Product Package Filter Assembly for Gas Venting and Contamination Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product packaging is inadequate in preventing contamination from ambient contaminants, such as gluten particles, peanuts, bacteria, and viruses, during processing, handling, and transportation, particularly in environments where sterilization is required.
Innovation Solution
A product package filter assembly comprising a support element, a filter element, and a surface film element, sealed together to allow gas venting while preventing ambient contamination particles from entering the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the package is sealed completely to prevent contaminant entry, then contamination protection is improved, but gas venting capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element incorporates a porous structure that allows gas molecules to pass through while physically blocking larger contaminant particles. This resolves the contradiction by enabling simultaneous gas venting and contaminant filtration through the inherent properties of porous materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The package assembly combines multiple materials with different properties: a sealing material for contaminant barrier, a porous filter material for particle filtration, and a venting structure for gas release. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve contaminant protection and gas venting capabilities.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter assembly is added to prevent contaminants, then contamination protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is integrated directly into the package assembly structure, combining the filtration function with the existing package components. This merging approach reduces overall complexity by eliminating separate filter assemblies and simplifying the structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element utilizes a thin film or membrane structure that provides effective filtration while maintaining flexibility and minimizing structural bulk. This approach reduces complexity compared to rigid filter assemblies while maintaining contaminant protection functionality.
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 filter assembly effectively vents gases generated during heating while blocking ambient contaminants, ensuring the product remains uncontaminated and maintaining airtight integrity during temperature changes and transportation.
Implementation Method 1
the filter element prevents entry of any ambient contamination particles into the product container
Implementation Method 2
During heating of a product residing in the product container, gasses generated in the product container vent out through the product package filter assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed toward a product package filter assembly that prevents ambient contaminates from entering into the sealable product container. In some embodiments, the product package filter assembly includes an optional support element, a filter element, and a surface film element that are layered together with the filter element between the support element and the surface film element. The perimeters of the support element, the filter element, and the surface film element are sealably joined together. The product package filter assembly is then sealably joined over an opening of a product container. During heating of a product residing in the product container, gases generated in the product container vent out through the product package filter assembly, while the filter element prevents entry of contamination particles into the product container.