Pneumatic Odorization Apparatus for Food Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging odorization systems for food products are bulky, pose safety risks due to electrical components, and are not suitable for environments with flammable materials, requiring costly safety measures and frequent sanitization.

Innovation Solution

A fully pneumatic apparatus for odorizing packaging, using a mixing system of nitrogen and carbon dioxide gases to create a gas mixture that nebulizes an odorizing liquid, eliminating electrical components and allowing safe installation in environments with flammable substances, with a compact design for easy integration and reduced maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electric and electromechanical devices are used in odorisation apparatus, then the odorisation function can be achieved, but the risk of fire and sparks increases in environments with flammable materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodorisation functionVSAvoidfire risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electric and electromechanical devices with a purely pneumatic system. The odorisation apparatus uses compressed gas to drive the odorisation process, eliminating all electrical components that could generate sparks or heat. This substitution of mechanical/pneumatic systems for electrical ones directly resolves the fire risk while maintaining the odorisation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles throughout the entire apparatus. Compressed gas is used to power the pump, drive the flow of liquids, and control the odorisation process. This pneumatic approach provides a safe alternative to electrical systems in flammable environments while achieving the desired odorisation effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If bulky dimensions and construction are used in odorisation apparatus, then the odorisation function can be achieved, but the available space in industrial packaging lines is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodorisation functionVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated compact apparatus. The pneumatic pump, mixing chamber, and distribution system are merged into one unified unit, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall space requirements while maintaining full odorisation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where smaller components are positioned within or around larger ones. The mixing chamber is integrated within the pump housing, and distribution channels are embedded within the chamber structure, creating a space-efficient compact design that fits within limited industrial packaging line spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 pneumatic apparatus effectively prevents unpleasant odors from food packaging upon opening, ensuring consumer satisfaction while providing a safe, cost-effective, and space-efficient solution for industrial environments.

Implementation Method 1

a mixing system (20) for producing a gas mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas mixing:

Implementation Method 2

a cartridge nebuliser (30) for nebulising an odorising/aromatising liquid and mixing it with the gas mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNebulization:

Implementation Method 3

a pneumatic pump (39) for feeding the mixture of liquid and gas from the tank (40) through a conduit (36) to the packaging (CON)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic transport:

Data Source

PatentEP2995563B1Pneumatic apparatus for odorisation of a packaging, such as a food-preserving tray, containing a product, more particularly a food product, and corresponding method

Publication Date: 2017.11.08 SOCIETA ITALIANA ACETILENE & DERIVATI SIAD SPA IN ABBREVIATED FORM SIAD SPA

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Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

Apparatus (10) for odorising a packaging (CON), such as for example a food-preserving tray, wherein a product (PR), more particularly a food product, is packaged to be later consumed, wherein the apparatus (10) is suitable for producing and dispensing an odorising/aromatising substance (G1+G2+L, OD) in gaseous form in the packaging (CON) containing the product (PR), before the packaging is hermetically sealed and sent for consumption, and is characterised in that it comprises only mechanical parts and pneumatic devices (20, 30, 40) for producing, controlling and dispensing the odorising/aromatising substance (OD) in the packaging (CON) to be odorised, and therefore does not comprise electric and/or electronic devices which could be the source of risks for safety in the environment wherein this odorising apparatus (10) is installed. In addition to the advantage of not having electrical connections with the exterior and parts so as not to create safety problems, the odorising apparatus (10) of the invention also has that of having reduced dimensions and bulk so as to allow for example a wall attachment thereof and easy and problem-free integration in a packaging line.