Pressure Cooker Lid Locking Structure for Easy Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure cooker lid safety devices are complex, difficult to install, and require significant force to close due to their numerous parts and intricate mechanisms, which complicates pressure evacuation and safety handling.
Innovation Solution
A simplified pressure cooker lid safety device featuring a sliding push plate, a stop valve stem, and a positioning structure that allows for easy pressure evacuation and secure lid closure, with a spring mechanism to prevent lid opening during high pressure, and a retaining pin to prevent incorrect engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-locking blade safety device is used, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking blade, push plate, and spring into an integrated assembly that simplifies the overall structure. The locking blade is merged with the push plate to form a unified component that performs both locking and pushing functions, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The push plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking element, a pushing element for the sealing ring, and a positioning element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the device structure while maintaining comprehensive safety and operational features.
2Reliability
If a two-locking blade safety device is used, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-compressed and stores elastic potential energy that is automatically released during the closing operation. This preliminary action provides the necessary force to push the sealing ring and overcome resistance, making the closing operation easier and requiring less user force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism automatically provides the pushing force needed during lid closure without requiring additional user effort. The system serves itself by using the stored elastic energy to assist the closing action, reducing the force the user must apply.
3Reliability
If locking blades are used to ensure safety, then safety is improved, but pressure evacuation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The push plate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. During pressure evacuation, the push plate can move to allow communication between the interior and exterior, enabling pressure release while maintaining safety when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable push plate acts as an intermediary element between the locking function and the pressure evacuation function. It mediates between the need for secure locking and the need for pressure release by being able to shift positions to allow or prevent pressure communication.
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
Facilitates easy and effortless lid closure while ensuring safety by allowing pressure evacuation and preventing accidental opening, reducing energy consumption and cooking time through sensitive pressure sealing.
Implementation Method 1
a spring is arranged between the push plate and the upper handle, said spring comprises one end which presses against the upper handle and another end which presses against the push plate
Implementation Method 2
said stop valve stem has on an inner end which is located under the inner face of the lid, an air discharge orifice which communicates with the through orifice
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a safety device for the lid of a pressure cooker, comprising an upper handle (1), a valve base (2), and a lower handle (4) attached onto the body of the cooker (3). Said upper handle (1) is attached onto the lid (5), and said upper handle comprises a through-opening (6) that is in communication with the outside. Said valve base (2) is attached onto the lid, and a shut-off valve stem (7) passes through said valve base (2), said shut-off valve stem being capable of moving vertically. Said shut-off valve stem (7) comprising, on an inner end that is located under the inner surface of the lid (5), an air-discharge opening (8) which communicates with the through-opening (6). Said upper handle (1) comprises a sliding push plate (9), which is capable of moving towards or away from the rim of the lid (5) of the cooker (5), wherein a spring (10) is arranged between the push plate (9) and the upper handle (1), said spring (10) including an end that bears against the push plate (9), characterized in that said push plate (9) comprises a front portion provided with a notch (11) into which the stem of the shut-off valve (7) is to be inserted. A pressure shoulder (12) is located under said notch (11), said pressure shoulder enabling the air-discharge opening (8) of the shut-off valve stem (7) to be in continuous communication with the inside of the cooker (3) when the lid is closed. A positioning structure is also situated under the notch (11), said positioning structure enabling the push plate (9) to be positioned via shut-off valve stem (7), which is raised to an upper position when the lid is closed.