Internal Atmosphere Control Packaging for Respiring Produce
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging technologies for respiring biological materials, such as fruits and vegetables, face challenges in effectively controlling the atmosphere within sealed containers to maintain optimal oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, leading to potential damage of atmosphere control members (ACMs) during handling and limitations in achieving desired gas compositions.
Innovation Solution
The use of internal atmosphere control members (ACMs) within sealed containers, which are not part of the exterior surface, and a modular system with controlled gas access, allowing for the adjustment of gas proportions and flow rates to create a desired atmosphere, including the use of selective and non-selective ACMs with high permeability characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ACMs are placed on the exterior surface of sealed containers for atmosphere control, then gas exchange control is achieved, but the ACMs are liable to be damaged during handling and are in direct communication with surrounding air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places an ACM inside a sealed container rather than on the exterior surface. The ACM is positioned within the container interior, surrounded by the container walls that protect it from external mechanical damage during handling and transport, while still allowing it to perform its gas exchange control function with the container atmosphere.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ACMs are used on container exteriors, then atmosphere control is provided, but the ACMs are discarded with the container after opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the ACM as a separable component that can be removed from the container. The ACM is positioned inside the container but is not permanently attached, allowing it to be extracted and reused with different containers, thereby reducing waste and improving sustainability.
3Reliability
If ACMs are placed inside sealed containers, then ACM damage during handling is reduced, but the ACM is not in direct communication with surrounding air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the container interior atmosphere as an intermediary medium. The ACM placed inside the container controls gas exchange between the container atmosphere and the external environment through the container walls or controlled openings, achieving both protection and functional efficiency.
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 approach enhances the longevity and effectiveness of ACMs by reducing physical damage and allowing for precise control of the packaging atmosphere, improving the storage and ripening of respiring biological materials by maintaining optimal gas compositions and extending shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
an atmosphere control member (ACM) having first and second surfaces; and placing the first atmosphere adjacent the first surface and the second atmosphere adjacent the second surface
Data Source
AI summary
Atmosphere control members (ACMs) are used in various ways. In one aspect, at least one of the atmospheres in contact with the ACM is cause to flow over the surface of the ACM. In another aspect, the ACM is an internal ACM which does not form part of the exterior surface of a container. In another aspect, the ACM forms part of a reusable module. In another aspect, a plurality of sealed containers, each including an ACM, are stored in an outer container also including an ACM. FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a shipping container (11) comprising an internal ACM (3) having one surface which is exposed to the packaging atmosphere within the shipping container and an opposite surface which is part of a closed chamber (2) to which gases can be supplied in a controlled fashion.