Drawer-Integrated Vacuum Sealing for Space-Saving Kitchen Cabinets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum packaging devices for kitchen use are complex, costly, and inefficient, particularly in terms of design and space usage within kitchen cabinets.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum packaging arrangement integrated into a kitchen cabinet drawer, featuring a clamp and weld type vacuum packaging device that operates without a vacuum chamber, allowing for cost-effective and space-efficient vacuuming of food items by using a drawer with a built-in vacuum packaging device that can be easily operated and configured for use within the cabinet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lid type vacuum machine is used in kitchen cabinets, then vacuum packaging can be achieved, but the device complexity and construction cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum packaging device is divided into separate functional modules: a vacuum pump unit, a control unit, and a user interface. These modular components can be independently manufactured, assembled, and maintained, reducing overall device complexity while preserving vacuum packaging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum packaging device is designed to perform multiple functions including vacuum sealing, storage, and integration with kitchen cabinet systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices, simplifying the overall kitchen system architecture.
2Reliability
If a lid type vacuum machine is installed in kitchen cabinets, then vacuum packaging is possible, but the product price and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main device body. This allows the vacuum pump to be manufactured independently using optimized processes and assembled into the final device, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining vacuum packaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for cost-effective replacement of the vacuum pump as a consumable component rather than requiring the entire device to be replaced. This approach reduces the initial product price while maintaining long-term functionality through affordable maintenance.
3Reliability
If traditional vacuum sealing methods are used, then food can be vacuum packaged, but the space required in kitchen cabinets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum packaging device is designed to be nested within the kitchen cabinet drawer structure. The device housing utilizes the drawer's existing walls and space, allowing the vacuum pump and control components to be compactly arranged within the drawer's volume rather than requiring separate dedicated space.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the vertical dimension of the drawer space efficiently, with components arranged in a compact vertical configuration rather than spreading out horizontally. This dimensional optimization reduces the device's footprint while maintaining all necessary vacuum packaging functions.
4Ease of operation
If the drawer is pulled out for operation, then the vacuum packaging device is accessible, but the connector interface must maintain electrical connection throughout the movement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector interface is designed as a dynamic system that automatically engages and disengages based on the drawer position. When the drawer is pulled out to the operating position, the connector automatically connects to the power supply; when the drawer is closed, the connector automatically disconnects. This dynamic behavior simplifies the interface design while maintaining continuous electrical connection during operation.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective, space-saving, and multi-functional kitchen cabinet with integrated vacuum packaging capabilities, enhancing functionality and workspace while preventing liquid ingress into the vacuum pump through design features like gravity-assisted liquid prevention and automatic detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum packaging device (5) adapted and configured for vacuum packaging items in vacuum bags (17)
Implementation Method 2
gravity-assisted liquid prevention
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present application in particular is related to a vacuum packaging arrangement. The vacuum packaging arrangement (2) comprises a drawer (4) configured to cooperate with a kitchen cabinet (3), and a vacuum packaging device (5). The vacuum packaging device (5) is functionally integrated in a ready-to-operate configuration within the drawer (4) and provides, within the drawer, an operational interface to receive a minor first section (27) of a vacuum bag (17), and to vacuum the vacuum bag upon activation of the vacuum packaging device (5). The vacuum packaging device (5) is implemented such that a major second section of the vacuum bag (17) comprising a closed end of the vacuum bag (17) is arranged outside of the vacuum packaging device (5).