, to create a stable and optimal atmosphere for perishables, using a single membrane capable of handling a wide range of gas concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a Controlled Atmosphere system is used to maintain optimal gas composition, then the shelf life of perishables is extended, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into two distinct regions: a cargo region for storing perishables and a buffer region for gas storage and regulation. This segmentation allows independent control of gas composition in each region, simplifying the overall system while maintaining optimal atmosphere for the cargo.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas permeable membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the cargo region and buffer region. This membrane selectively permits gas exchange, automatically regulating gas composition without requiring complex mechanical control systems or skilled maintenance.
2Reliability
If conventional gas control systems are used, then gas composition can be regulated, but the system is not adaptable to varying gas requirements of different products
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer region and permeable membrane system provides a universal gas regulation mechanism that can accommodate different gas composition requirements for various perishable products. By adjusting the buffer region's gas composition, the system can be adapted to suit different products without requiring product-specific complex control systems.
3Reliability
If expensive Complex Controlled Atmosphere systems are used, then optimal gas composition is maintained, but the cost-effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive, complex Controlled Atmosphere equipment with simpler, more cost-effective components: a permeable membrane and buffer region. These components maintain reliable gas composition control without requiring skilled maintenance or expensive infrastructure.
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 perishables by maintaining optimal gas compositions, reducing the need for complex systems and skilled maintenance, while being cost-effective and adaptable to various types of goods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gas permeable membrane, through which membrane different gases can pass at different rates
Implementation Method 2
due to the concentration gradient, CO2 will permeate through a permeable wall towards the air-side
Implementation Method 3
the buffer region is in communication with the ambient atmosphere through one or more vacuum pump(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A container having a plurality of walls, and at least one inlet and/or outlet, said container including an apparatus for controlling the composition of gases within the container, the apparatus including at least one sensor, at least one controller and at least one gas permeable membrane, through which membrane different gases can pass at different rates, said membrane dividing the container into a first region being for holding cargo and a second region defining a gas buffer region, and said membrane being permeable permitting for nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide at different flow rates, wherein the buffer region is in communication with the ambient atmosphere through one or more vacuum pump(s).