Kitchen Appliance Pump System with Three-Way Valves for Versatile Air Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen apparatuses for using air are typically dedicated to single functions and are bulky, requiring significant space and lacking versatility.
Innovation Solution
A compact and versatile kitchen appliance apparatus featuring a pump system with a single direction air pump, two three-way valves, and a control unit, allowing for suction, blowing, and alternating air modes, thereby enabling multiple air-based functions in a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated apparatuses are used for different air-based functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single apparatus that can perform multiple air-based functions including vacuuming, aerating, and marinating by using a pump system with controllable flow direction. The pump system can operate in different modes (suction mode, blowing mode, alternating mode) to achieve various culinary applications, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining functional versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated apparatuses are used for different air-based functions, then functional versatility is improved, but kitchen space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus consolidates multiple air-based functions into a single unit with a compact design. By using a single pump system that can switch between different operational modes rather than requiring separate vacuum pumps, aerators, and marinating devices, the apparatus significantly reduces the total space occupied on the kitchen counter while providing versatile functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-way pump is used to enable bidirectional air flow, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flow direction control valves as intermediary components to redirect the air flow from a single-direction pump. Instead of using a complex dual-way pump, the system employs valves to switch the pump between suction mode (air drawn in through inlet), blowing mode (air forced out through outlet), and alternating mode, thereby achieving bidirectional functionality with simpler components
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 apparatus provides a compact, versatile solution for various air-based kitchen tasks, such as vacuuming, aerating, and marinating, without the need for multiple dedicated devices, thus optimizing kitchen space and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a single direction air pump having an inlet and an outlet
Implementation Method 2
a first three-way valve fluidly connected to the primary port, to the inlet of the pump and to the outlet of the pump
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a kitchen appliance apparatus for using air in the kitchen, comprising a housing, wherein in the housing a pump system is provided which pump system comprises, a primary port (106), a secondary port (107), a single direction air pump (101) having an inlet (102) and an outlet (103); wherein the pump system is operational in a first pump mode in which air can be sucked in via the primary port; the pump system is operational in a second pump mode in which air can be blown out via the primary port; and is operational in a third pump mode in which the pump system is alternatingly sucking in and blowing air via the primary port.