Detachable Pressure Cooker Valve With Integrated Temperature Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure cookers face challenges in ergonomics, ease of use, industrial flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and maintenance due to complex modular designs that make it difficult to access and clean the steam exhaust duct, leading to potential obstructions and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A pressure cooking appliance with a bayonet-locking mechanism and a removable independent module housing a temperature sensor and pressure regulating valve, allowing for easy inspection and cleaning, and featuring a compact, lightweight design with enhanced safety and intuitive operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a modular design with integrated valve and temperature sensor is used, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of cleaning increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoidmodule integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure regulating valve is segmented into two separable elements: a first element (4A) that remains permanently attached to the lid and a second element (4B) that is removably attached. This segmentation allows the valve to be cleaned easily by removing element 4B, while maintaining the integrated temperature sensor functionality for precise measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If the module is made removable for cleaning purposes, then ease of cleaning is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cleaningVSAvoidease of module detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second element of the pressure regulating valve (4B) is extracted as a separately removable component that can be easily detached from the first element (4A). This extraction principle allows users to remove element 4B for cleaning without dealing with complex module detachment, simplifying both cleaning operations and overall device operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If a complex modular design is implemented, then temperature sensing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and industrial flexibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature sensing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and industrial flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the valve into two elements with the temperature sensor integrated into element 4A, the design maintains precise temperature sensing capability while simplifying manufacturing. Element 4A can be produced as a standard component with integrated sensor, and element 4B as a simple removable part, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to fully integrated modular designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides accurate temperature measurement, improved ergonomics, reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs, increased industrial flexibility, and enhanced safety by simplifying the access to the steam exhaust path, ensuring reliable operation and easy cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor (22A) designed to be able to be on said exhaust path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 2

a pressure regulating valve (4) mounted on the lid in correspondence with an orifice made through said lid, said valve being capable of adopting a leak configuration allowing the vapor contained within the apparatus to escape therefrom

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure regulation: Valve

Implementation Method 3

The valve comprises a shutter which is subjected to an elastic return force to close or clear the orifice depending on the level of pressure within the pressure cooker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3100657B1Pressure cooker provided with a detachable valve and a temperature sensor
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 SEB SA
  • EP3100657B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3100657B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3100657B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

- Pressure cooker fitted with a removable valve and a temperature sensor. - The invention relates to an appliance (1) for cooking food under pressure in the presence of steam comprising a tank (2), a lid (3) and a pressure regulating valve (4) mounted on the lid ( 3), said valve (4) being capable of adopting a leak configuration allowing the vapor contained within the apparatus (1) to escape therefrom along an exhaust path, said apparatus (1) comprising a temperature sensor (22A) adapted to be in said exhaust path, said apparatus (1) being characterized in that said valve (4) consists of a first element (4A) adapted to remain permanently attached to the cover (3) and a second element (4B) attached to said first element (4A) so that said first and second elements (4A, 4B) can be separated. - Pressure cookers.