Pressure Sensor Color Change Indicator for HPP Food Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
High Pressure Processing (HPP) methods for foodstuff lack a reliable indicator to confirm if the preselected pressure threshold has been achieved, as current methods fail to distinguish treated from untreated foodstuff, posing a risk of microbial contamination due to the indistinguishable appearance before and after treatment.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor with a contained color-changing system comprising a dye, developer, and solvent that visibly changes color upon reaching a pressure threshold, retaining the color change upon pressure decrease and temperature increase, allowing for direct visual confirmation of the pressure threshold achievement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HPP treatment is applied to foodstuff, then microbial contamination is reduced, but the appearance remains indistinguishable from untreated foodstuff, making it impossible to confirm treatment achievement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color change indicators that undergo a visible color transformation when exposed to high pressure. The indicator system includes a color former and a developer that react under pressure to produce a distinct color change, providing visual confirmation that the foodstuff has reached the required pressure threshold for microbial reduction while maintaining the food's original appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary pressure indicator system that mediates between the high pressure treatment process and the visual confirmation requirement. This indicator system acts as a messenger, translating the invisible pressure parameter into a visible color signal without interfering with the foodstuff itself or the HPP treatment process.
2Ease of operation
If current monitoring methods are used to track pressure treatment, then treatment parameters can be recorded, but the methods are cumbersome and do not provide direct visual confirmation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service monitoring system where the pressure indicator automatically responds to the applied pressure without requiring external monitoring equipment or complex measurement systems. The indicator itself performs the detection and signaling function, eliminating the need for separate sensors, data logging systems, or technical expertise to verify treatment completion.
3Reliability
If no visual indicator is provided, then the foodstuff appearance remains natural, but there is a risk of unintentional bypass of treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the pressure-activated color indicator that provides immediate visual information about treatment status. This feedback loop allows operators to confirm that the required pressure threshold has been achieved, preventing unintentional bypass of treatment and ensuring that only properly treated foodstuff is released for consumption.
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
Provides a reliable, visually detectable indication of the pressure threshold achievement during HPP treatment, reducing the need for cumbersome monitoring methods and preventing unintentional bypass of treatment, thereby ensuring the safety and microbial reduction of foodstuff.
Implementation Method 1
the developer variably interacts with the dye according to the pressure of the color-changing system. Upon achievement of a pressure threshold, the dye and the developer interact, resulting in a visible color change.
Implementation Method 2
the visible color change can be retained upon a decrease in pressure and upon an increase in temperature, thereby effectively recording the achievement of the pressure threshold.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure sensor and its use for visually determining whether a preselected pressure threshold has been achieved, for example during high pressure processing treatment of a foodstuff. The pressure sensor includes a contained color-changing system having a dye, a developer, and a solvent; upon achievement of the preselected pressure threshold, the dye and the developer interact, resulting in a visible color change. Further, the visible color change can be retained upon a decrease in pressure and upon an increase in temperature, thereby effectively recording the achievement of the preselected pressure threshold during the high pressure processing treatment.