Segmented Humidity Control Device for Uniform Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidity control devices for enclosed storage devices, such as humidors, often fail to maintain a uniform relative humidity level throughout the entire interior volume due to their limited placement capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A humidity control device comprising multiple container segments with permeable walls and a binding element, allowing for radial arrangement around a central axis, enabling uniform humidity control across the interior volume by positioning segments at various locations within the storage device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single container is used to house humidity control composition, then the device is simple and compact, but the relative humidity distribution within the storage device becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The single container is divided into multiple separable container segments that can be independently positioned at different locations within the storage device. This segmentation allows the humidity control composition to be distributed more evenly throughout the storage space, achieving uniform relative humidity distribution while maintaining simplicity through the modular design of the segments
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple container segments are used to achieve uniform humidity distribution, then humidity control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple identical or similar segments that can be independently positioned. Each segment contains humidity control composition and can be placed at different locations to achieve uniform distribution, while the segments themselves maintain simple individual structures
Solution Approach 2:
The container segments are designed with universal features such as standardized opening configurations and compatible retaining members that allow them to function interchangeably at different positions. This universality simplifies the overall device by reducing the need for specialized components for each segment position
3Volume of moving object
If container segments are positioned at distributed locations, then usable space increases and dead zones are avoided, but the device requires more components
Solution Approach 1:
The single container is divided into multiple segments that can be positioned at distributed locations throughout the storage device. This segmentation allows the humidity control function to be spread across multiple positions, eliminating dead zones and maximizing usable space while the segments remain relatively simple individual components
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 ensures a more uniform relative humidity distribution within the storage device, increasing the usable space and avoiding dead zones, while maintaining a compact footprint.
Implementation Method 1
The container is fashioned from a material which is lightweight and has a means of allowing the composition 12 to absorb and desorb water (e.g., as water vapor), preferably through perforations 15 in the lid 13
Implementation Method 2
Silica gel beads (for example, as available from Heartfelt Industries of Carson City, Nev.), propylene glycol beads (for example, HUMI-CARE crystal gel humidification beads available from Cigars International of Bethlehem, Pa.) and superabsorbent polymer grains (for example, as available from M2 polymer Technologies of West Dundee, Ill.), which can be used to effectively adsorb and desorb moisture
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling a relative humidity level in an enclosed volume storage device includes a plurality of container segments each including two side walls with internal edges joined at an interior edge of the container segment, an outer wall extending between external edges of the two side walls, a base wall extending between bottom edges of each of the two side walls and the outer wall of the container segment, and a permeable top wall. The container segments are configured in a first instance to be compactly adjacently positioned so that each side wall of a container segment abuts another side wall of another container segment and the segments are radially arrayed around a central axis of the device. A binding element is applied to maintain the segments in this position. The binding element is removable to allow the segments to be individually distributed within the storage device.