Vacuum Sealable Container with Integrated Internal Pump Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum sealable containers for perishable consumables are cumbersome to use, often requiring separate pumping devices and electrical access, and do not effectively maintain freshness due to continuous ambient air presence after opening.
Innovation Solution
A container lid with an integrated internal pump mechanism featuring a one-way valve and piston system that allows for manual vacuum sealing without external hardware, enabling air evacuation and re-entry through natural rotational motion, and includes an optional dome valve for easy opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If separate pumping hardware is used to evacuate air from the container, then air removal effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring additional parts and unnatural pumping movements
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping mechanism is merged with the container lid itself. The piston is integrated into the lid structure, and the bore is formed within the lid body, combining the functions of lid closure and air evacuation into a single integrated component rather than requiring separate pumping hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The container performs the air evacuation function through its own integrated piston mechanism without requiring external pumping devices. The user simply operates the piston within the lid, and the system self-manages the vacuum sealing process without needing separate equipment or complex external hardware.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electric pumps are used to evacuate air from the container, then air removal effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring access to electrical outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The electric pump system is replaced with a manual mechanical piston mechanism. Instead of using electrical power to drive a motorized pump, the invention uses a manually operated piston that moves within a bore to create vacuum pressure, eliminating the need for electrical outlets and enabling use in any location.
3Reliability
If airtight sealing is used to prevent air entry, then freshness preservation is improved, but loss of substance increases due to continuous ambient air presence after opening
Solution Approach 1:
The container is evacuated of air and sealed in advance before use. By removing the ambient air and creating a vacuum seal beforehand, the container prevents oxidation and quality degradation that would occur with continuous air presence, allowing the container to be opened and closed multiple times without compromising the preserved contents.
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 an efficient and user-friendly method for maintaining the freshness of perishable items by effectively removing ambient air and allowing easy access without additional equipment or electricity, ensuring prolonged shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
The bore includes a one-way valve at a first end. The one-way valve allows air to enter through the first end of the bore and blocks air from leaving the first end of the bore.
Implementation Method 2
Actuation of the piston in the first direction lowers air pressure inside the chamber causing air to enter the chamber through the one-way valve at the first end of the bore.
Implementation Method 3
Actuation of the piston in the second direction raises air pressure inside the chamber causing air to exit the chamber through the limited compressive seal disposed on the piston head.
Implementation Method 4
A limited compressive seal is disposed on the piston head. The seal forms an airtight seal upon actuation of the piston in a first direction away from the first end of the bore, and allows air to pass upon actuation of the piston in a second direction toward the first end of the bore.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump mechanism for vacuum sealing an airtight cavity formed by a container and a lid, including a bore having a first one-way seal allowing air from the airtight cavity to enter the bore and blocking air inside the bore from returning to the airtight cavity and a second one-way seal allowing air inside the bore to leave the bore without returning to the airtight cavity and blocking air outside of the bore from entering the bore, a piston disposed inside the bore, and a chamber of air enclosed by the bore, the first and second one-way seals, and the piston, wherein actuation of the piston in a first direction causes air to evacuate the airtight cavity and enter the chamber through the first one-way seal, and wherein actuation of the piston in a second direction causes air to exit the chamber through the second one-way seal.