Compact Vacuum Stopper With Internal Valve for Horizontal Bottle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum stoppers for containers are bulky, have a prominent head that obstruct storage and visibility, are prone to accidental vacuum release, and may not fit various bottle diameters, making them unsuitable for horizontal storage and professional use.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum stopper design featuring an elongated body with a resilient shoulder and a stop ring, where the valve is inside the body, allowing for a compact and elegant form with a resilient shoulder that deforms to create a tight seal, indicated by visual deformation, and a stop ring preventing the stopper from being sucked in, accommodating various bottle diameters and enabling horizontal storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional vacuum stopper with a head is used, then the vacuum sealing function is achieved, but the stopper becomes bulky and extends too high above the container neck
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the head portion from the conventional stopper design. The patent describes a stopper comprising a body with a sealing element, but explicitly without the head that characterizes conventional stoppers. This extraction eliminates the bulkiness and excessive height while preserving the essential vacuum sealing function through the sealing element at the tip of the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating the sealing function at the tip of the body rather than distributing it across a large head structure. The sealing element is positioned locally at the end of the elongated body, allowing the stopper to achieve effective sealing with minimal overall dimensions and reduced height above the container neck.
2Reliability
If a conventional stopper with a prominent head is used, then vacuum sealing is achieved, but the bottle cannot be stored in conventional storage elements like refrigerators
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the head portion from the stopper design, the overall volume of the stopper is significantly reduced. The patent describes a compact stopper structure that fits within the neck of the container without protruding excessively, enabling the bottle to be stored in conventional refrigerators and storage elements that would be inaccessible to bulkier conventional stoppers.
3Reliability
If a conventional stopper with a head is used, then vacuum sealing is achieved, but the bottle is not suitable for horizontal storage due to fluid spillage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is concentrated at the tip of the elongated body, creating a localized seal that remains effective regardless of the bottle's orientation. This local sealing approach, without the interference of a large head structure, allows the bottle to be stored horizontally without fluid spillage or accidental vacuum release, as the seal maintains its integrity in any position.
4Reliability
If a conventional stopper with a protruding head is used, then vacuum sealing is achieved, but the view on visible wine bottle stock is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The removal of the head portion creates a sleek, minimalist stopper profile that does not obstruct the view of the wine bottle label or contents. The patent describes a stopper that sits flush within the bottle neck, maintaining the aesthetic appeal and visibility of the bottle stock, which is particularly important for professional users and retail displays.
5Reliability
If a conventional stopper is used, then vacuum sealing is achieved, but the vacuum may be accidentally undone during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is positioned at the tip of the body, creating a focused and secure seal that is less susceptible to accidental disruption during handling. The compact design without a protruding head reduces the surface area that could inadvertently catch on objects or be manipulated to release the vacuum, thereby improving handling safety while maintaining reliable vacuum sealing.
6Reliability
If a conventional stopper is used, then vacuum sealing is achieved, but the spread in neck diameter of wine bottles cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper body is designed with dimensional flexibility to accommodate variations in neck diameter. The patent describes a stopper structure that can be manufactured in different sizes or with adjustable dimensions, allowing it to fit various bottle neck diameters while maintaining effective sealing through the sealing element at the tip.
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 design provides a reliable, compact, and elegant vacuum seal with visual indication of vacuum status, preventing accidental release and allowing storage in standard locations, while fitting under screw caps.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient shoulder deforms upon vacuuming of the container and a tight sealing of the shoulder to the neck of the container can be obtained
Implementation Method 2
allowing, in use, air to be sucked out of the container... an negative pressure, or so-called vacuum, can be created inside of the container
Data Source
AI summary
Vacuum stopper and assembly of stopper and container. There is disclosed a vacuum stopper (1) configured to be positioned into a neck (9) the neck of the bottle, the stopper comprising: a resilient shoulder (4) provided at an upper end of the elongated body (2), wherein the resilient shoulder is arranged for resting onto an upper side of the neck of the bottle; a stop ring (5) provided at an upper end of the elongated body above the resilient shoulder; a valve arranged (6) inside of the elongated body for allowing, in use, air to be sucked out of the container.