Vacuum container, twist and lock cap, bottle locker, fluid collector and auto pump

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vacuum packaging containers face shortcomings in maintaining a vacuum for an extended period and preventing accidental release or loss of the silicone plug, leading to inefficiencies in food preservation and storage.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a twist and lock cap mechanism that securely locks or unlocks a silicone plug on the lid of the container, preventing accidental vacuum release and allowing controlled air evacuation, coupled with a design that prevents the plug from being lost during cleaning or storage, and the use of a vacuum container system with a rounded rectangular or square base and optional cover with locking latches and a cross-shaped notch for efficient air evacuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional vacuum container uses a simple opening design, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental vacuum release and plug loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into multiple functional segments: a first opening for food insertion, a second opening for vacuum evacuation, and a third opening for plug insertion. Each opening serves a specific function and is positioned at different locations on the lid, allowing independent access and operation without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A silicone plug acts as an intermediary component that can be inserted into the third opening to seal the second opening after vacuum evacuation. The plug mediates between the vacuum state and the open state, allowing controlled access while maintaining vacuum integrity when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a conventional vacuum container uses a simple plug design, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to plug loss during cleaning or storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The silicone plug is nested within the lid structure by providing a dedicated third opening that accepts and retains the plug. The plug can be stored in place on the lid when not needed, preventing loss during cleaning or storage, while still allowing easy removal when vacuum evacuation is required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If a conventional vacuum container allows frequent access, then ease of operation is improved, but duration of action deteriorates due to vacuum release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidduration of action

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into multiple functional segments: a first opening for food insertion, a second opening for vacuum evacuation, and a third opening for plug insertion. Each opening serves a specific function and is positioned at different locations on the lid, allowing independent access and operation without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A silicone plug acts as an intermediary component that can be inserted into the third opening to seal the second opening after vacuum evacuation. The plug mediates between the vacuum state and the open state, allowing controlled access while maintaining vacuum integrity when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 maintains the vacuum for a longer duration, prevents accidental air release, and ensures the silicone plug remains attached to the lid, enhancing food preservation and storage efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Vacuum packing or vacuum packaging is a method of packaging that removes air from the package prior to sealing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS9708114B2Vacuum container, twist and lock cap, bottle locker, fluid collector and auto pump

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 NUWAVE LLC

AI summary

A vacuum container and/or pump system may include a rounded rectangular base container with opening at a top to receive foodstuffs, adapted with an edge; an optional cover having at least two locking latches adapted to couple to the edge, the cover to close the opening of the container, the cover including: a circular vacuum tubular opening forming a cylindrical hole through the cover, and a cross-shaped notch on the inner cross-section of the tube, through which at least a portion of a plug is received and disposed when evacuating air, and optionally the cover may include a spinner, chopper, and/or twist/lock cap (coupling plug to container) to prevent loss of vacuum of the container (when cap has been twisted in locked position). A vacuum bag may include an opening; resealable fastener; hole for evacuating air with pump; cap for covering hole; and removable clip for easing closure.