Modified-Atmosphere Pallet Enclosure With Angled Gas Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enclosure systems for perishable goods suffer from difficulties in creating an airtight seal, especially at the top and bottom of stacked goods, leading to gaps, creases, and tears, which compromise the modified atmosphere and increase labor and costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and apparatus using a stabilizing support bar with angled nozzles connected to a gas source for injecting gas into a sealed enclosure, combined with vacuuming and wrapping sheets to create a modified atmosphere, ensuring a smooth seal and efficient gas distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bag covering is used to form the enclosure, then the goods are protected from damage, but sealing the bag covering to the base cap requires folding and creasing which prevents smooth contact and leaves gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible wrap material that can be smoothly applied over the goods and adhered to the base cap without folding or creasing. The flexible nature of the wrap allows it to conform to the base cap surface, creating a smooth seal that eliminates gaps while maintaining protection of the goods.
2Reliability
If tape or adhesive is used to adhere the bag to the base cap, then a more airtight seal is achieved, but time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wrap material incorporates self-adhering properties that allow it to bond to the base cap without requiring external adhesives or tapes. The wrap material itself performs the sealing function through its inherent adhesive characteristics, eliminating the need for separate sealing materials and reducing both time and cost.
3Reliability
If wrapping plastic around palletized goods is used, then the goods are protected, but completely sealing the enclosure is difficult especially at the top and bottom leading to gaps, creases, or tears
Solution Approach 1:
The base cap is pre-formed to fit over the pallet and goods before the wrap material is applied. This preliminary preparation ensures that the wrap material has a smooth, pre-formed surface to adhere to, eliminating gaps and creases at the top and bottom of the enclosure while simplifying the wrapping process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a needle-tipped hose is used to inject gas into the sealed enclosure, then a modified atmosphere is introduced, but the process requires manual piercing and resealing which is labor intensive and compromises the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a valve as an intermediary component that is integrated into the base cap or wrap material. This valve provides a controlled interface for gas injection without requiring manual piercing of the enclosure. The valve maintains seal integrity while enabling gas exchange, eliminating the need for needle-tipped hoses and subsequent resealing operations.
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 provides an airtight sealed enclosure with a controlled modified atmosphere, reducing leakage and contamination risks while enhancing preservation and protection of perishable goods during transport.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one nozzle is configured to inject gas into the sealed enclosure through the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
vacuuming and wrapping sheets to create a modified atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for creating a modified atmosphere in a sealed enclosure. The systems, methods, and apparatuses may include an injector, a top sheet dispenser, a bottom sheet dispenser, and pallet wrapper. The top sheet, bottom sheet, and wrap sheet form the sealed enclosure. The injector may create a modified atmosphere in the sealed enclosure. The injector may include a stabilizing support bar and at least one nozzle formed at a right angle to the stabilizing support bar. The nozzle may be connected to a gas source for injecting at least one gas into the sealed enclosure. The nozzle may be connected to a vacuum source to remove air from the sealed enclosure. The system includes the use of modified atmosphere and various functional substances to sanitize, protect, preserve, or enhance perishable products.