Refrigerator-Integrated Vacuum Device for Standard Container Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum devices for storing food in containers are external, occupying extra space and increasing costs, and often require specific containers or lids, limiting user convenience and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device integrated with a vacuum device that allows for easy vacuuming of containers with turning lids, such as bottles or jars, using a main body with separate compartments, a vacuum pump, and a trigger mechanism to create a vacuum environment and seal the container tightly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external vacuum devices are used for vacuuming containers, then vacuuming function is provided, but extra space is occupied and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum device is merged with the cooling device by integrating the vacuum pump, control unit, and vacuum chamber into the existing cooling device structure. The vacuum pump is positioned in the second compartment while the vacuum chamber occupies the first compartment, creating a combined multifunctional device that eliminates the need for separate external vacuum devices.
2Reliability
If specific containers with special lids are used for vacuuming, then vacuum sealing is achieved, but user convenience is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum device is designed to accommodate various container types including bottles, jars, and other containers with different lid configurations. The first compartment is configured to receive different lid types, and the insulation element can adapt to different container shapes and sizes, making the device universally applicable to standard containers without requiring special proprietary containers.
3Reliability
If insulation elements are added to seal the container, then vacuum environment is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An insulation element is positioned to surround the first opening and flex when the container is connected to the first compartment. This flexible insulation element seals around the container lid and body, maintaining the vacuum environment without requiring complex rigid sealing structures. The flexibility of the insulation element allows it to adapt to different container shapes while maintaining simplicity.
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 efficient and practical vacuuming of standard containers without external devices, minimizing space usage and allowing for long-term food storage without air contact, thus preserving food effectively.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vacuum pump in connection with the first compartment and located in the second compartment, wherein the vacuum pump enables air inside the first compartment to be vacuumed, a vacuum environment to be created between the container and the first compartment
Implementation Method 2
the valve is opened after completion of the vacuuming process such that the first compartment is filled with air instantly and a pressure difference is created between the first compartment and the inside of the container, a force is applied on the first lid due to such a pressure difference
Implementation Method 3
at least one insulation element which is positioned to surround the first opening and to flex when the container is connected to the first compartment so as to surround the first lid and/or at least a part of the body
Data Source
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AI summary
The cooling device according to the present invention comprises a storage compartment; a door (D); and a vacuum device (V), the vacuum device (V) comprising a main body (1) for vacuuming containers with a first lid (K2), in which vacuuming process is performed and comprises a first compartment (1a), a first opening for connecting container to the first compartment (1a), a second compartment (1b), and a partition wall (1c) separating first compartment (1a) and second compartment (1b); a vacuum pump (5) located at the second compartment (1b); a valve (7) in connection with the first compartment (1a); an insulation element (4) positioned to surround the first opening and to flex when the container is connected to the first compartment (1a) so as to surround the first lid and/or a part of the body (K1) such that the insulation element (4) fits into the first lid (K2) or the body (K1); and a trigger mechanism (3) in connection with the vacuum pump (5) and enabling the vacuum pump (5) to operate and the valve (7) to be closed when triggered. Thanks to the cooling device according to the present invention, containers such as bottles or jars (K), which are either customized for vacuuming or standard, can be vacuumed easily, practically and effectively without need for a device that occupies extra space.