Vacuum food storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum food storage systems lack intuitive and effective visual and audible indicators for vacuum presence, and the connection mechanism between the vacuum unit and container is difficult to twist and remove.
Innovation Solution
A portable vacuum food storage system with a cordless vacuum unit that includes a motorized pump, vacuum sensor, pressure-equalizing valve, and controller, featuring a resilient seal for stable operation and a pressure-equalizing valve that opens to provide an audible 'pop' indication of vacuum presence, along with a simple design for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bayonet fastener or tongue and groove fastener is used to connect the vacuum unit to the container, then the connection is secure, but the vacuum unit is difficult to twist and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate functional elements: a locating projection on the vacuum unit that fits into a complementary recess on the container, and a resilient seal that provides both sealing and mechanical engagement. This segmentation allows the locating features to provide stable positioning while the resilient seal enables easy attachment and detachment without difficult twisting motions.
2Device complexity
If a small poppet is used for visual indication of vacuum, then the structure is simple, but the visual impact is small and may be blocked from view
Solution Approach 1:
The indication mechanism transitions from a small three-dimensional poppet to a two-dimensional planar indicator located on the resilient seal. This planar indicator with its contrasting color provides a larger visual area that is easier to see and less likely to be blocked, while maintaining simple construction through the use of color contrast rather than complex mechanical structures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the seal is made resilient to suspend the vacuum unit, then stable hand-free operation is achieved, but the seal must be compressed axially which reduces movement range
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient seal is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to compress axially under the weight of the vacuum unit for stable suspension, while still providing sufficient deflection distance for the lips to bend inwardly and engage with the counter face. The seal's elasticity enables it to dynamically adjust between the compressed suspended state and the engaged sealed state.
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 system provides a clear visual and audible indication of vacuum presence without opening the container and simplifies the removal of the vacuum unit from the container, enhancing user confidence and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The seal comprises resilient material to resiliently suspend the vacuum unit in a stable manner for hand-free operation whereby the weight of the vacuum unit urges the seal against the counter face
Implementation Method 2
the control circuit further comprises a controller that abruptly opens the pressure-equalising valve after receiving a vacuum signal indicative of a predefined vacuum level within the container
Implementation Method 3
a motorised vacuum pump for drawing air through the vacuum nozzle
Implementation Method 4
an inner side of the valve member normally closing the air passage, wherein application of a reduced pressure to an outer side of the valve member deflects to valve member outwardly to open the air passage
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum food storage system includes a vacuum container having an air valve, and a cordless vacuum unit capable of being supported on top of the container for extracting air from the container through the air valve. To provide a more substantive visual indication of the presence of a vacuum in the container, a resilient seal between the vacuum unit and the container resiliently suspends the vacuum unit so that, as the vacuum increases, the entire vacuum unit is drawn down onto the container. A hands-free operation and more evocative audible indication of the presence of a vacuum is provided by employing a pressure-equalizing valve that abruptly opens to provide a channel between an interface chamber and ambient air when a vacuum sensor indicates a predefined vacuum level within the container.