Beverage Maker Lid-Actuated Pressure Release Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pump-operated beverage makers risk spraying hot liquid when the lid is opened due to unregulated internal pressure, and reliance on electronic solenoids can lead to malfunctions and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical pressure release system is implemented, where a valve stem disengages from a valve seat when the lid is opened, allowing pressure to be released without electronic intervention, using a biasing member to maintain disengagement and prevent further liquid discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electronic solenoid is used to control the pressure release valve, then the beverage maker can automatically release pressure when the lid is opened, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure release reliabilityVSAvoidelectronic component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electronic solenoid-based pressure release system with a purely mechanical valve system. The valve stem is directly actuated by the lid mechanism through mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, solenoids, and control circuits. This mechanical substitution maintains pressure release functionality while significantly reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical valve system is designed to automatically respond to lid position changes without requiring external electronic control. When the lid is opened, the mechanical linkage directly actuates the valve stem to open the pressure release valve, creating a self-regulating system that uses the lid's own movement to trigger the safety response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If an electronic solenoid is used to control the pressure release valve, then automatic pressure release is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure release reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive electronic solenoids and control systems with simple mechanical components such as valve stems, valve seats, and mechanical linkages. These mechanical parts are significantly cheaper to manufacture and assemble, reducing the overall cost of the beverage maker while maintaining the automatic pressure release safety function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical valve components are designed to be simple, inexpensive parts that can be easily manufactured and replaced if necessary. The system uses basic mechanical elements rather than expensive electronic components, aligning with the principle of using cost-effective solutions for safety functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the lid is opened during pump operation, then user access is enabled, but hot liquid spraying hazard occurs due to unregulated pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid accessibilityVSAvoidhot liquid spray hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a preliminary safety mechanism where the mechanical valve system is pre-configured to automatically release pressure as soon as the lid begins to open. This preliminary anti-action prevents the hazardous condition of pressurized hot liquid spraying by counteracting the pressure build-up before it can cause harm, while still allowing the user to open the lid for access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

This solution effectively prevents the spraying of hot liquid when the lid is opened during operation, enhancing safety and reducing costs by eliminating the need for expensive electronic components.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member biasing the valve stem into disengagement from the valve seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one heater in thermal communication with the liquid in the HLG tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

releasing pressure within the tank therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9980602B2Beverage maker

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 HAMILTON BEACH BRANDS INC

AI summary

A beverage maker includes a body and a cover movably attached to the body. The body includes therein (among other components), a hot liquid generator (HLG) having a tank, an inlet for receiving liquid into the tank and an outlet, at least one heater in thermal communication with the liquid in the HLG tank, and a discharge port in fluid communication with the outlet of the HLG for discharge of the liquid. The cover is movably attached to the body between a closed position and an open position. At least one valve permits the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port in a closed position of the cover. The at least one valve is mechanically actuated by the cover in the open position of the cover to substantially prevent the discharge of the liquid via the discharge port.