Sealed Enclosure Base Cap for Perishable Goods Atmosphere Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating sealed enclosures for perishable goods during transportation face challenges such as difficulty in achieving an airtight seal, leakage risks, and inefficient dispersion of modified atmospheres, which can lead to damage and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sealed enclosure with a delivery assembly for controlled delivery of modified atmospheres and functional treatments, using a wrap sheet with nozzles for injecting gases and substances while maintaining a seal through pressure pads and containment devices to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a bag covering is used to form the enclosure, then the goods are protected from external damage, but sealing the open bottom end of the cover becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A base cap is introduced as an intermediary component between the bag covering and the pallet. The base cap provides a flat sealing surface that simplifies the sealing process, allowing the bag covering to be sealed to the cap rather than directly to the pallet or goods, thereby reducing sealing difficulty while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure system is segmented into distinct components: the bag covering, the base cap, and the pallet. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the base cap specifically designed to facilitate sealing operations.
2Area of stationary object
If the bag covering is larger than the base cap, then complete coverage is achieved, but folding and creasing prevents smooth contact and creates gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The base cap is designed with specific local features such as a flat top surface and potentially a flared or extended rim structure. This local quality enhancement at the sealing interface allows the bag covering to lay flat and smooth against the cap, preventing gaps and creases while maintaining complete coverage.
3Reliability
If tape or adhesive is used to form an airtight seal, then seal integrity is improved, but time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base cap is designed to provide its own sealing function through its structural features (flat surface, flared rim, or integrated sealing ledge). This self-service capability eliminates or reduces the need for additional tape or adhesive applications, thereby maintaining seal integrity while reducing sealing time and costs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a needle-tipped hose is used to inject gas mixture, then modified atmosphere delivery is achieved, but manual piercing and resealing is labor intensive and compromises the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The base cap is pre-designed with an integrated valve or pre-formed opening that accommodates the gas injection hose. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for manual piercing operations and subsequent resealing, allowing direct gas injection while maintaining seal integrity and reducing labor complexity.
5Adaptability or versatility
If manual piercing and resealing is performed, then gas injection is enabled, but leakage risk increases and modified atmosphere may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The base cap with integrated valve serves as an intermediary that facilitates gas injection without compromising the seal. The valve provides a controlled passage for gas while the surrounding cap structure maintains the integrity of the enclosure, preventing leakage and atmosphere loss.
6Volume of moving object
If wrap plastic curves around corners and edges, then complete enclosure is achieved, but gaps, creases, and tears may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The base cap provides a locally enhanced sealing surface at the bottom of the enclosure. By concentrating sealing quality at this critical location with a flat, structured surface, the system compensates for potential gaps or creases that may occur where the wrap curves around corners and edges, maintaining overall seal continuity.
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
Ensures uniform dispersion of modified atmospheres within the sealed enclosure, preventing leakage and exposure to personnel and the environment, thereby enhancing the preservation and safety of perishable goods during transport.
Implementation Method 1
A system comprising a sealed enclosure with a delivery assembly for controlled delivery of modified atmospheres and functional treatments, using a wrap sheet with nozzles for injecting gases and substances
Implementation Method 2
maintaining a seal through pressure pads and containment devices to prevent leakage
Implementation Method 3
containment devices to prevent leakage
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for a safe delivery system for a modified atmosphere and functional treatments into a sealed enclosure containing perishable products. The systems, methods, and apparatuses may include an injector, a top sheet dispenser, a bottom sheet dispenser, and pallet wrapper. The top sheet, bottom sheet, and wrap sheet form the sealed enclosure. The injector may create a modified atmosphere in the sealed enclosure. The injector may include a stabilizing support bar and at least one nozzle formed at a right angle to the stabilizing support bar. The nozzle may be connected to a gas source for injecting at least one gas into the sealed enclosure. The nozzle may be connected to a vacuum or controlled venting source to remove air and control the pressure within the sealed enclosure. The injection process is protected from leakage using containment devices, pads and/or aspirating covers or a closed chamber. The system includes the use of modified atmosphere and various functional substances to sanitize, condition, protect, preserve, or enhance perishable products.