Mason Jar Valved Lid for Airtight Small-Batch Fermentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fermentation apparatuses, such as 5+ gallon ceramic crocks, are costly, difficult to store, and result in large batch waste if spoilage occurs, while mason jars lack effective sealing for small-batch fermentation.
Innovation Solution
A lid component for mason jars made of air-impermeable silicone rubber with a one-way valve that allows gas escape while preventing oxygen ingress, providing an air-tight seal and reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mason jar lids are used for fermentation, then the jar can be sealed, but gases produced during fermentation cannot escape and oxygen can enter, compromising the fermentation process
Solution Approach 1:
The lid component incorporates a one-way valve made of flexible material that allows gases to pass through while blocking oxygen ingress. The valve's porous or permeable structure enables selective gas flow based on pressure differential, maintaining an air-tight seal while permitting fermentation gas escape.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way valve acts as an intermediary element between the jar interior and exterior environment. It mediates gas flow by allowing CO2 to escape while preventing oxygen from entering, thus protecting the fermentation process without compromising the seal.
2Quantity of substance
If large ceramic crocks are used for fermentation, then fermentation capacity is high, but storage difficulty and waste from spoilage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fermentation system is segmented into smaller, manageable units using standard mason jars instead of large ceramic crocks. Each jar can be independently stored and managed, improving storage convenience and reducing waste from spoilage since only small batches are affected.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid component is designed to be universally compatible with standard mason jars, allowing the same lid design to work across multiple jar sizes and applications. This multi-functionality enables flexible batch sizes while maintaining consistent fermentation quality.
3Reliability
If specialized fermentation apparatus is purchased, then fermentation functionality is improved, but cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lid component is designed to work with existing standard mason jars, transforming a common food storage container into an effective fermentation vessel. This universal compatibility eliminates the need for specialized fermentation apparatus, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding standard mason jars after canning use, the invention recovers and repurposes them for fermentation. The lid component enables this dual-use functionality, extending the lifecycle of existing jars and reducing the need for specialized single-purpose equipment.
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 efficient, economical, and safe small-batch fermentation with reduced waste and improved sealing, using existing mason jars, enhancing convenience and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way valve adapted to allow gas produced by a fermentation process to escape from the jar while, at the same time, prevent oxygen-containing air from entering the jar
Implementation Method 2
the lid component being made of an air-impermeable material and being dimensioned and configured to be releasably attachable to the jar by the band and to seal the wide mouth opening of the glass jar in an air-tight manner
Implementation Method 3
Lacto-fermentation is a process that is used to convert sugars to acids, alcohols and gases in anaerobic conditions. It broadly refers to the growth of micro-organisms on a growth medium.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a lid component for use with a jar and a band. The jar and band may be a mason jar and a band for a mason jar. The lid component is made of an air-impermeable material and is dimensioned and configured to be releasably attachable to the jar by the band and to seal a wide mouth opening of the jar in an air-tight manner. The lid component comprises a one-way valve adapted to allow gas to escape from the jar while, at the same time, prevent air from entering the jar, when the lid component is releasably attached to the jar. The one-way valve comprises a bottom opening and a protruding top wall. The lid component further comprises a sealing wall that extends radially outwardly from the bottom opening. The sealing wall is substantially flat.