Vacuum Storage Container With Pressure Control and Child-Resistant Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage solutions for foods and perishables, such as cannabis, often fail to preserve freshness and quality due to factors like light, air, and moisture, leading to degradation and potential mold growth, while also not meeting child-resistant packaging requirements.
Innovation Solution
A device assembly with a container and cover, equipped with a pressure monitoring and regulation controller, air pump, pressure sensor, and vacuum release mechanism, maintains a sub-atmospheric pressure level, filters odors, and requires authentication for opening, ensuring prolonged preservation and child-resistant access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional storage containers (plastic bags, containers) are used, then accessibility and ease of use are maintained, but freshness preservation and degradation prevention are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a vacuum environment inside the container by removing air and replacing it with an inert atmosphere. The vacuum pump evacuates air from the container, and the sealed lid maintains this inert environment, preventing oxidation and degradation of stored food items while preserving freshness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the user and the storage system. The controller manages the vacuum pump operation, monitors internal conditions, and automates the sealing process, reducing the complexity burden from the user while maintaining reliable freshness preservation.
2Reliability
If airtight sealing is implemented to prevent air contact, then oxidation and bacterial growth are reduced, but child-resistant access and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that monitor internal conditions (temperature, humidity, gas composition) and provide feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal preservation conditions while detecting when access is attempted, enabling the controller to manage the balance between airtight sealing and controlled access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical opening mechanisms with an electronically controlled system. The controller manages the sealing and opening processes, potentially incorporating authentication mechanisms or controlled release systems that maintain child-resistant properties while allowing authorized access, substituting pure mechanical operations with intelligent control.
3Reliability
If vacuum sealing is applied to preserve aroma and flavor, then quality retention is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous pumping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by operating the vacuum pump only when needed (during initial sealing or when quality degradation is detected) rather than continuously. The controller manages periodic vacuum maintenance, allowing the system to retain quality while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous pumping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated controller management of the vacuum system. The controller monitors internal conditions and autonomously decides when vacuum pumping is necessary, eliminating the need for continuous user intervention or constant energy input while maintaining quality retention.
4Reliability
If complex authentication mechanisms are added for child-resistant access, then security is improved, but ease of operation and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical authentication mechanisms (such as combination locks or multiple physical barriers) with electronic control systems. The controller manages access through electronic means that can provide child-resistant security while maintaining user convenience, substituting cumbersome mechanical authentication with simpler electronic verification or controlled release 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 system effectively maintains food quality by minimizing exposure to light, air, and moisture, while providing secure, child-resistant access, thus extending the shelf life and preserving the aroma and flavor of perishables.
Implementation Method 1
systems, methods, devices, assemblies and apparatuses for vacuumed storage
Implementation Method 2
The pressure monitoring and regulation controller may monitor pressure level indicative values or signals collected by the pressure sensor from within the container
Implementation Method 3
air removed by the air pump from within the container being vacuumed may be channeled through a filter, prior to its discharging to the container's outer surrounding, to trap and minimize odors
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for food or other perishables preservation, wherein food or perishables are stored within an at least partially vacuumed environment. A device assembly includes a container and a cover, wherein a pressure monitoring and regulation controller is adapted to operate a gas pumping mechanism to maintain a target sub-atmospheric gas pressure level within the container. The gas pumping mechanism may be in the form of a battery powered air pump, driven by the controller, which includes a container pressure sensor adapted to sense air pressure in the container when the lid is closed over the container opening. The controller is configured to stop pumping the air from the container once a target pressure level in the container is attained.