Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for food conservation.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In modern society, the conservation of perishable food items presents a significant challenge due to factors such as temperature fluctuations, humidity variations, and the presence of ethylene gas, which accelerates the ripening and decay of fruits and vegetables. Traditional methods of food preservation, such as refrigeration and vacuum sealing, have limitations in maintaining optimal conditions for extended periods.
[0003] Refrigeration units, while effective at reducing temperature, often fail to control humidity levels adequately, leading to moisture loss or buildup, which can accelerate food spoilage. Additionally, the presence of ethylene gas emitted by certain fruits and vegetables can hasten the ripening process and cause neighboring produce to deteriorate more rapidly, even within refrigerated environments. Traditional methods of preserving food often involve the use of chemical preservatives, which may pose health concerns and are subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny. Consequently, there is a growing need for alternative antimicrobial compositions that not only effectively inhibit microbial growth but also meet safety and regulatory standards.
[0004] Vacuum sealing, on the other hand, mitigates some of these issues by removing air from the packaging, thereby reducing the presence of oxygen and slowing down microbial growth. However, vacuum sealing alone does not address the challenges posed by ethylene gas or fluctuations in humidity, which remain significant factors contributing to food deterioration.
[0005] Therefore, there exists a need for an innovative food conservation solution that integrates precise temperature control, adjustable humidity levels, and effective gas exchange mechanisms to prolong the shelf life of perishable food items. Such a solution should offer a comprehensive approach to food preservation, addressing the interconnected factors that contribute to spoilage while ensuring ease of use and practicality for consumers.
[0006] The invention disclosed herein provides a novel device and method for food conservation, offering superior preservation capabilities compared to existing technologies. By combining advanced cooling systems, humidity regulation, and efficient gas exchange mechanisms, this invention aims to revolutionize the way perishable foods are stored and maintained, extending their freshness and nutritional value while reducing waste and promoting sustainability in food management practices.
[0007] As a result of the many shortfalls of the prior art, there is a need of devices and methods for food conservation, and which overcomes the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY
[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0009] Before the present subject matter relating to a devices and methods for food conservation, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0010] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to an devices and methods for food conservation. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.
[0011] The invention described herein pertains to a novel device and method for food conservation, designed to address the challenges associated with the preservation of perishable food items. Traditional methods of food storage often fall short in maintaining optimal conditions for prolonged freshness, leading to premature spoilage and waste. In response to these shortcomings, the proposed invention offers a comprehensive solution that integrates precise temperature control, adjustable humidity levels, and effective gas exchange mechanisms within a sealed chamber
[0012] In an embodiment, a food conservation device comprising a sealed chamber configured to accommodate perishable food items, a cooling mechanism within said chamber to maintain a predetermined temperature range conducive to food preservation; an adjustable humidity control system within said chamber to regulate moisture levels; a gas exchange system facilitating the removal of ethylene gas and other spoilage-inducing gases from said chamber; a sensor array for monitoring temperature, humidity, and gas levels within said chamber; a control unit connected to said sensor array, configured to adjust cooling, humidity, and gas exchange parameters based on real-time sensor data.
[0013] In an embodiment, method for conserving perishable food items comprising the steps of placing perishable food items within a sealed chamber of a food conservation device; monitoring temperature, humidity, and gas levels within the chamber using a sensor array; adjusting cooling, humidity, and gas exchange parameters based on the monitored data to maintain optimal conditions for food preservation; periodically removing ethylene gas and other spoilage-inducing gases from the chamber using a gas exchange system; alerting users of the food conservation device of any deviations from optimal preservation conditions.
[0014] This invention represents a significant advancement in the field of food preservation, offering consumers a reliable and sustainable means of extending the freshness and nutritional value of perishable foods while minimizing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices in food management.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the invention. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
[0016] One or more embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present invention to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[0017] The terminology used, in the present invention, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present invention. As used in the present invention, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the system of the present invention is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0018] In an embodiment, a food conservation device comprising a sealed chamber configured to accommodate perishable food items, a cooling mechanism within said chamber to maintain a predetermined temperature range conducive to food preservation; an adjustable humidity control system within said chamber to regulate moisture levels; a gas exchange system facilitating the removal of ethylene gas and other spoilage-inducing gases from said chamber; a sensor array for monitoring temperature, humidity, and gas levels within said chamber; a control unit connected to said sensor array, configured to adjust cooling, humidity, and gas exchange parameters based on real-time sensor data.
[0019] In another implementation, the cooling mechanism comprises a thermoelectric cooling element or a compressor-based refrigeration system.
[0020] In another implementation, an adjustable humidity control system comprises a water reservoir and a humidifier configured to release controlled amounts of moisture into the chamber.
[0021] In another implementation, the gas exchange system comprises an activated carbon filter or a molecular sieve for adsorbing ethylene gas and other spoilage-inducing gases.
