Gastronorm Container Vacuum Valve Security Label
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in storing and transporting food in Gastronorm containers is the risk of malicious contamination, which is not easily detectable by the customer, as existing vacuum systems can be tampered with to create a false vacuum, masking potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A Gastronorm container with a vacuum-tight lid and a vacuum valve is equipped with a security label that cannot be removed without destruction, ensuring the vacuum valve remains sealed and detectable, even if attempted to be opened or tampered with, using a forgery-proof label only available to the manufacturer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a vacuum valve is provided on the Gastronorm container to create and release vacuum, then shelf life is extended and food preservation is improved, but the risk of malicious contamination increases as the valve can be tampered with to introduce contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
A security label is introduced as an intermediary element between the customer and the vacuum valve. This label covers the valve opening and can only be removed by destroying it, serving as a mediator that prevents direct access to the valve while allowing legitimate vacuum operations. The label acts as a security barrier that detects and prevents malicious tampering attempts.
2Reliability
If the vacuum valve is covered with a security label that cannot be removed without damage, then contamination risk is reduced and security is improved, but the complexity of the container system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security label is designed as a disposable, low-cost component that is applied to the container by the manufacturer and remains on the container throughout storage and transport. The label is intended to be destroyed (removed) only at the point of use by the customer, at which point its protective function is no longer needed. This approach provides high security at minimal cost and complexity.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a security label is applied to the vacuum valve, then any attempt to open or tamper with the container becomes detectable, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The security label is applied to the vacuum valve during the manufacturing process, before the container is sealed and before it leaves the factory. This preliminary action ensures that the label is already in place and provides security from the moment the container is filled and vacuumed. The label application is integrated into the existing manufacturing workflow, requiring minimal additional steps.
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 solution significantly reduces the likelihood of contamination by making any attempt to open or tamper with the container recognizable, ensuring food safety and extending shelf life while maintaining economic efficiency with a single security label.
Implementation Method 1
creating a vacuum in the gastronorm container
Implementation Method 2
covering the vacuum valve with a security label that cannot be removed without damage
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for storing and/or transporting foodstuffs (10), comprising the following steps: filling the foodstuffs (10) into a gastronorm container (12) equipped with a vacuum valve (14) by a manufacturer; creating a vacuum in the gastronorm container (12) by the manufacturer; at least partially covering the vacuum valve (14) with a security label (16) that is wholly or partially non-destructively removable by the manufacturer; and storing and/or transporting the gastronorm container (12) to a customer. The invention further relates to a gastronorm container with a vacuum-tight sealing lid and a vacuum valve, wherein, according to the invention, the vacuum valve (14) is at least partially covered with a security label (16) that is wholly or partially non-destructively removable when the gastronorm container (12) is vacuum-sealed.