Integrated Manual Pump for Vacuum Storage Bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum sealers are loud, bulky, and require external power and accessories for air removal, making them inconvenient for portable and reusable storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A reusable storage bag with an integrated manual pump that allows for air removal without external devices, featuring a frame, pump ball, ingress and egress valves, and a filter for efficient air management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a motorized vacuum sealer is used to remove air from the storage bag, then air removal effectiveness is improved, but device size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vacuum sealing function directly into the storage bag by integrating a manual pump mechanism with the bag structure. The pump includes a chamber with inlet and outlet valves that are permanently attached to the bag, eliminating the need for separate external vacuum sealers. This integration reduces device size while maintaining air removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage bag with integrated pump serves itself by containing all necessary components for vacuum sealing within the bag structure. The manual pump mechanism, with its valves and chamber, is self-contained and can be operated directly on the bag without requiring external equipment. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate accessories that are easy to misplace.
2Productivity
If a motorized vacuum sealer is used to remove air from the storage bag, then air removal effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum sealing function is merged with the storage bag structure, making the pump permanently attached and always accessible. Users no longer need to search for separate accessories or deal with external devices. The integrated design ensures the pump is always within reach and ready for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag system is self-sufficient with the pump mechanism built-in, eliminating dependency on external equipment. The manual operation requires only user input (pressing the pump chamber) without needing electrical power or complex controls, making it easier to operate in various locations.
3Productivity
If a separate vacuum accessory is used with the storage bag, then air removal capability is improved, but device complexity and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (storage and vacuum sealing) into a single integrated system. The pump mechanism, valves, and chamber are permanently attached to the bag, creating one unified device that eliminates the need for separate accessories. This reduces complexity while maintaining air removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage bag serves multiple functions: it stores items and provides integrated vacuum sealing capability. The pump mechanism can be operated repeatedly to create vacuum conditions, and the bag can be reused multiple times. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate vacuum accessories for each bag.
4Productivity
If conventional vacuum sealers are used, then air removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and sustainability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motorized electrical pumping with a manual mechanical pump system. The user operates the pump by pressing their hand against the chamber, eliminating the need for motors, electrical outlets, and associated energy consumption. This mechanical substitution reduces energy use while maintaining vacuum creation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is self-contained with no external power requirements. The manual pump mechanism uses human energy input directly, making it sustainable and energy-efficient. The bag can be reused multiple times without requiring external power sources, promoting long-term sustainability.
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
Enables the creation of a reduced-pressure environment within the storage bag for space-saving and extended perishable goods storage without the need for external equipment, promoting convenience and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The pump ball is depressible. In various embodiments, the ingress valve is disposed within a wall of the pump ball on a filter-facing surface. The ingress valve is a one-way air valve configured to allow air from the cavity to enter the pump ball. The egress valve is a one-way air valve configured to permit an expulsion of air from the pump ball out to an exterior of the resealable storage bag.
Implementation Method 2
The filter is porous such that air may flow between a front face of the filter and a back face of the filter.
Implementation Method 3
The ingress valve is a one-way air valve configured to allow air from the cavity to enter the pump ball. The egress valve is a one-way air valve configured to permit an expulsion of air from the pump ball out to an exterior of the resealable storage bag.
Implementation Method 4
Airtight flexible wall storage containers configured to achieve an internal reduced pressure without the use of any external devices or accessories.
Data Source
AI summary
A resealable bag having an integrated manual pump is provided. The resealable bag includes: a front wall and a back wall together defining a cavity, a sealable closure configured to seal an opening to the cavity, and a manual pump positioned within an aperture in the front wall, wherein the manual pump includes a frame around a perimeter of the aperture, a pump ball positioned within the frame, and an ingress valve and an egress valve in fluid communication with an interior of the pump ball. Air is removed from the bag by depressing the pump ball, which forces air through the egress valve from the interior of the pump ball to an exterior of the bag. The pump ball refills with air between depressions due to air from the bag cavity entering the pump ball through the ingress valve disposed on a cavity-facing surface of the pump ball.