[0022] In another implementation, the method for conserving perishable food items is provided.
[0023] In another implementation, the core component is a sealed chamber specifically designed to accommodate perishable food items. This chamber is constructed from durable materials capable of maintaining a sealed environment, preventing the ingress of external contaminants and preserving the internal atmosphere.
[0024] In another implementation, within the sealed chamber, a cooling mechanism is installed to regulate the temperature and create an optimal environment for food preservation. The cooling mechanism may utilize various technologies, including thermoelectric cooling elements or compressor-based refrigeration systems, to achieve and maintain the desired temperature range.
[0025] In another implementation, to prevent moisture loss or buildup, an adjustable humidity control system is integrated into the sealed chamber. This system includes a water reservoir and a humidifier capable of releasing controlled amounts of moisture into the chamber, ensuring that humidity levels remain within the optimal range for each type of food item stored.
[0026] To mitigate the effects of ethylene gas and other spoilage-inducing gases emitted by certain fruits and vegetables, a gas exchange system is incorporated into the device. This system may include activated carbon filters or molecular sieves capable of adsorbing ethylene gas and removing other undesirable gases from the chamber, thereby extending the shelf life of stored food items.
[0027] The device is equipped with a sensor array comprising temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and gas sensors strategically placed within the sealed chamber. These sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions, providing real-time data to a control unit. The control unit processes this data and adjusts cooling, humidity, and gas exchange parameters as needed to maintain optimal preservation conditions.
[0028] In operation, perishable food items are placed within the sealed chamber, and the device is activated. The sensor array continuously monitors temperature, humidity, and gas levels, while the control unit dynamically adjusts environmental parameters to ensure optimal preservation conditions. Periodically, the gas exchange system removes ethylene gas and other spoilage-inducing gases from the chamber, further enhancing food preservation.
[0029] The device may feature a user-friendly interface, allowing users to monitor preservation conditions and adjust settings as desired. Additionally, the device may be equipped with alert mechanisms to notify users of any deviations from optimal preservation conditions, enabling timely intervention to maintain food quality.
[0030] Effects of the Invention by providing the food preservation device of the present invention, the lifespan of preserved foods can be efficiently and significantly extended without having to keep them at such low temperatures, and the taste can also be improved. That is, Electric field processing mechanism prevents food spoilage and mold growth. It maintains freshness, promotes the conversion of beta starch to alpha starch, and improves the taste of grains and potatoes. There are things that have great effects on your life. It also has the effect of indirectly reducing the occurrence of food poisoning.
[0031] In the present invention, as well as the food that has been refrigerated or frozen and preserved in the past, foods that have been conventionally unsuitable for being refrigerated and frozen to be preserved, such as gel-state foods like agar jelly, which have been conventionally difficult to be frozen and preserved, or foods such as meat and sea foods including raw foods, such as raw fish larva and raw paste, which have been conventionally susceptible to a serious freezing failure and difficult to be frozen unless an additive or the like is added thereto, can also be frozen without any additives.
[0032] The inventor of the present invention believes that the above mentioned effects are achieved by (1) inactivation of dissolved oxygen, (2) miniaturization of water molecule cluster and (3) inhibition of a flow of juice, which are obtained by simultaneously applying an AC voltage and a DC voltage.
[0033] Moreover, since the above-mentioned principle of the present invention can prevent a deterioration in a quality on a cell level, this principle is useful not only for preserving food as described above, but also for a long-term preservation of a human organ or the like for medical purposes.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A food conservation device comprising:
a. A sealed chamber configured to accommodate perishable food items;
b. A cooling mechanism within said chamber to maintain a predetermined temperature range conducive to food preservation;
c. An adjustable humidity control system within said chamber to regulate moisture levels;
d. A gas exchange system facilitating the removal of ethylene gas and other spoilage-inducing gases from said chamber;
e. A sensor array for monitoring temperature, humidity, and gas levels within said chamber; and
f. A control unit connected to said sensor array, configured to adjust cooling, humidity, and gas exchange parameters based on real-time sensor data.

2. The food conservation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cooling mechanism comprises a thermoelectric cooling element or a compressor-based refrigeration system.

3. The food conservation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said adjustable humidity control system comprises a water reservoir and a humidifier configured to release controlled amounts of moisture into the chamber.

4. The food conservation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said gas exchange system comprises an activated carbon filter or a molecular sieve for adsorbing ethylene gas and other spoilage-inducing gases.

5. A method for conserving perishable food items comprising the steps of:
a. placing perishable food items within a sealed chamber of a food conservation device;
b. monitoring temperature, humidity, and gas levels within the chamber using a sensor array;
c. adjusting cooling, humidity, and gas exchange parameters based on the monitored data to maintain optimal conditions for food preservation;
d. periodically removing ethylene gas and other spoilage-inducing gases from the chamber using a gas exchange system;
e. alerting users of the food conservation device of any deviations from optimal preservation conditions.
6. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the step of adjusting cooling parameters includes activating a cooling mechanism to lower the temperature within the chamber.
7. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the step of adjusting humidity parameters includes controlling the release of moisture into the chamber to achieve desired humidity levels.
8. The method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the step of periodically removing ethylene gas and other spoilage-inducing gases includes passing the gases through an activated carbon filter or a molecular sieve.