Multi-Chamber Container with Breathable Partition for Oxygen Absorber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging methods, such as vacuum packing and shrink film, are costly, prone to defects, and inadequate for protecting products from moisture and oxygen, which can lead to quality degradation during storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber container with a breathable partition separating a product compartment from an oxygen absorber compartment, where the oxygen absorber, typically a mixture of iron powder and sodium chloride, oxidizes air moisture to reduce oxygen levels and is thermally insulated to prevent heat transfer, while a removable film seals the compartments to prevent external air entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If vacuum packing is used to protect products from moisture, then product protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system uses the product's own respiratory atmosphere and the oxygen absorber's oxidation reaction to create protective conditions, eliminating the need for external vacuum equipment. The oxygen absorber automatically consumes oxygen through chemical reaction, and the container structure passively manages moisture through the breathable partition and hydrophobic membrane, enabling self-service protection without reducing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful oxygen is extracted from the container atmosphere through the oxygen absorber, which selectively removes oxygen via oxidation reaction. This extraction approach protects products from oxidation damage without requiring complete vacuum sealing, thereby maintaining productivity while achieving protection
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vacuum packing is used to protect products from moisture, then product protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen absorber is a disposable, low-cost component that performs its oxygen-consuming function and is then discarded. This replaces expensive vacuum packing equipment and processes with an inexpensive chemical agent that provides equivalent protection through oxidation, significantly reducing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system uses the product's own respiratory atmosphere and the oxygen absorber's oxidation reaction to create protective conditions, eliminating the need for external vacuum equipment. The oxygen absorber automatically consumes oxygen through chemical reaction, and the container structure passively manages moisture through the breathable partition and hydrophobic membrane, enabling self-service protection without reducing productivity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shrink film is used to protect products, then moisture protection is provided, but the film is susceptible to damage and lacks integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The container employs a composite structure combining breathable partition material with hydrophobic membrane material. The breathable partition allows vapor transmission while the hydrophobic membrane provides moisture barrier protection, creating a composite system that is both protective and mechanically reliable without relying on vulnerable shrink film
4Object-affected harmful factors
If an oxygen absorber is placed in direct contact with products, then oxygen removal is maximized, but heat from oxidation may damage products
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into separate compartments: one for the product and another for the oxygen absorber. The breathable partition allows oxygen and moisture vapor to pass between compartments while physically isolating the heat-generating oxidation reaction from the product, thus achieving oxygen removal without thermal damage
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable partition acts as an intermediary medium that permits oxygen and moisture vapor transmission while blocking heat transfer. This mediator enables the oxygen absorber to function effectively without allowing its generated heat to reach and damage the product
5Temperature
If a partition separates product and oxygen absorber compartments, then heat transfer is reduced, but air flow between compartments may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is constructed as a porous breathable material that contains numerous small pores. These pores are sufficient to allow oxygen and moisture vapor molecules to pass through for oxidation reaction, while the collective structure of pores provides thermal insulation to reduce heat transfer from the oxygen absorber to the product
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
Effectively protects products from oxygen and moisture damage by reducing oxygen concentration and managing heat generated during oxidation, thereby maintaining product quality and integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The oxygen absorber is configured to reduce the concentration of oxygen inside the container through an oxidation reaction
Implementation Method 2
The thermal barrier layer on the partition is configured to mitigate against a transfer of heat from the second compartment to the first compartment during the oxidation reaction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3C
Figure 4
AI summary
A container including a tray, an oxygen absorber, and a removable film. The tray includes a base, at least one sidewall extending in a first direction from the base, and at least one partition extending in the first direction from the base. The partition divides an interior of the tray into at least a first compartment and a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment. The container also includes at least one aperture in the at least partition. The aperture places the first compartment in fluid communication with the second compartment. The oxygen absorber is in the first compartment or the second compartment, and the removable film covers the first compartment and the second compartment.