Portable Vacuum Chamber Atmosphere Control for Perishable Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extending the post-harvest life of perishable commodities, such as fruits and vegetables, using vacuum storage face challenges including large, bulky, and expensive infrastructure, logistical issues with transportation and distribution, and the limitations of antimicrobials in maintaining freshness and safety.
Innovation Solution
A portable vacuum chamber system with integrated antimicrobial delivery and atmosphere control, utilizing a network of sensors and valves to maintain a controlled low-pressure environment and introduce antimicrobials effectively, allowing for efficient transportation and storage of perishables while minimizing handling and exposure to pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If large vacuum chambers are used for storing perishables, then post-harvest life is extended, but the infrastructure becomes bulky, expensive, and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the vacuum storage function into portable modular chambers that can be distributed across multiple locations. Instead of one large vacuum chamber, multiple smaller chambers are used, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain vacuum storage benefits while reducing the volume and portability issues of a single large structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from ground-based large structures to aerial deployment using drones. By moving the vacuum chambers into the third dimension (air space), the system eliminates the need for bulky ground infrastructure and enables flexible deployment to remote harvest locations without transportation constraints.
2Reliability
If continuous vacuum pump operation is used to maintain vacuum level, then vacuum stability is improved, but energy consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous vacuum pump operation, the system uses periodic pumping cycles. The vacuum pumps operate intermittently to maintain the required vacuum level, with sensors detecting when vacuum pressure drops and triggering pump activation. This periodic operation maintains vacuum stability while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor vacuum pressure levels and provide feedback to the control system. When the vacuum level drops below the threshold, the feedback signal activates the vacuum pump to restore the proper level. This closed-loop feedback control maintains reliable vacuum conditions while enabling energy-efficient intermittent pump operation rather than continuous running.
3Adaptability or versatility
If perishables are handled multiple times for distribution, then delivery to multiple outlets is achieved, but exposure to pathogens and degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary vacuum sealing and antimicrobial treatment at the harvest location before distribution begins. Perishables are placed in vacuum chambers and treated with antimicrobials while still in the field, creating a protected environment that maintains freshness throughout the distribution process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated handling and re-packaging at intermediate locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where individual vacuum-sealed packages containing perishables are placed inside larger vacuum chambers that can be transported. Each package maintains its own vacuum environment, and multiple packages can be nested within a single transport chamber. This nesting allows distribution to multiple outlets while maintaining continuous vacuum protection and minimizing exposure to pathogens during handling.
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
This system effectively extends the shelf life of perishables by maintaining a controlled atmosphere and reducing microbial activity, improving logistical efficiency and reducing costs associated with large infrastructure and continuous vacuum pump operation.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum chamber to contain a perishable commodity in a low pressure atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
an atmosphere control system coupled to the vacuum chamber... to maintain a controlled low-pressure environment
Implementation Method 3
a sensor... to sense with the sensor a condition of the low pressure atmosphere in the vacuum chamber
Implementation Method 4
including fungicides in the atmosphere... introducing antimicrobials effectively
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and system to manage an atmosphere and/or an antimicrobial inside a vacuum chamber or container, including via at least one of valves, sensors, manifold, antimicrobial delivery unit, antimicrobial sachet, vacuum pump, and an atmosphere control.