Vacuum sealable container with internal pump mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum sealable containers for perishable consumables either rely on separate pumping devices, require electrical access, or involve unnatural pumping motions, making them cumbersome and less effective in maintaining freshness after opening.
Innovation Solution
A container lid with an integrated internal pump mechanism featuring a one-way valve and piston system that allows for air evacuation and re-entry, enabling vacuum sealing without external hardware or electricity, using natural rotational motions for operation.
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 evacuation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pumping mechanism directly into the lid structure, merging the sealing function and air evacuation function into a single integrated component. The piston mechanism is housed within the lid body, eliminating the need for separate external pumping devices while maintaining effective air evacuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mechanism is designed to be manually operated through the lid itself, allowing the user to evacuate air by simply manipulating the lid closure action. The piston is driven by the natural motion of tightening the lid, converting the closing action into pumping motion without requiring additional manual operations or external power sources.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electric pumps are used to evacuate air from the container, then air evacuation effectiveness is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to requirement of electrical outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric pump systems with a purely mechanical piston-based pumping mechanism. The piston is driven by manual operation through the lid closure process, eliminating the need for electrical power sources, motors, or electronic controls. This mechanical approach enables use in any location regardless of electrical outlet availability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional pumping motions are used to evacuate air, then air evacuation is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to unnatural movements requiring hard surface
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the user to perform traditional up-and-down pumping motions on an external device, the patent inverts the approach by incorporating the pumping mechanism within the lid. The natural rotational motion of tightening the lid drives the piston, converting the conventional closing action into the pumping function. This eliminates the need for unnatural hand movements and hard surface contact.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If airtight sealing is used to prevent air entry, then air exclusion is improved, but loss of substance worsens due to continuous presence of ambient air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements air evacuation before the final airtight sealing is established. The piston mechanism removes ambient air from the container interior while the lid is being closed, creating a vacuum or reduced-pressure environment. Once air evacuation is complete, the airtight seal is finalized, preventing any subsequent air entry. This preliminary air removal action addresses the continuous air exposure problem that plagues conventional airtight containers.
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 effectively preserves the freshness of perishable items by efficiently evacuating ambient air, allowing for easy and intuitive use, even outdoors, without the need for additional equipment or power sources.
Implementation Method 1
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
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
Implementation Method 4
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
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.