Deformable Locking Point for Overpressure Safety in Heating Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household food preparation appliances lack a reliable mechanism to prevent overpressures within the working enclosure, which can lead to safety issues during food heating processes.
Innovation Solution
A household appliance design featuring a deformable locking point between the upper part and the working receptacle, allowing the upper part to pivot and create a leak outside the enclosure in case of overpressure, thereby preventing excessive pressure buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid locking mechanism is used to secure the upper part on the working receptacle, then the structural strength and reliability are improved, but the ability to release pressure in case of overpressure is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism employs differentiated local properties: one locking point uses a rigid connection for structural strength, while the other locking point uses a deformable element with controlled elasticity to allow pressure release. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by assigning different functional qualities to different parts of the same locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable locking point changes its mechanical parameters (stiffness, deformation capacity) to transition between locked and pressure-release states. The element is designed with specific elastic properties that allow it to maintain locking under normal conditions but deform to create leakage paths when overpressure occurs, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and pressure safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a deformable locking point is introduced to allow pressure release, then the safety against overpressure is improved, but the structural strength and locking reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system uses local quality differentiation where one locking point maintains rigid structural strength while the other locking point provides controlled deformability for pressure release. This resolves the contradiction by concentrating the pressure-release function in a localized deformable element rather than compromising the entire locking system's strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable element acts as a pre-designed safety feature that cushions against overpressure before dangerous pressure levels can build up. The element's elastic properties are calibrated to deform at specific pressure thresholds, providing beforehand protection while maintaining normal locking strength through the complementary rigid locking point.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the locking mechanism is made more complex with additional safety features, then the overpressure protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-release function is merged into the existing locking mechanism by making one of the locking points deformable. This integration resolves the contradiction by combining the locking and pressure-release functions into a single unified system rather than adding separate safety devices, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving overpressure protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable locking point serves multiple functions: it acts as a normal locking element under standard conditions and automatically becomes a pressure-release valve when overpressure occurs. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate safety mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.
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 design effectively manages overpressure by allowing a controlled leak, ensuring safe operation and user safety while maintaining a simple and effective construction.
Implementation Method 1
one of the locking points is deformable, preferably elastically, in the event of overpressure in the working enclosure exerting a pressure under the upper part, to allow the lifting of the upper part relative to the working container
Data Source
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AI summary
- The invention concerns an electrical household heating food-preparation appliance comprising a working vessel (2), a top portion (7) locked by rotation onto the working vessel (2) at two opposing locking points, an electrical heating device (6) for heating the food contained in the working vessel (2), a working chamber (8) being defined by the working vessel (2) and the top portion (7). - According to the invention, one of the locking points is deformable, preferably elastically, in case of overpressure in the working chamber (8) exerting pressure under the top portion (7), in order to allow the top portion (7) to lift off the working vessel (2) and create a leak out of the working enclosure (8).