Preservation Device with Flow Control and Oxygen Absorber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for preserving liquids like wine are inefficient in preventing oxidation when the bottle is opened for pouring, as they either introduce too much air or are visually and flavor-wise unpleasant, and often require complex or expensive setups.
Innovation Solution
A preservation device with a sealing member that fits within the bottle neck, incorporating a flow control mechanism and an oxygen absorber container with a gas-permeable membrane, allowing controlled dispensing of liquid while minimizing oxygen exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cap is removed from the bottle to pour liquid, then the liquid can be dispensed, but a significant amount of air enters the bottle causing oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (preservation device with controlled opening) between the bottle and the external environment. This intermediary allows selective passage of liquid while restricting air entry, thus mediating between the need for dispensing and the need to prevent oxidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible membrane or thin film structure that can selectively allow liquid passage while blocking air. This flexible barrier maintains the seal integrity while enabling controlled dispensing, preventing bulk air entry into the bottle.
2Reliability
If an oxygen absorber is placed in direct contact with the liquid, then oxygen absorption is maximized, but the liquid's flavor, color, or fragrance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the preservation system into distinct functional zones: an oxygen absorber containment area separated from the liquid by a barrier. This segmentation allows the oxygen absorber to function effectively while preventing direct contact with the liquid, thus maintaining both absorption efficiency and liquid quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a barrier or membrane as an intermediary between the oxygen absorber and the liquid. This intermediary allows oxygen diffusion while preventing direct contact, thus mediating between the need for effective oxygen absorption and the need to preserve liquid sensory properties.
3Ease of operation
If the preservation device is removed from the bottle to pour liquid, then dispensing is enabled, but the seal is broken and air enters the bottle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous seal integrity during the dispensing process. The preservation device remains in place throughout pouring, and the flow control mechanism allows liquid passage while maintaining the seal, thus continuing the protective function without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic flow control mechanism that adapts during dispensing. The mechanism allows controlled opening for liquid flow while automatically maintaining seal integrity, thus providing dynamic response to dispensing needs without compromising protection.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a cartridge floats on the liquid to reduce headspace air, then oxygen exposure is reduced, but the cartridge may fall out during dispensing and break or become contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the preservation functions into separate components: a fixed preservation device attached to the bottle structure and a flow control mechanism. This segmentation eliminates the need for floating cartridges, as the preservation function is anchored securely while still enabling liquid passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the preservation device with the bottle closure structure, combining the seal function and oxygen absorption function into a single integrated assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate floating cartridges, providing both stability and effectiveness.
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 device effectively maintains an airtight seal, allowing for minimal oxygen entry during pouring, thus extending the shelf life of liquids and maintaining flavor and fragrance, while being user-friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
Oxygen absorbers reduce oxygen levels, preventing oxidation
Implementation Method 2
a gas-permeable membrane, allowing controlled dispensing of liquid while minimizing oxygen exposure
Data Source
AI summary
A preservation device are used to preserve liquids and other items, such as foodstuffs, which spoil when exposed to oxygen for a period of time. The preservation devices are configured to form an air tight seal when disposed on a bottle and/or a vessel. The devices include a container, and disposed within the container is an oxygen absorber, which removes oxygen remaining in the bottle or vessel after it is sealed by the preservation device. Either the container or the oxygen absorber has a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane. The preservation device may also include a flow control mechanism that enables a liquid to be dispensed from the bottle without requiring the removal of the entire stopper device from the bottle. The preservation device may alternatively include an air channel system to control the flow of the liquid to be dispensed from the bottle without requiring the removal of the entire stopper device from the bottle. Such arrangements enable the liquid to be dispensed while only allowing a minimal amount of oxygen to enter the bottle, thus improving preservation.