Vacuum Blender Venturi Air Evacuation Without Extra Pump Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum blenders, particularly nutrient extractors with an inverted vessel configuration, face challenges in evacuating air without compromising the vessel's integrity or increasing the blender's footprint, as traditional vacuum blenders require separate vacuum pumps and additional structural components.
Innovation Solution
A conduit system within the blender's existing space uses the motor's fan to create a Venturi effect for air evacuation, eliminating the need for a separate vacuum pump and maintaining the blender's compact design by routing conduits from the vessel to the motor base, with a three-way valve system controlling airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate vacuum pump is added to achieve air evacuation, then the vacuum function is improved, but the device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vacuum pump function with the existing motor assembly by integrating a vacuum pump housing that contains both the motor and vacuum pump components. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate vacuum pump apparatus while maintaining the air evacuation capability, thereby improving reliability without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly is designed to serve dual functions: driving the blade during blending operations and operating the vacuum pump for air evacuation. The universal motor housing accommodates both functions, allowing the same structural component to provide multiple benefits without requiring additional dedicated structures
2Reliability
If a separate vacuum pump is added to achieve air evacuation, then the vacuum function is improved, but the footprint and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the vacuum pump housing with the motor assembly, the patent eliminates the need for separate vacuum pump components that would add weight. The integrated design allows both the motor and vacuum pump to share the same housing structure, thereby achieving the vacuum function without proportionally increasing the overall weight of the blender
3Reliability
If a valve is incorporated into the bottom of the vessel, then air evacuation is improved, but the vessel integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air evacuation function from the vessel structure by providing a separate access pathway through the blade holder assembly. Instead of modifying the vessel bottom, the system uses a distinct route that allows air removal while preserving the vessel's structural integrity and sealing capabilities
4Reliability
If conduits are routed from the vessel to the motor base, then air evacuation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit system is merged with the existing motor housing structure, where conduits are routed through the motor base to the vacuum pump housing. This integration utilizes existing structural pathways rather than adding separate conduit systems, thereby achieving air evacuation functionality while minimizing increases in device complexity
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
Effectively evacuates air from the vessel without increasing the blender's size or weight, preserving nutritional values and reducing motor strain, while integrating the vacuum function seamlessly into the existing design.
Implementation Method 1
uses the motor's fan to create a Venturi effect for air evacuation
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum blender having a vessel, a motor base containing a motor having a motor drive shaft, a blade holder having a blade with a blade shaft for engaging the motor drive shaft, and a fan connected to the motor drive shaft. The blender includes a conduit system for the passage of air from the vessel to an area in proximity to the fan before passing to the outside of the motor base. The conduit system is connected to a valve system, preferably including a three way valve or Venturi valve. The fan and blade are capable of being selectively actuated using a gear or clutch system, preferably operated by firmware. The invention is capable of evacuating air from the vessel before blending of the food contents occurs.