Vacuum Sealable Container with Integrated Rotational Pump Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum sealable containers for perishable consumables either rely on separate pumping devices, require access to electricity, 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 manual vacuum sealing without external hardware or electricity, utilizing rotational motion to evacuate and reintroduce air, ensuring an airtight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate pumping devices are used to evacuate air from the container, then vacuum sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring additional hardware and unnatural pumping motions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pumping mechanism directly into the container lid, merging two previously separate functions (container closure and air evacuation) into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate pumping devices and unnatural pumping motions, allowing users to simply rotate the lid to achieve vacuum sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves multiple functions: it acts as both the closure mechanism and the vacuum pump. By integrating the piston and one-way valve system into the lid structure, a single component performs both sealing and air evacuation functions, improving ease of operation while maintaining vacuum effectiveness.
2Reliability
If electric pumps are used to evacuate air from the container, then vacuum sealing effectiveness is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to requiring access to electrical outlets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric pumps with a purely mechanical piston-based vacuum mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for electrical power sources, enabling the container to be used anywhere without access to electrical outlets while maintaining effective vacuum sealing through manual rotational operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If airtight containers are used to prevent air exposure, then preservation effectiveness is improved initially, but reliability deteriorates after opening due to continuous presence of ambient air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables periodic evacuation of air from the container each time it is opened and closed. The integrated pump mechanism allows users to remove ambient air that enters during opening, resetting the vacuum condition with each use cycle. This periodic action maintains low oxygen levels and preserves freshness over multiple opening-closing cycles.
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 allowing easy and efficient vacuum sealing without additional equipment or power, enabling continuous use indoors or outdoors.
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
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 3
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 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.