Integrated Humidity Control Device for Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing humidity control devices for packaged products, such as loose pouches with salt solutions, are unsatisfactory due to consumer confusion, accidental disposal, and regulatory issues, necessitating a more integrated and reliable solution for maintaining optimal relative humidity within product packages.

Innovation Solution

A humidity control device integrated with product packaging, comprising a base layer and a permeable layer containing a humidity control agent, such as a salt solution, gel, or emulsion, which is securely attached or embedded within the packaging to maintain consistent relative humidity levels throughout the product's life, including multiple openings and closings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If loose pouches containing salt solution are used for humidity control, then humidity control function is provided, but consumer confusion and accidental disposal occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehumidity control reliabilityVSAvoidconsumer understanding and retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The humidity control device is integrated directly into the package structure by forming the humidity control layer as part of the package layers themselves, eliminating the need for separate loose pouches. This merging of the humidity control function into the package structure ensures consumers cannot accidentally discard it while maintaining the humidity control reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The package structure serves multiple functions: it contains the product, provides structural integrity, and simultaneously controls humidity through the integrated humidity control layer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate humidity control components that could be confused or discarded by consumers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If spot gluing pouches to inside surface of product package is done, then ease of implementation is improved, but regulatory requirements are violated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplementation easeVSAvoidregulatory compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The humidity control layer is combined with the package layers during the manufacturing process itself, rather than being added as a separate component. This integration ensures regulatory compliance while maintaining ease of manufacture through a unified production process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The package structure uses composite materials where the humidity control layer is formed as part of the package material itself. This composite approach allows the package to meet regulatory requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through material integration rather than assembly of separate parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If loose pouches are used for humidity control, then humidity control function is provided, but pouches may be intentionally or mistakenly discarded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehumidity control effectivenessVSAvoidhumidity control duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The humidity control function is merged into the permanent package structure, ensuring it remains in place for the entire duration of product storage and use. This integration eliminates the risk of discarding while maintaining continuous humidity control effectiveness throughout the product's shelf life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The humidity control layer is pre-integrated into the package during manufacturing, ensuring it is in position and functional before the product is sealed and distributed. This preliminary integration ensures continuous humidity control throughout the entire product lifecycle without risk of later removal or disposal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The integrated humidity control device effectively maintains optimal humidity levels within product packages, enhancing product preservation and consumer acceptance by eliminating issues associated with loose pouches, while adhering to regulatory standards.

Implementation Method 1

a permeable layer (130) arranged over the humidity control material (120) and coupled to the base layer (110)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

a humidity control material (120) arranged between the base layer (110) and the permeable layer (130)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12098015B2Device for controlling headspace humidity and methods for making the same

Publication Date: 2024.09.24 BOVEDA INC

AI summary

Humidity controlled product methods and packages produced by providing a package material having an interior surface and providing a plurality of humidity control devices in a continuous strip, separating a humidity control device from the strip, adhering the humidity control device to the interior surface of the product package material, and forming the package material into a product package or a product package component with the separated humidity control device adhered to an interior space within the package.