Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A system (100) for controlling gas infiltration in controlled atmosphere storage chamber (102), wherein the system (100) comprising:
a bin (112) attached to a polyurethane foam (PUF) insulation wall of the chamber (102), to hold fruits for quality testing, wherein the bin (112) is provided with a handle (120) to enable a user to open and/or close the bin (112);
double gaskets (114a-114b) provided between an inner wall of the chamber (102) and the bin (112) to seal the chamber (102) during sampling operation of the fruits;
a position sensor (116) to sense a relative position of the bin (112) from an established reference point; and
a control unit (118) connected to the position sensor (116), wherein the control unit (118) is configured to:
receive the sensed relative position of the bin (112) from the position sensor (116);
compare the sensed relative position of the bin (112) with the established reference point; and
turn off an evaporative cooling fan system (108) of the chamber (102) when the sensed relative position of the bin (112) deviates from the established reference point.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the double gaskets (114a-114b) are neoprene gaskets.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the double gaskets (114a-114b) are disposed at a front side and a backside of a sampling window (110).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the sampling window (110) is fixed on a door of the chamber (102).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (118) is configured to turn on the evaporative cooling fan system (108) of the chamber (102) when the sensed relative position of the bin (112) is same as the established reference point.
6. A method (200) for controlling gas infiltration in a controlled atmosphere storage chamber (102), wherein the method (200) comprising steps of:
enabling a user to pull a sampling window (110) in an outward direction using a handle (120) fixed to a bin (112);
determining a position of the bin (112) as an open position by a position sensor (116);
turning off an evaporative cooling fan system (108) of the chamber (102) based on the determined position of the bin (112) as the open position;
enabling the user to draw samples of fruits stored in the bin (112) for quality testing;
enabling the user to close the sampling window (110) by pushing the bin (112) inside the chamber (102) by using the handle (120);
determining the position of the bin (112) as a closed position by the position sensor (116); and
turning on the evaporative cooling fan system (108) of the chamber (102) based on the determined position of the bin (112) as the closed position.
7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a step of sealing the chamber (102) by double gaskets (114a-114b) during a sampling operation of the fruits.
8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the double gaskets (114a-114b) are disposed at a front side and a backside of the sampling window (110).
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the bin (112) is attached to a polyurethane foam (PUF) insulation wall of the chamber (102).
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sampling window (110) is fixed on a door of the chamber (102).

Date: 25 February, 2022
Place: Noida
Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant
, Description:BACKGROUND
Field of the invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system and method for controlling gas infiltration and particularly to a system and method for controlling the gas infiltration in a controlled atmosphere storage chamber.
Description of Related Art
[002] Fruits constitute an important part of a well-balanced diet. They help in achieving good physical as well as proper mental health. Fruit makes weight loss more efficient and heightens brain functions. Consuming a healthy amount of the fruit improves an ability of a body to lose weight. Moreover, freshly ripen fruits with less exposure to artificially and chemically active process provides a much more delicious taste along with fresh aromatic flavor. They are also rich in juices that can be extracted out for consumption.
[003] However, selecting properly ripen fruits from a batch is a tedious job, additionally, there are specific variants of the fruits for raw consumption only, some are specifically for the extraction of juices, and so forth. Therefore, many of the fruits are plucked and stored in an artificially controlled environment that can mimic a natural habitat of that specific fruit. This process is known as artificial refrigeration and incubation. This process is done on various stages as per a need of service of the fruit. Traditional method of the artificial refrigeration and incubation does not allow creating a custom and fine-tuned environment for various varieties of a single specific fruit. Moreover, they do not allow an addition or extraction of gases from the artificially created environment. Traditional methods of the artificial refrigeration and incubation also lack sensors that can keep track of gas infiltration and control an amount of gas infiltrated in a controlled atmosphere storage chamber.
[004] There is thus a need for a system and method for controlling the gas infiltration in the controlled atmosphere storage chamber in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a system for controlling gas infiltration in a controlled atmosphere storage chamber. The system includes a bin attached to a Polyurethane Foam (PUF) insulation wall of the chamber, to hold fruits for quality test sampling. The bin is provided with a handle to enable a user to open and/or close the bin. The system further includes double gaskets provided between an inner wall of the chamber and the bin to seal the chamber during sampling operation of the fruits. The system further includes a position sensor to sense a relative position of the bin from an established reference point. The system further includes a control unit connected to the position sensor. The control unit is configured to receive the sensed relative position of the bin from the position sensor. The control unit is further configured to compare the sensed relative position of the bin with the established reference point. The control unit is further configured to turn off an evaporative cooling fan system of the chamber when the sensed relative position of the bin deviates from the established reference point.
