Spike Freshness Sensor with Expansion Hollow for Gas Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the freshness of perishable items, such as meat, are unreliable and imprecise, often relying on qualitative observations or laboratory tests, leading to significant waste in retail due to unsold items being deemed unfit for sale.
Innovation Solution
A freshness sensor that is punctured through packaging and into the perishable product, creating a hollow to facilitate gas exchange and monitor volatile nitrogen and gaseous volatile biogenic amines, or measuring bulk phase electrical properties using electrodes, with communication means like RFID or NFC chips for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If qualitative measures such as observing color or smell are used to monitor freshness, then the method is simple to implement, but the reliability and measurement precision are notoriously unreliable and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective qualitative observation methods with an automated electronic sensor system that quantitatively measures freshness parameters. The sensor element with electrodes detects electrical properties of the perishable product, providing objective, reliable data instead of unreliable human sensory assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to be self-contained and autonomous, with the sensor element directly contacting the product through the packaging puncture mechanism. The device automatically performs measurements and transmits data without requiring lab technicians or manual intervention, enabling self-monitoring capability.
2Measurement precision
If quantitative methods using colony forming units are used to determine freshness, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring lab technicians to perform tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex laboratory-based quantitative methods with a simplified electronic sensor system. Instead of requiring lab technicians to perform colony forming unit tests, the sensor element with electrodes directly measures electrical properties of the product, providing equivalent or superior precision through automated electronic detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential measurement function from complex laboratory procedures and isolates it into a single sensor element that can be directly applied to the product. The sensor element captures the critical freshness information without requiring the full laboratory infrastructure or technician expertise.
3Reliability
If the spike is inserted into packaging and product, then gas exchange is facilitated for monitoring, but the packaging integrity is compromised creating a hole
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is applied to the cap in advance, positioned to seal the puncture hole. When the spike penetrates the packaging, the adhesive layer is already in place to immediately seal the opening, preventing harmful effects before they can occur. This pre-positioned sealing mechanism cushions against the integrity damage caused by the necessary puncture.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer acts as an intermediary between the puncture hole and the external environment. It seals the opening created by the spike insertion, maintaining packaging integrity while allowing the sensor element to remain in contact with the product for continuous gas exchange monitoring.
4Reliability
If the expansion portion expands to form a hollow, then gas exchange between meat and sensor element is facilitated, but the spike structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spike incorporates an expansion portion that transitions from a compact state during insertion to an expanded state after penetration. This dynamic transformation allows the spike to maintain simplicity during insertion while creating the necessary hollow space for gas exchange afterward. The expansion mechanism is activated by the insertion process itself, eliminating the need for additional complex actuation systems.
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 accurate, real-time freshness monitoring, reducing waste by identifying expired or contaminated products individually, rather than disposing of entire batches, and ensuring customers receive fresh products with reliable freshness estimates.
Implementation Method 1
creates a hollow in the packaging and/or meat to facilitate gas exchange between the meat and the sensor element to monitor factors relating to the freshness of the meat, including, but not limited to, volatile nitrogen and/or gaseous volatile biogenic amines
Implementation Method 2
the freshness sensor includes electrodes that measure the bulk phase electrical properties of the meat
Data Source
AI summary
A freshness sensor includes a cap housing a sensor element and a spike extending away from a lower surface of the cap. The spike defines a cavity in fluid communication with the sensor element and the spike includes an expansion portion configured to expand after the spike is inserted into packaging housing a perishable product, so as to form a hollow in the packaging or perishable product and thereby allow gas exchange between the hollow and the sensor element by way of the cavity.