Portable Food Container Evacuation Module With Automatic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable food vacuum systems face limitations in achieving high vacuum levels, are cumbersome due to heavy components, and have challenging coupling mechanisms, compromising portability and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A portable food container evacuation module with a compact, lightweight pump achieving high vacuum levels (50 mbar) and featuring a reliable coupling mechanism, including a T-shaped pump and dual operational modes for versatile use with different food types, along with a rechargeable design and wireless charging options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a portable vacuum system is designed with a compact pump, then portability is improved, but the ability to achieve high vacuum levels deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump weightVSAvoidvacuum level achievement
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting a pump with specific performance parameters: a flow rate of at least 0.2 l/min at a residual pressure of 20000 Pascal. This parameter optimization allows the pump to be both lightweight (maintaining portability) and capable of achieving high vacuum levels (improving reliability). The patent explicitly states that better performing evacuation equipment loses portability due to pump weight, so the solution involves carefully selecting pump parameters that balance both requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If mechanical constraints are added to ensure correct coupling, then coupling reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle through the relief valve mechanism that automatically ensures correct coupling. The valve is designed to automatically close when the evacuation module is properly coupled to the food container, eliminating the need for complex mechanical constraints or manual positioning adjustments. The system self-regulates the coupling state through the valve's automatic operation, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the evacuation module is designed for high vacuum performance, then food preservation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefood preservationVSAvoidpositioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service through the automatically closing relief valve that eliminates the need for precise manual positioning during operation. Once the module is generally positioned on the container, the valve automatically closes to seal the system, allowing high vacuum performance without requiring the user to maintain precise perpendicular alignment throughout the evacuation process. This significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining food preservation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action through the automatically closing relief valve that prepares the sealed environment before the evacuation process begins. The valve closes automatically upon coupling, establishing the vacuum-sealed condition in advance, which allows the high-performance evacuation to proceed without requiring continuous user attention to positioning, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 module achieves rapid vacuuming with high efficiency, ensuring reliable coupling and ease of use, maintaining portability and versatility for various food items.

Implementation Method 1

the use of vacuum, or to be more precise the use of food containers under a reduced pressure, to improve life and storage of food

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP4337562B1Food container evacuation system comprising a food container evacuation module and food containers therefor
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 SAES GETTERS SPA
  • EP4337562B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4337562B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4337562B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a food container evacuation module (31) capable of enhanced performances in terms of attainable vacuum and also being portable and easy to use, to a food container evacuation system (300) comprising it and to food containers (33) apt to be used in such food container evacuation system (300).