Storage product and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing microbial and water damage in storage spaces, such as shipping containers and refrigerators, are inadequate as they either rely on desiccants that do not inhibit microbial growth or require hazardous chemical solutions with short shelf-lives and safety concerns, and fail to address both microbial and moisture issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a vapour-permeable container housing a moisture-removing material and an antimicrobial vapour-generating material, where the absorption or adsorption of water vapour triggers the generation of antimicrobial vapour, effectively inhibiting microbial growth and removing moisture, thereby preventing damage to stored goods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If desiccant material such as silica gel is used to remove moisture, then moisture levels are reduced, but microbial growth is not inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines moisture-removing material and antimicrobial vapour-generating material within a single container, enabling simultaneous moisture removal and microbial inhibition. This resolves the contradiction by integrating two previously separate functions into one system, addressing both harmful factors (moisture and microbes) concurrently.
Solution Approach 2:
The container houses a composite system comprising both desiccant material and antimicrobial agents (such as hydrogen peroxide or organic peroxides). This composite approach allows the system to perform dual functions: moisture absorption and antimicrobial vapour generation, thereby preventing both moisture damage and microbial contamination simultaneously.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid chemical solutions are used for disinfection, then microbial decontamination is achieved, but shelf-life is reduced and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from liquid chemical solutions to vapour-phase antimicrobial agents. This parameter change (from liquid to vapour state) extends shelf-life because the vapour-generating materials are stable solids that release antimicrobial vapour gradually over time. It also improves safety as the vapour phase reduces direct contact hazards compared to liquid solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces liquid-based chemical disinfection with a vapour-based system. The antimicrobial agents are delivered through vapour diffusion rather than liquid application, which eliminates the need for frequent reapplication and extends the duration of protective action while maintaining effectiveness against microbial contamination.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vapour-permeable container is used to generate antimicrobial vapour, then microbial inhibition is achieved, but moisture removal capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vapour-permeable container integrates both moisture-removing material and antimicrobial vapour-generating material within the same structure. The container walls allow vapour exchange while the internal materials perform their respective functions: desiccant materials absorb moisture and peroxide materials generate antimicrobial vapour, achieving both objectives simultaneously despite the vapour-permeable design.
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 solution provides a non-hazardous, long-lasting method to prevent microbial and water damage, effectively reducing microbial populations and moisture levels, as demonstrated by significant reductions in ethylene and bacterial counts in storage environments, while being safe for users and goods.
Implementation Method 1
absorption and/or adsorption of water vapour by the moisture-removing material
Implementation Method 2
absorption and/or adsorption of water vapour by the moisture-removing material
Implementation Method 3
water added to the device (eg by direct addition) or absorption and/or adsorption of water vapour by the moisture-removing material causes the antimicrobial vapour-generating material to generate an antimicrobial vapour
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for the provision of antimicrobial activity and/or moisture protection for goods and other items prone to damage caused by microbes and/or water, such as, for example, foodstuffs and other putrescible items, pharmaceuticals and other medical/veterinary products, paper and paper/fibre-board products, timber and wood products, electrical/electronic devices, clothes and fabrics, is disclosed. The device and method is particularly suitable for use with such goods and other items when contained within storage spaces (eg a package, refrigerator, wardrobe or shipping container). The device comprises a vapour-permeable container housing a moisture-removing material and an antimicrobial vapour-generating material in an arrangement such that water added to the device or absorption and/or adsorption of water vapour by the moisture-removing material causes the antimicrobial vapour-generating material to generate an antimicrobial vapour. A device and method for disinfecting items such as food containers and food preparation implements, is also disclosed.