Reusable Stand-Alone Valve for Vacuum Pump Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum bag solutions are costly, non-reusable, and limited in compatibility with different vacuum pumps, and aeration processes are cumbersome and difficult to control.
Innovation Solution
A stand-alone, re-usable valve system that can be connected to various food containers and vacuum pumps, along with an adapter for universal compatibility, and an aerator for controlled aeration of liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If vacuum bags with integrated valves are used, then vacuum sealing function is provided, but manufacturing cost increases and reusability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is divided into separate components: a reusable valve unit and a disposable or regular container. The valve unit can be detached and reused with multiple containers, while the container itself remains a standard, inexpensive item. This segmentation allows the expensive reusable component to be used repeatedly, reducing overall cost per use.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is extracted from the container and made into a separate, standalone unit. This allows the valve to be reused with different containers while the container can be replaced or used for other purposes. The valve unit becomes an independent reusable asset rather than being permanently integrated into a single container.
2Reliability
If dedicated vacuum pumps with specific coupling ends are used, then vacuum function is provided, but adaptability to different valves is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit is designed with a standardized coupling interface that can work with multiple types of vacuum pumps. The universal design allows a single valve unit to be compatible with various pump models, eliminating the need for pump-specific valves and expanding the versatility of the vacuum system.
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter or intermediate coupling mechanism is introduced between the vacuum pump and the valve unit. This intermediary component facilitates compatibility between different pump types and the standardized valve interface, allowing the valve to serve as a universal interface that mediates between various pump designs.
3Ease of operation
If aerators are integrated into bottles or glasses, then aeration function is provided, but device size increases and control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The aeration function is extracted from the container and implemented as a separate process using the vacuum pump's blowing capability. Instead of integrating a bulky aerator device into the bottle or glass, the system uses the existing vacuum pump to deliver controlled air flow to the liquid, achieving aeration without adding significant volume to the serving vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump serves dual purposes: it performs both vacuum sealing and aeration functions. By utilizing the pump's blowing capability, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated aeration devices, reducing overall system complexity and size while maintaining precise control through the same pump mechanism.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, versatile vacuuming solution for food storage and aeration, allowing for the use of common containers and enabling precise control over aeration processes.
Implementation Method 1
a valve element (10) arranged in the channel (9), which valve element (10) is adaptable between a closed position for closing off the channel (9) and an open position for allowing air to pass through the channel (9) from one side to the other side
Implementation Method 2
a suction pump, such as a vacuum pump... a channel (9) extending through the top part (3)... allowing air to pass through the channel (9)
Implementation Method 3
an aerator for aerating liquid... configured for cooperation with a dual-use vacuum pump
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a stand-alone, independent and re-usable valve that can be mounted to a conventional food container, such as a food bag, and can be coupled to a suction pump. The valve has a first part for insertion into the food container and a second part for mounting onto the first part with a wall of the food container in between, to obtain an air-tight closure of the valve. Further, an adapter is provided that can cooperate with a single type of coupling element for a suction pump at one end and can cooperate with various types of valves at another end. Additionally, an aerator is provided that can be coupled to a suction pump operating in a blowing mode for aerating liquid.