Perishable Contents Container With Air-Channel Moisture Barriers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for perishable goods like herbs suffer from moisture ingress through cracks and diffusion, leading to reduced freshness and shelf life due to water vapor transmission.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring spaced apart inner and outer walls with an air channel between them, allowing a layer of air to act as insulation, reducing water vapor transmission and enhancing freshness by limiting moisture entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If blow molding thermoplastic materials is used to produce containers, then the containers can be manufactured with complex shapes and angles, but the container walls become relatively thick and allow water vapor to enter through cracks and diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The container wall is segmented into multiple functional layers: an inner wall layer, an outer wall layer, and intermediate air channel layers. This segmentation allows each layer to serve specific purposes - the inner wall provides structural integrity, the air channels provide insulation and moisture barrier, and the outer wall provides protection. The segmented structure reduces water vapor transmission while maintaining manufacturability through modern molding techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The container employs a composite structure combining different materials with complementary properties. The inner and outer walls are made from thermoplastic materials selected for their barrier properties and structural characteristics, while the air channels provide a physical barrier to moisture diffusion. This composite approach creates a multi-functional wall structure that addresses both manufacturing capabilities and moisture protection requirements.
2Strength
If the container walls are made relatively thick to provide structure, then the containers can maintain their shape, but cracks and holes in the walls allow airborne moisture to enter the container
Solution Approach 1:
The wall structure is divided into multiple segments including inner wall, outer wall, and intermediate air channel layers. This segmentation allows the inner wall to provide structural integrity while the air channel layers provide moisture barrier functions. The segmented design ensures that even if individual layers have minor imperfections, the overall structure maintains both strength and moisture protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The air channel layers act as intermediary elements between the inner and outer walls. These intermediate layers serve dual functions: they maintain the structural continuity of the wall while providing additional barriers to moisture ingress. The air channels mediate between the internal storage environment and external environment, preventing direct moisture contact with the perishable contents.
3Reliability
If water vapor enters the container through diffusion and cracks, then the container structure remains intact, but the life cycle of perishable goods decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The container wall is segmented into multiple barrier layers including inner wall, air channels, and outer wall. This segmentation creates multiple diffusion barriers that collectively prevent water vapor from penetrating through the container wall. The segmented structure maintains container integrity while significantly extending the freshness period of perishable goods by blocking vapor transmission pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite wall structure combines materials and layers with different permeability and barrier characteristics. The air channel layers provide physical separation and diffusion barriers, while the thermoplastic wall materials provide structural integrity and additional vapor resistance. This composite approach simultaneously ensures container reliability and extends the freshness duration of stored goods.
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 air channel structure improves the freshness and shelf life of perishable contents by acting as an insulator, while also reducing manufacturing costs and time through a cleaner injection molding process.
Implementation Method 1
the air channel provides for allowing a layer of air between the outer wall and inner wall to act as insulation for the perishable contents
Implementation Method 2
Water vapor may also enter the container walls through diffusion
Data Source
AI summary
A container for storing perishable contents comprising an inner storage chamber defining top and bottom ends and comprising a floor at the bottom end thereof and an inner wall extending from the floor towards an opening at the top end thereof. The floor and the inner wall defining a storage cavity therebetween. An outer wall covers the inner wall and downwardly extends from a junction therewith at or near the top end of the storage chamber towards a bottom edge thereof at or near the bottom end of the storage chamber. The outer wall and the inner wall are spaced apart to define an air channel therebetween for receiving air. The bottom edge of the outer wall and the floor of the storage chamber define an opening therebetween leading to the air channel. The air channel provides for allowing a layer of air between the outer wall and inner wall to act as insulation for the perishable contents.