PET Container Oxygen Scavenging Activation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PET containers with oxygen scavenging systems using hydrogen generators face issues with premature hydrogen release before filling and sealing, reducing the system's effectiveness and shelf life of contents due to hydrogen generator degradation and potential fire hazards.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an activation system within the PET container to control and delay the release of hydrogen from the hydrogen generator until a predetermined time, such as using pH, temperature, or other trigger mechanisms to activate the hydrogen generator and catalyst system only when the container is filled and sealed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a hydrogen generator is incorporated into a PET container for oxygen scavenging, then the shelf life of contents is extended through oxygen removal, but the hydrogen generator degrades prematurely during storage before filling and sealing, reducing system effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the hydrogen generator and catalyst into the container during manufacturing, but delays their activation until after filling and sealing. The generator is prepared in advance but remains dormant until the activation trigger occurs, preventing premature hydrogen release while ensuring readiness for oxygen scavenging when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing pH-sensitive or temperature-sensitive activation mechanisms. The hydrogen generator and catalyst remain inactive under storage conditions but activate when pH or temperature parameters change after filling and sealing, thereby controlling the timing of hydrogen release to prevent premature degradation while maintaining long-term effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the hydrogen generator releases hydrogen continuously to maintain oxygen scavenging capability, then oxygen is effectively removed from the container, but fire hazards increase and hydrogen generator lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by designing the hydrogen generator to release hydrogen in controlled periods rather than continuously. The generator activates periodically or on-demand based on oxygen levels or environmental triggers, maintaining oxygen scavenging capability while minimizing hydrogen accumulation and associated fire hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary activation mechanism (pH-sensitive or temperature-sensitive trigger) that mediates between the hydrogen generator and the environment. This intermediary controls hydrogen release by responding to specific conditions, ensuring hydrogen is released only when oxygen scavenging is needed while preventing uncontrolled release that would create fire hazards.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a high-capacity hydrogen generator is used to ensure sufficient hydrogen release throughout shelf life, then oxygen scavenging is maintained, but the system complexity and potential hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the hydrogen generator and catalyst during container manufacturing, preparing the system in advance. This preliminary incorporation allows for a simpler, lower-capacity generator design since the components are pre-positioned and will activate later, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sufficient oxygen scavenging duration through controlled activation timing.
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
This approach extends the shelf life of contents by maintaining hydrogen generator effectiveness and minimizing fire hazards by ensuring hydrogen release occurs only when needed, allowing for a lower-capacity hydrogen generator to achieve the same shelf life as higher-capacity systems in prior art.
Implementation Method 1
The technology involves the slow release of hydrogen from the container using a hydrogen generator such as sodium borohydride that releases hydrogen on exposure to water according to the following reaction: NaBH4+2H2O→NaBO2+4H2 The hydrogen subsequently reacts with oxygen in the presence of a metal catalyst (e.g., palladium) to create water.
Implementation Method 2
using pH, temperature, or other trigger mechanisms to activate the hydrogen generator and catalyst system only when the container is filled and sealed
Implementation Method 3
using pH, temperature, or other trigger mechanisms to activate the hydrogen generator and catalyst system only when the container is filled and sealed
Implementation Method 4
The hydrogen subsequently reacts with oxygen in the presence of a metal catalyst (e.g., palladium) to create water.
Data Source
AI summary
A polyethylene terephthalate container having a hydrogen generator and catalyst disposed or otherwise incorporated in components of the container. The container further comprises an activation system or means for activating the hydrogen generator and/or catalyst system at a predetermined time or in response to a predetermined stimulus.