Vacuum drawer for vacuuming food
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum drawer systems are inefficient in generating a vacuum at a point other than the vacuum chamber, specifically requiring improvement in connecting the vacuum pump to allow for external vacuum generation.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum drawer with a connector part that can be releasably connected to the installation unit, allowing for easy generation of an external vacuum, featuring a ferromagnetic support part and a sensor for control, and a water barrier to prevent foreign substances from entering, enabling the vacuum to be generated externally or internally as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vacuum pump is connected to the vacuum chamber to generate internal vacuum, then the vacuum chamber can be evacuated, but the system cannot generate external vacuum at other locations
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is segmented into internal vacuum generation (for the vacuum chamber) and external vacuum generation (via connector part and suction hose). This allows the vacuum pump to serve multiple locations independently, resolving the contradiction between vacuum generation flexibility and system complexity by dividing the vacuum distribution into separate functional modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump is designed with universal functionality to generate both internal vacuum (connected to vacuum chamber via installation unit) and external vacuum (connected via connector part). This multi-functionality allows a single vacuum pump to serve multiple purposes and locations, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a connector part is added to enable external vacuum generation, then vacuum can be generated at external locations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector part acts as an intermediary component between the vacuum pump and external vacuum sources. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process and enables external vacuum generation without requiring complex custom integration, thus improving adaptability while controlling the increase in device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor is integrated to detect the connection state of the connector part and provide feedback to the control system. This automatic detection and feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual monitoring and complex control logic, allowing external vacuum capability to be added without proportionally increasing system complexity through intelligent automation.
3Reliability
If the connector part is permanently fixed to the installation unit, then the connection is stable, but the connector cannot be removed when external vacuum is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The connector part is designed with dynamic connection capability, allowing it to be either firmly connected or easily removed from the installation unit. This dynamic design enables the system to switch between stable connection (when external vacuum is needed) and removable state (when not needed), resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and operational flexibility through on-demand connectivity.
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
Enables simple and efficient generation of external or internal vacuums, enhancing the versatility and functionality of the vacuum drawer system by allowing vacuum generation at different locations, such as external containers, while maintaining airtight sealing and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The connector part preferably has one or more magnets. The magnet or magnets serves/serve the fastening of the connector part to the installation unit and/or to a side wall of the vacuum chamber.
Implementation Method 2
The installation unit can have a ferromagnetic support part. It is advantageous for the support part to be manufactured from a ferromagnetic material or to comprise a ferromagnetic material. A ferromagnetic material is to be understood in this respect as a material which can be attracted by a magnet.
Implementation Method 3
The vacuum in the vacuum chamber is generated by a vacuum pump which is located outside the vacuum chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum drawer for vacuuming food comprises a vacuum chamber (20) which can be closed in an airtight manner by a cover (21) which can be actuated and an installation unit (40) to which a vacuum pump can be connected. To be able to generate an external vacuum, the vacuum drawer comprises a connector part (41) which is releasably connectable to the installation unit (40) (FIG. 2).