Food Processor Lid with Check Valve to Prevent Pressure Dislodgement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Food and beverage processing devices often experience lid dislodgement due to pressure changes and air movement within the vessel, particularly when the food level is high, leading to safety and operational issues.

Innovation Solution

A lid with a check valve and relief valve system that allows air to escape from the interior of the vessel while preventing air from entering, ensuring the lid remains securely in place during processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the lid is sealed to prevent leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but air pressure builds up causing lid dislodgement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidlid position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system is segmented into multiple functional zones: a peripheral seal for primary sealing, and a check valve mechanism with movable plug for controlled air release. This segmentation allows the lid to maintain sealing while managing internal pressure through the valve component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The check valve plug acts as an intermediary element between the sealed interior and exterior environment. It selectively allows air to escape when pressure exceeds a threshold while preventing air ingress during normal operation, thus mediating the pressure balance without compromising the seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the lid is tightly secured to prevent dislodgement, then lid position stability is improved, but air pressure buildup occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid position stabilityVSAvoidinternal air pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful excess air pressure is extracted from the sealed system through the check valve mechanism. The valve plug is designed to be displaceable by pressure forces, automatically opening to vent air when internal pressure exceeds external pressure, thus relieving stress without requiring lid loosening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a check valve is added to manage air pressure, then lid position stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid position stabilityVSAvoidvalve mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The check valve mechanism is merged with the lid body structure itself. The valve seat, plug, and spring components are integrated into the lid's central opening area, eliminating the need for separate external valve assemblies. This combining reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the pressure management function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The check valve mechanism is designed to be self-regulating through the interaction of spring force and pressure differential. The plug automatically opens when internal pressure exceeds the spring preload and closes when pressure equalizes, requiring no external control or complex actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If interference fit seals and locking structures are used to prevent lid dislodgement, then lid position stability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelid position stabilityVSAvoidlid installation and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure forces that would normally cause lid dislodgement are converted into a beneficial sealing force. The check valve allows controlled air escape during lid installation, preventing pressure buildup that would resist sealing, while the spring-loaded plug ensures reliable sealing contact without requiring complex locking structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 effectively prevents lid dislodgement by managing air pressure and flow, enhancing the safety and reliability of food processing operations by maintaining a secure seal during blending and processing.

Implementation Method 1

a lid with a check valve and relief valve system that allows air to escape from the interior of the vessel while preventing air from entering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOne-way valve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3060090B1Lid with check valve
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 BREVILLE HLDG PTY LTD
  • EP3060090B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3060090B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3060090B1 patent drawingFigure 5a

AI summary

A lid for a food processing device with a rotating blade within a vessel has an one-way valve for allowing air to escape the vessel.