Vacuum container for storage of air sensitive materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-sensitive material storage containers with vacuum mechanisms are complex and costly due to the need for pressure release valves or venting holes, which add unnecessary complexity and surface area, and often require the pump to be removable after evacuation.
Innovation Solution
A container with a cap that integrates a pumping apparatus allowing manual evacuation and maintenance of a vacuum, featuring an inner and outer cap with one-way air valves and a piston mechanism that remains attached during storage, enabling efficient air removal and pressure equalization without additional surface area or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pressure release valves or venting holes are added to existing vacuum storage containers, then the user can equalize pressure or release vacuum, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure equalization function with the existing one-way valve structure. The same valve that allows air evacuation during pumping also serves as the pressure release mechanism when needed, eliminating the need for separate pressure release valves or venting holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it allows air to escape during the vacuum pumping process and also serves as the pressure release pathway when the user needs to equalize pressure inside the container, making a single component serve dual purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pressure release valves or venting holes are added to existing vacuum storage containers, then the user can equalize pressure or release vacuum, but the surface area required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure release function with the existing one-way valve structure. The same valve that allows air evacuation during pumping also serves as the pressure release mechanism when needed, eliminating the need for separate pressure release valves or venting holes.
3Ease of operation
If a removable pump mechanism is used in the cap, then the pump can be removed after evacuation, but the device requires additional complexity and potential loss of vacuum integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pump mechanism permanently into the cap structure. The pump components (piston, cylinder, one-way valves) are built as an integral part of the cap, eliminating the need for removable pump mechanisms while maintaining vacuum integrity through the sealed one-way valve system.
4Productivity
If a complex pumping mechanism is used to create vacuum, then effective air evacuation is achieved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a manual piston-based pumping mechanism that uses the user's own hand motion to create the vacuum. The one-way valves automatically control air flow direction without requiring complex control systems, electronic components, or external power sources, making the system self-regulating and mechanically simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic principles with a piston-cylinder arrangement and one-way valves to create vacuum through manual operation. The system leverages pressure differentials and one-way flow control to achieve effective air evacuation without requiring complex mechanical or electronic pumping mechanisms.
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 integrated cap system effectively creates and maintains a vacuum within the container, prolonging the freshness and storage life of air-sensitive materials while minimizing cost and complexity, with the option to remain attached during storage and provide audible feedback on vacuum achievement.
Implementation Method 1
a cap floor containing a first one-way air valve disposed to only permit airflow out of the container body
Implementation Method 2
when the outer cap is drawn away from the container body in an outward reciprocal stroke, a vacuum is created in the first cylinder that draws air out of the container body through the first one-way valve
Implementation Method 3
the exterior of the piston has an annular gasket forming an airtight seal in the between the piston and the first cylinder
Implementation Method 4
a metal plate disposed to make an audible clicking sound when there is a substantial vacuum in the first and second cylinders which is indicative of a substantial vacuum in the interior of the container body
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container apparatus is provided for storing air sensitive materials under a vacuum. The apparatus includes having a cylindrical container body opened at its upper end and a cap apparatus with an integral air pump to evacuate air from the container body to create a vacuum. The cap apparatus comprises an inner cap with a one-way air valve and an outer cap. The outer cap is slidably nested over the inner cap and confines a central air chamber which fills with air from the container body through the one-way air valve when pulled upwardly in a reciprocating motion. In the down stroke the air is evacuated from the air chamber through vents. The outer cap may include locking mechanism and vacuum level indicator. The outer cap may include an activated carbon cloth insert that suppresses odors from the material stored in the container.