Mite Releasing System Gas Barrier Moisture Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional systems for releasing beneficial mites struggle with maintaining optimal moisture levels, as materials permeable to gases also allow water vapor exchange, leading to potential water inflow and health issues for the mites.

Innovation Solution

A mite releasing system with a compartment enclosed by a gas barrier material having a low water vapor transmission rate, combined with a water film maintaining outer layer, such as paper, to reduce water entry and maintain moisture within the compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If gas permeable materials with large ventilation openings are used, then gas exchange is improved, but water vapor transmission increases and liquid water may enter the compartment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas exchangeVSAvoidwater vapor transmission and liquid water entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosing material is segmented into multiple functional layers: a gas permeable layer for metabolic gas exchange and a water vapor barrier layer to prevent water loss and liquid water entry. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between gas exchange and water vapor control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a composite enclosing material combining a gas permeable material (for O2 and CO2 exchange) with a water vapor barrier material (to control moisture transmission). This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of gas exchange requirements and moisture protection, preventing both excessive water vapor transmission and liquid water infiltration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If gas permeable materials are used, then metabolic gas exchange is maintained, but moisture levels become difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetabolic gas exchangeVSAvoidmoisture level control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosing material is segmented into multiple functional layers: a gas permeable layer for metabolic gas exchange and a water vapor barrier layer to prevent water loss and liquid water entry. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between gas exchange and water vapor control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a composite enclosing material combining a gas permeable material (for O2 and CO2 exchange) with a water vapor barrier material (to control moisture transmission). This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of gas exchange requirements and moisture protection, preventing both excessive water vapor transmission and liquid water infiltration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If small openings are used, then water inflow risk is reduced, but gas exchange may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater inflow riskVSAvoidgas exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosing material is segmented into multiple functional layers: a gas permeable layer for metabolic gas exchange and a water vapor barrier layer to prevent water loss and liquid water entry. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between gas exchange and water vapor control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a composite enclosing material combining a gas permeable material (for O2 and CO2 exchange) with a water vapor barrier material (to control moisture transmission). This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of gas exchange requirements and moisture protection, preventing both excessive water vapor transmission and liquid water infiltration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 system effectively maintains beneficial mite populations with controlled moisture levels, reducing the risk of water inflow and ensuring the health and population development of the mites.

Implementation Method 1

said outer surface comprising a gas barrier material, having a water vapour transmission rate of ≤ 5 g/m2/24 h at 37.8°C and 90% relative humidity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater vapour transmission rate barrier: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

the risk of water entry was reduced. Careful analysis of the occurring problem and the solution provided by the paper layer has brought the inventors to the conclusion that the risk of water inflow is reduced by using on the outer surface of the mite releasing system a water film maintaining material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater film barrier effect: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentEP3654766B1System for releasing beneficial mites and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2024.03.13 KOPPERT BV

Figure 1~1(D)
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

This invention relates to an improved system for releasing beneficial mites and the use of such a system. Mite species that can be used beneficially for human purposes may for example be employed in the control of pests, such as in the field of agriculture, including agricultural production systems for plant products, agricultural production systems for animal products, and animal husbandry, or in the field of storage of food products. The system of the invention may find use in any of these fields.