Microwave pressure cooker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave pressure cookers contain metal parts that reflect microwave energy, cause sparking, and have mechanical issues due to thermal cycling, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns, including the emission of foamy liquids during cooking.
Innovation Solution
A microwave-compatible pressure cooker made entirely of non-metallic materials like polypropylene and silicone, featuring elastomeric pressure regulators and a gasket offset device for safe and efficient pressure control, eliminating the need for metal components and preventing pressure buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal parts are used in microwave pressure cookers for structural restraint and pressure control, then mechanical strength and pressure regulation are improved, but microwave energy reflection, sparking, and thermal cycling mechanical issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all metal components from the microwave pressure cooker system, extracting the harmful metallic elements that cause microwave reflection and sparking. The pressure control mechanism is redesigned using non-metallic materials such as silicone rubber membranes and plastic components, eliminating the source of electromagnetic interference while maintaining pressure regulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional metal-based mechanical pressure control systems with non-metallic alternatives. Instead of metal springs and rigid mechanical linkages, the invention uses elastic silicone rubber membranes that deform under pressure to control the pressure release valve, and plastic gears for the locking mechanism, thereby substituting metal mechanical systems with non-metallic ones.
2Measurement precision
If metal pressure control systems are used, then pressure regulation accuracy is improved, but thermal cycling causes mechanical failure and reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the pressure control system from metal to non-metallic materials with different thermal properties. Silicone rubber and plastics have superior thermal expansion characteristics and flexibility that allow them to withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles without the mechanical fatigue and failure that plagues metal components in microwave environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction, particularly using silicone rubber membranes combined with plastic housing and reinforcement structures. This composite approach creates a pressure control system that maintains accuracy through the elastic properties of silicone while gaining thermal stability and structural integrity from the plastic components, achieving both precision and reliability.
3Productivity
If conventional pressure cookers are used in microwaves, then pressure cooking function is achieved, but foamy liquid emission and safety hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silicone rubber membrane as an intermediary element between the cooking chamber and the pressure release mechanism. This flexible membrane selectively allows steam to pass through while blocking foamy liquids, acting as a mediator that maintains pressure cooking efficiency while preventing the emission of harmful foamy substances into the microwave cavity.
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 a safe, efficient, and convenient pressure cooking experience by ensuring all parts are compatible with microwave energy, preventing sparking and mechanical failures, while effectively regulating pressure and preventing foamy liquid emission.
Implementation Method 1
Microwave ovens use microwave energy to heat or cook food in a fraction of the time needed to cook with conventional ovens. Unlike conventional ovens, a microwave oven heats food without applying the external heat
Implementation Method 2
A pressure regulator valve, consisting of a metal core surrounded by an elastically deformable casing, which is positioned over a pressure control opening in the cover to maintain a selected operating pressure level in the pressure cooker
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a microwave pressure cooker formed with a container(1) open at its top which includes a cover(2) with a gasket(3) adapted for ledge interlock type sealing and lug locking(4) engagement with the container(1). There are two regulator opening means(5b with 5a and 10) provided as valve opening through the cover(2) such that one of the deformable diaphragm type pressure regulator means(8, 13a, 13b, 19a and 19b) formed are disposed on these regulator opening means which deform responsive to the pressure in the enclosure. A push rod type gasket offset device means (22) is also provided on locking lug(4) and opening /closing aid(4") of the cover(2) for releasably maintaining the container(1) and the cover(2) in sealing engagement. Further a filter(24) is disposed removably on the first regulator opening means(5b), which controls the pressure building within the enclosure.