REVOLUTIONARY PORTABLE ETHYLENE DETECTOR FOR ACCURATE FRUIT RIPENESS MONITORING IN SUPERMARKETS AND DISTRIBUTION CENTERS

Abstract

This invention provides a portable ethylene detector designed for fruit ripeness monitoring in supermarkets and distribution centers. Utilizing carbon nanotube-based sensors with copper atom modifications, the device detects ethylene gas with high accuracy, offering a cost-effective, practical alternative to traditional detection methods. The device supports data-driven quality control, reducing spoilage and promoting sustainability in the supply chain.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to post-harvest technology and food quality monitoring, specifically focusing on a portable ethylene detector designed for monitoring fruit ripeness. The device leverages nanotechnology and advanced sensing mechanisms to provide accurate, non-invasive measurements of ethylene gas levels, facilitating quality control and reducing food spoilage in supermarkets and distribution centers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Monitoring fruit ripeness is a key challenge for supermarkets and food distributors, where approximately 10% of fruits and vegetables are lost due to over-ripening. This issue leads to substantial financial losses and contributes to food waste, negatively impacting environmental sustainability. Current technologies, such as gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy, offer accurate ethylene detection but are impractical for widespread use due to high costs, bulk, and the need for specialized operation. The lack of accessible, affordable ethylene detection solutions has resulted in missed opportunities for quality control, directly affecting profitability and sustainability. This invention addresses these issues by introducing a compact, easy-to-use, and affordable ethylene detector that enables real-time ripeness monitoring. Through advanced nanotechnology, the device provides precise ethylene readings, offering a practical solution for routine use in grocery stores and distribution centers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention provides a portable ethylene detector that utilizes carbon nanotube-based sensors modified with copper atoms for enhanced sensitivity to ethylene gas. Polystyrene beads are incorporated to concentrate ethylene around the nanotubes, enabling accurate detection even at low gas concentrations. The device offers a user-friendly interface that displays ripeness data visually, with optional RFID integration for streamlined data collection. Designed to be cost-effective, small, and lightweight, the detector is accessible to supermarket staff without specialized training. This solution enables precise monitoring of fruit ripeness, supporting waste reduction and environmental sustainability goals by reducing spoilage in the supply chain.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: ILLUSTRATES THE STRUCTURE OF THE ETHYLENE DETECTION UNIT, INCLUDING THE CARBON NANOTUBE SENSOR ARRAY AND COPPER ATOM MODIFICATION.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The portable ethylene detector developed in this invention is designed to offer real-time, precise fruit ripeness monitoring in supermarket and distribution environments. The device is equipped with carbon nanotube sensors that have been modified with copper atoms to enhance ethylene sensitivity. This modification alters the electron flow within the nanotubes, allowing them to detect ethylene gas at significantly lower concentrations than conventional sensors. Polystyrene beads are added to the sensor matrix to concentrate ethylene gas around the nanotubes, further improving the device's sensitivity and accuracy in low-concentration environments typically encountered in fruit storage areas.
The detector's housing is compact and ergonomically designed for easy handling, making it suitable for attachment to produce containers in various storage and display settings. The device features a digital interface with an intuitive display, where ethylene concentration readings are visually represented along with ripeness levels, allowing staff to make immediate decisions based on the data. A calibration feature ensures the device maintains accuracy over time, and the interface can be customized to show color-coded ripeness stages for quick assessment.
The device's portability is further enhanced by its integration with RFID technology, which facilitates automated data collection and remote monitoring. This feature enables supermarket and distribution center staff to record ripeness data without manual input, reducing errors and improving data consistency. Changes in electrical resistance due to ethylene binding are quantitatively measured and correlated to fruit ripeness, providing a reliable, scientific approach to quality control. Designed to be cost-effective, the device offers a practical alternative to expensive, bulky ethylene detection methods, supporting wider adoption and regular use in post-harvest management.
, Claims:1. A portable ethylene detector for monitoring fruit ripeness, comprising carbon nanotube sensors modified with copper atoms for enhanced ethylene sensitivity.
2. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein polystyrene beads concentrate ethylene gas around the nanotubes, improving detection accuracy at low concentrations.
3. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a user-friendly digital interface displays ethylene concentration levels and visually indicates fruit ripeness stages.
4. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein RFID technology is optionally integrated for automated data collection and remote monitoring, supporting streamlined data management.
5. A method for monitoring fruit ripeness as claimed in Claim 1, utilizing changes in electrical resistance due to ethylene binding to quantify ripeness levels accurately.
6. The device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it offers a cost-effective, lightweight, and portable solution for routine use in supermarkets and distribution centers, enabling widespread adoption.

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