Liquid Combination Container With Oxygen Absorber for Degradation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with oxygen barrier properties fail to adequately reduce the degradation of liquids due to dissolved oxygen, as oxygen can still permeate and degrade the contents.
Innovation Solution
A dual-container system is employed, where a first container with a stopper having higher oxygen permeability than the container body is used, combined with a second container with oxygen barrier properties, along with an oxygen absorber to maintain low oxygen concentrations in both containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a container with oxygen barrier property is used, then oxygen ingress from the external environment is prevented, but dissolved oxygen already present in the liquid cannot be removed and continues to cause degradation
Solution Approach 1:
An oxygen absorber is introduced as an intermediary substance inside the container to actively remove dissolved oxygen from the liquid. The absorber material (such as iron powder or ascorbic acid) chemically reacts with and binds oxygen molecules, converting them into stable compounds. This mediator approach allows the system to address the limitation of passive barrier containers by adding an active oxygen removal mechanism that directly treats the dissolved oxygen problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the oxygen concentration parameter within the container by introducing an oxygen absorber that actively reduces oxygen levels. The absorber continuously lowers the dissolved oxygen concentration from its initial state (present in manufactured liquid) to a reduced state, thereby improving liquid stability. This parameter change transforms the static barrier approach into a dynamic oxygen control system.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the stopper has high oxygen permeability to allow oxygen escape, then oxygen can leave the container, but oxygen can also enter more easily defeating the barrier purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates an oxygen-depleted (inert) atmosphere inside the container by using an oxygen absorber to remove oxygen. This inert environment prevents both oxygen ingress effects and oxygen egress needs, as the low oxygen concentration gradient eliminates the driving force for oxygen movement through the stopper. The absorber maintains this inert condition dynamically, making the stopper's permeability characteristics less critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen absorber acts as an intermediary that chemically binds oxygen molecules, preventing them from interacting with the liquid or passing through the stopper. By capturing oxygen in chemical reactions (e.g., iron oxidation or ascorbic acid reduction), the absorber eliminates the need for oxygen to physically traverse the stopper material, rendering the stopper's permeability properties secondary to the chemical oxygen removal process.
3Reliability
If a dual-container system is used with oxygen absorber, then oxygen concentration is reduced effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a nested container configuration where an inner container holding the liquid is placed within an outer container that provides structural support and houses the oxygen absorber. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of multiple functions (liquid containment, oxygen absorption, structural protection) in a space-efficient manner. The absorber can be positioned in the annular space between containers or attached to the inner container, maximizing space utilization while maintaining functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer container serves multiple functions: providing structural support, housing the oxygen absorber, and acting as a secondary barrier. The oxygen absorber itself performs dual functions of oxygen removal and atmosphere control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while achieving effective oxygen control through integrated design.
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 configuration significantly reduces the oxygen concentration in the first container to less than 0.15 mg/L, effectively inhibiting liquid degradation and maintaining the integrity of the contents.
Implementation Method 1
a stopper that closes the opening portion, and the stopper has oxygen permeability
Implementation Method 2
along with an oxygen absorber to maintain low oxygen concentrations in both containers
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid-containing combination container includes a first container that contains a liquid, a second container that contains the first container and that has an oxygen barrier property, and an oxygen absorber that absorbs oxygen in the second container. The first container includes a container body that includes an opening portion and a stopper that closes the opening portion. the stopper has oxygen permeability.