Multi-Detectable Elastomeric Articles for Food Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastomeric articles used in the food industry for detecting foreign matter are inadequate due to issues with detectability by metal and x-ray detectors, particularly in the presence of metal packaging, and suffer from particle distribution problems and tactile sensitivity concerns.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating magnetic and conductive particles with high atomic mass elements into elastomeric films to create multi-detectable articles that can be detected by both metal and x-ray detectors, using a composition with a viscosity modifier to ensure uniform particle distribution and maintaining film properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fine metal particles are included in the polymer composition to enable detection by metal detectors, then detectability is improved, but the sensitivity of detection is reduced due to the small amount of metal particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two types of detectable particles (metal particles for metal detector detection and high atomic mass particles for X-ray detector detection) within a single polymer composition. This composite approach allows the elastomeric article to be detected by multiple detection systems simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between detectability and detection sensitivity by providing multiple detection pathways.
2Measurement precision
If the size and percentage amount of metal particles are increased to improve detectability, then detection sensitivity is improved, but processing difficulties arise during glove/finger cot production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite particle system where high atomic mass particles (such as barium sulfate or tungsten) are combined with metal particles. The high atomic mass particles provide strong X-ray detectability, allowing for lower overall particle loading while maintaining high detection sensitivity. This resolves the contradiction by enabling effective detection without the processing difficulties associated with high concentrations of large metal particles.
3Strength
If metal foil packaging is used for food products, then packaging protection is improved, but the ability of metal detectors to distinguish contaminants from packaging is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces high atomic mass particles as an intermediary detection element that responds differently to X-ray detection than metal foil packaging. While metal foil blocks or masks metal detector signals, the high atomic mass particles create distinct X-ray attenuation patterns that allow differentiation between packaging and contaminants. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing a detection mechanism that works alongside metal foil packaging rather than being blocked by it.
4Reliability
If thicker film is used to provide sufficient loading of detectable particles, then detectability is improved, but tactile sensitivity for the wearer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from relying solely on metal detector response to utilizing X-ray detection capability. High atomic mass particles provide strong X-ray attenuation, enabling effective detection even in thin films. This parameter change allows the use of thinner elastomeric articles that maintain tactile sensitivity while still providing sufficient detectability through X-ray imaging.
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 solution enables elastomeric articles to be effectively detected by both metal and x-ray detectors, even in the presence of metal packaging, while maintaining acceptable film properties and tactile sensitivity, thus improving contamination detection in food production environments.
Implementation Method 1
Metal detectors are used to detect for magnetic metal objects such as screws, metal shavings and other metallic objects
Implementation Method 2
Metal detectors are used to detect for magnetic metal objects such as screws, metal shavings and other metallic objects
Implementation Method 3
The particles may comprise particles containing one or more high atomic mass elements detectable by x-ray detectors
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(F)
Figure 1(G)~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This application relates to elastomeric articles such as gloves, compositions for producing the articles and methods for their manufacture. The elastomeric articles contain particles for detectability of the articles (or portions thereof) by metal detectors and/or x-ray detectors. The articles may contain two different types of particles - one particle type is selected from magnetic particles, highly conductive particles or a combination, and the second particle type is particles containing one or more high atomic mass elements (with an atomic mass of at least 132). The particles may be coated by a corrosion inhibitor coating, or they may be uncoated. The compositions for producing the articles may contain a viscosity modifier.