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for controlling gas infiltration in a controlled atmosphere storage chamber. The method comprising steps of: enabling a user to pull a sampling window in an outward direction using a handle fixed to a bin; determining a position of the bin as an open position by a position sensor; turning off an evaporative cooling fan system of the chamber based on the determined position of the bin as the open position; enabling the user to draw samples of fruits stored in the bin for quality testing; enabling the user to close the sampling window by pushing the bin inside the chamber by using the handle; determining the position of the bin as a closed position by the position sensor; turning on the evaporative cooling fan system of the chamber based on the determined position of the bin as the closed position.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a system and a method for controlling gas infiltration in a controlled atmosphere storage chamber.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for controlling gas infiltration in a controlled atmosphere storage chamber that minimizes a cooling loss.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that arrests gas transmission.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system that avoids humidity loss by controlling gas infiltration in a controlled atmosphere storage chamber.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for controlling gas infiltration in a controlled atmosphere storage chamber that prevents human from being exposed to a low oxygen environment.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for controlling gas infiltration in a controlled atmosphere storage chamber that may be cost-effective.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a system for controlling gas infiltration in a controlled atmosphere storage chamber that may be easy to install and user-friendly.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1A illustrates a system for controlling gas infiltration in a controlled atmosphere storage chamber, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1B illustrates a chamber when a bin is in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for controlling the gas infiltration in the controlled atmosphere storage chamber, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates a system 100 for controlling gas infiltration in a controlled atmosphere storage chamber 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be configured to control any infiltration of high oxygen and/or hot air into the chamber 102 during sampling operation of fruits. The fruits may be, but not limited to, pomegranates, litchis, apples, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the fruits that may be stored in the chamber 102.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the stored fruits may be removed from the chamber 102 for visual and/or chemical inspection at a pre-defined period. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pre-defined period may be weekly. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pre-defined period may be fortnightly. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pre-defined period may be monthly.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber 102 may be a part of the system 100 where the controlled atmosphere for storing the fruits may be created. The chamber 102 may have an inner wall made of an insulating material, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the insulating material may be, but not limited to, a spray foam, a foam core, a polyurethane, a stucco, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the insulating material may be a polyurethane foam (PUF). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the insulating material of the inner wall of the chamber 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber 102 may have organized shelves at various heights to store different types of the fruits. In another embodiment of the present invention, the chamber 102 may have organized boxes of different sizes to store different types of the fruits. In an embodiment of the present invention, the shelves and/or boxes of the chamber 102 may be constructed of non-toxic food-grade material. According to embodiments of the present invention, the non-toxic food grade material may be, but not limited to, a Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE), a Polypropylene (PP), a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), a Polycarbonate (PC), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the non-toxic food-grade material, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to another embodiment of the present invention, an exterior of the chamber 102 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a glass material, a plastic material, a stainless-steel material, an aluminium material, an iron material, a steel material, a ceramic material, a fibre material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the exterior of the chamber 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber 102 may comprise a low oxygen control system 104, a high carbon dioxide control system 106, an evaporative cooling fan system 108, a sampling window 110, a bin 112, double gaskets 114a-114b, a position sensor 116, and a control unit 118.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the low oxygen control system 104 may be adapted to maintain a low oxygen saturation level in the chamber 102. The low oxygen control system 104 may further regulate and exhaust non-required excessive amount of oxygen from the chamber 102, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the low oxygen control system 104 may further comprise an oxygen sensor for keeping a track of the oxygen saturation level in the chamber 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the oxygen sensor may be, but not limited to, an electrochemical oxygen sensor, a zirconia oxygen sensor, an optical oxygen sensor, a Clark oxygen sensor, an infrared oxygen sensor, an electro galvanic sensor, an ultrasonic oxygen sensor, a LASER oxygen sensor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the oxygen sensor, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the high carbon dioxide control system 106 may be adapted to maintain a high carbon dioxide saturation level in the chamber 102. The high carbon dioxide control system 106 may further allow carbon dioxide to be inhaled into the chamber 102, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the high carbon dioxide control system 106 may further comprise a sensor for keeping track of the carbon dioxide saturation level in the chamber 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the sensor for keeping track of the carbon dioxide saturation level may be, but not limited to, a Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) sensor, an electrochemical sensor, a Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) sensor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the sensor for keeping track of the carbon dioxide saturation level, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the evaporative cooling fan system 108 may be turned on and/or turned off based on an output generated by the control unit 118. The evaporative cooling fan system 108 may actuate a fan and/or a set of pre-defined number of fans to cool the chamber 102, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the sampling window 110 may be fixed on a door of the chamber 102. The sampling window 110 may be opened and/or closed by a user to access the bin 112, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sampling window 110 may be a transparent window for keeping a visual observation on sample fruits stored in the bin 112. