HPP Container Fitment with Pressure Relief Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
High pressure processing (HPP) of food and beverages can cause catastrophic damage to packaging due to vacuum generation, limiting the use of large format or bulk packaging.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a fitment assembly and a pressure relief mechanism that vents fluid from a chamber to maintain pressure, preventing damage during HPP, and a system for providing pre-mixed beverages using a mixing block with flow regulation for controlled fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If large format or bulk packaging is used for HPP processed products, then shelf-life is extended and productivity is improved, but the vacuum generated during high pressure processing causes catastrophic damage to the packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is segmented into multiple functional components: an outer container for bulk packaging, an inner liner or bag to contain the product, and a fitment assembly with a pressure relief mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific stresses during HPP processing, preventing catastrophic failure of the entire packaging system while maintaining large format bulk packaging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The fitment assembly acts as an intermediary component between the container and the product, incorporating a pressure relief mechanism that mediates the pressure differential during HPP processing. This intermediary structure prevents vacuum collapse by allowing controlled pressure equalization, thereby protecting the packaging integrity while enabling extended shelf-life through bulk HPP processing
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional packaging is used during HPP, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the high pressure causes catastrophic damage to the packaging structure
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure incorporates local quality enhancements at critical stress points, particularly in the fitment assembly where the pressure relief mechanism is located. While the overall packaging maintains simple conventional construction for ease of manufacture, the localized addition of pressure relief features provides the necessary strength and pressure management capability to withstand HPP processing without catastrophic failure
3Reliability
If pressure relief mechanism is added to fitment assembly, then packaging integrity during HPP is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief mechanism is designed as a self-service system that automatically responds to pressure differentials during HPP processing without requiring external control or complex actuation mechanisms. The mechanism self-regulates pressure equalization based on the physical conditions during processing, thereby improving packaging integrity while minimizing the addition of complexity to the fitment assembly
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 the use of large format packaging for HPP without damage and ensures the quality and safety of beverages by maintaining pressure within the container while preventing damage to the fitment assembly, allowing for extended shelf-life and improved flavor retention.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum generated in the packaging via application of the ultra-high pressure may cause catastrophic damage to the packaging
Implementation Method 2
A pressure relief mechanism is operably coupled to the fitment assembly to relieve pressure within the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly configured for use in a high pressure process (HPP) includes a container defining a container cavity and a fitment assembly coupled to the container. The fitment assembly defines a passageway arranged in fluid communication with the container cavity. The fitment assembly further defines a chamber within the passageway isolated from the container cavity. A pressure relief mechanism is operably coupled to the fitment assembly to relieve pressure within the chamber.