Multilayer Packaging Resolving Odor and Oxygen Absorption Trade-offs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen scavenger technologies, such as laminate films and multilayer bodies, face issues with reduced oxygen absorption rates and odor suppression due to water absorption by odor absorption layers, degradation of organic macromolecular compounds, and confinement of odors within packaging containers, leading to flavor deterioration and foreign smells.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer body comprising a sealing layer, an oxygen absorption layer with iron powder, an odor absorption layer containing an inorganic base, and an oxygen barrier layer, laminated in a specific order, which prevents water from reaching the oxygen absorption layer, maintains physical strength, and effectively absorbs odors and oxygen, while the oxygen barrier layer suppresses external oxygen permeation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If an odor absorption layer is placed between food and oxygen absorption layer, then odor suppression is improved, but water from food is absorbed by the odor absorption layer before reaching the oxygen absorption layer, reducing oxygen absorption efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A water-permeable layer is introduced as an intermediary between the odor absorption layer and the oxygen absorption layer. This intermediary layer allows water to pass through to the oxygen absorption layer while preventing direct contact between the odor absorption layer and the oxygen absorption layer, thus resolving the conflict between odor suppression and oxygen absorption efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: sealing layer, water-permeable layer, odor absorption layer, and oxygen absorption layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently without interfering with adjacent layers, enabling both effective odor suppression and oxygen absorption
2Quantity of substance
If organic macromolecular compounds are used in the oxygen absorption layer, then oxygen absorption capacity is improved, but the compounds degrade during oxygen absorption, impairing physical strength and generating more odor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the oxygen absorption layer from organic macromolecular compounds to inorganic materials (such as iron powder or ascorbic acid). This parameter change maintains high oxygen absorption capacity while eliminating degradation issues, as inorganic materials do not undergo the same degradation reactions as organic compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs iron powder as the oxygen absorbing substance, which is a stable, non-degradable inorganic material. Although iron powder reacts with oxygen, it does not degrade in the same manner as organic macromolecules, maintaining structural integrity and avoiding odor generation from degradation products
3Object-generated harmful factors
If basic compound is placed in the innermost isolation layer that contacts food, then acidic gas absorption is improved, but the basic compound dissolves into water released from food, reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
A water-permeable layer is positioned between the food-contact sealing layer and the odor absorption layer containing the basic compound. This intermediary layer allows water vapor to pass through for acidic gas absorption while preventing direct dissolution of the basic compound into liquid water from food, maintaining the reliability and effectiveness of the basic compound
4Reliability
If hermetic sealing is used to confine odors within the container, then oxygen scavenging effectiveness is improved, but odors are trapped inside, causing foreign smell and food taste deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
An odor absorption layer is introduced as an intermediary between the hermetic sealing and the food. This layer actively absorbs and removes odors generated within the sealed container, allowing hermetic sealing to maintain oxygen scavenging effectiveness while preventing odor accumulation and food taste deterioration
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 multilayer body achieves excellent oxygen absorption and odor suppression, maintaining food flavor by ensuring the oxygen absorption layer receives sufficient water and preventing odor generation, thus enhancing the storage quality of packaged foods.
Implementation Method 1
an oxygen absorption layer (B) comprising a thermoplastic resin and iron powder
Implementation Method 2
an odor absorption layer (C) comprising a thermoplastic resin and an inorganic base
Implementation Method 3
an oxygen barrier layer (D) having oxygen barrier properties
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A multilayer body comprising a sealing layer (A) comprising a thermoplastic resin, an oxygen absorption layer (B) comprising a thermoplastic resin and iron powder, an odor absorption layer (C) comprising a thermoplastic resin and an inorganic base, and an oxygen barrier layer (D) having oxygen barrier properties, the layers being laminated in a described order.