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sampling window 110 may comprise a sliding mechanism to enable an opening and/or closing of the sampling window 110. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sampling window 110 may comprise a hinged mechanism to enable the opening and/or closing of the sampling window 110. In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sampling window 110 may comprise an attachable-detachable mechanism to enable the opening and/or closing of the sampling window 110.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the bin 112 may be attached to the polyurethane foam (PUF) insulation wall of the chamber 102. The bin 112 may be capable to hold the sample fruits for quality testing, in an embodiment of the present invention. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the bin 112 may be a drawer type bin that may be provided with a handle 120 to enable the user to open and/or close the bin 112. In an embodiment of the present invention, the bin 112 may be constructed of the non-toxic food-grade material. According to embodiments of the present invention, the non-toxic food grade material may be, but not limited to, a Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE), a Polypropylene (PP), a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), a Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), a Polycarbonate (PC), and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the non-toxic food-grade material for the construction of the bin 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the double gaskets 114a-114b may be arranged between the inner wall of the chamber 102 and the bin 112. The double gaskets 114a-114b may seal and isolate the chamber 102 from an outer environment during sampling operation of the fruits, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the double gaskets 114a-114b may be disposed at a front side and a backside of the sampling window 110. According to embodiments of the present invention, the double gaskets 114a-114b may be, but not limited to, envelope gaskets, flat metal gaskets, ring-type joint gaskets, corrugated metal gaskets, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the double gaskets 114a-114b may be neoprene gaskets. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the double gaskets 114a-114b, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor 116 may be arranged underneath the bin 112. The position sensor 116 may sense a relative position of the bin 112 from an established reference point, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the position sensor 116 may be, but not limited to, a capacitive displacement sensor, an Eddy-current sensor, a Hall effect sensor, an inductive sensor, a LASER Doppler vibrometer, a photodiode array, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the position sensor 116, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 118 may be connected to the position sensor 116. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 118 may be configured to receive the sensed relative position of the bin 112 from the position sensor 116. The control unit 118 may further be configured to compare the sensed relative position of the bin 112 with the established reference point, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 118 may be configured to turn off the evaporative cooling fan system 108 of the chamber 102 when the sensed relative position of the bin 112 deviates from the established reference point. In other words, the control unit 118 may be configured to turn off the evaporative cooling fan system 108 of the chamber 102 when the sensed position of the bin 112 is an open position. According to embodiments of the present invention, the control unit 118 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control unit (PLC), a microprocessor, a computing device, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the control unit 118 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0037] FIG. 1B illustrates the chamber 102 when the bin 112 is in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 118 may be configured to turn on the evaporative cooling fan system 108 of the chamber 102 when the sensed relative position of the bin 112 is same as the established reference point. In other words, the control unit 118 may be configured to turn on the evaporative cooling fan system 108 of the chamber 102 when the sensed position of the bin 112 is the closed position.
[0038] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for controlling the gas infiltration in the chamber 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] At step 202, the system 100 may enable the user to pull the sampling window 110 in an outward direction using the handle 120 fixed to the bin 112.
[0040] At step 204, the system 100 may determine the position of the bin 112 as the open position by the position sensor 116.
[0041] At step 206, the system 100 may turn off the evaporative cooling fan system 108 of the chamber 102 based on the determined position of the bin 112 as the open position.
[0042] At step 208, the system 100 may enable the user to draw samples of the fruits stored in the bin 112 for quality testing.
[0043] At step 210, the system 100 may enable the user to close the sampling window 110 by pushing the bin 112 inside the chamber 102 by using the handle 120.
[0044] At step 212, the system 100 may determine the position of the bin 112 as the closed position by the position sensor 116.
[0045] At step 214, the system 100 may turn on the evaporative cooling fan system 108 of the chamber 102 based on the determined position of the bin 112 as the closed position.
[0046] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0047] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.