Flavor infusing system and related vacuum device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum systems for flavor infusion are time-consuming, requiring prolonged periods to complete the infusion process effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flavor infusing system comprising a container kit with a control valve and a vacuum device that operates in different modes to create either an oscillating or stable negative pressure environment within the container, facilitating faster flavor infusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional vacuum system is used for flavor infusion, then the food can be infused with flavor, but the process takes too much time
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum device performs periodic vacuuming operations where it alternates between creating negative pressure to draw flavor liquid into the container and releasing vacuum to allow liquid drainage. This periodic cycling of vacuum and non-vacuum states accelerates flavor infusion by continuously refreshing the contact between flavor liquid and food, rather than maintaining a continuous vacuum state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the vacuum state by switching between vacuum and non-vacuum conditions during the flavor infusion process. The vacuum degree changing mechanism allows the system to transition from a static vacuum state to a dynamic state where vacuum level fluctuates, enhancing mass transfer and flavor penetration speed.
2Productivity
If the control valve allows outside air to flow into the receiving space, then air exchange occurs for flavor infusion, but the vacuum sealing capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is designed with movable components that dynamically adjust the opening degree based on operational requirements. During flavor infusion, the valve allows partial air exchange by adjusting to an open state, while during vacuum sealing, it transitions to a closed state to prevent air ingress. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to switch between different functional states without compromising either flavor infusion efficiency or vacuum sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve structure incorporates different regions with different sealing properties. The valve body has a first opening for controlled air exchange during infusion, while the valve seal provides a second opening that remains closed during vacuum operations. This local differentiation of functional zones within the valve structure allows simultaneous optimization of both flavor infusion and vacuum sealing capabilities.
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 system accelerates flavor infusion by creating an oscillating negative pressure environment, while also allowing for normal vacuum use in a stable pressure setting, thus improving efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum device for drawing the inside air to flow out of the receiving space through the opening
Implementation Method 2
create an oscillating negative pressure environment in the receiving space
Data Source
AI summary
A flavor infusing system includes a container kit and a vacuum device. The container kit includes a control valve and a container having receiving space and an opening. The vacuum device can draw the inside air to flow out of the receiving space through the opening or introduce the outside air to flow into the receiving space through the opening. The opening is not fully covered by the control valve for allowing inside air to flow out of the receiving space and allowing outside air to flow into the receiving space when the control valve is located at a first position. The opening is fully covered by the control valve for allowing the inside air to flow out of the receiving space and preventing the outside air from flowing into the receiving space when the control valve is located at a second position. Besides, a related vacuum device is provided.