Pressure Cooker Lid Locking Control With Elastic Return

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure cookers for domestic use have complex ergonomics and require significant user effort to control the locking and unlocking of the lid, often leading to handling errors due to the need for multiple manipulation members and substantial force application.

Innovation Solution

A pressure cooking appliance with a simplified control mechanism featuring a single manipulation member that uses radial translation and an elastic return mechanism to facilitate easy locking and unlocking, eliminating the need for separate buttons and reducing the force required, while ensuring the lid is securely locked during cooking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate manipulation members are used to control locking and unlocking, then the control function is complete, but the device complexity and ergonomics worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol function completenessVSAvoidcontrol device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate manipulation members (one for locking, one for unlocking) into a single manipulation member that can perform both functions. This single member integrates the control of locking and unlocking operations, reducing the number of components and simplifying the control mechanism while maintaining complete control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single manipulation member is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control both the locking and unlocking of the lid. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate buttons or knobs, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable control over the entire locking/unlocking cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If two separate manipulation members are used, then the control function is complete, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex ergonomics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol function completenessVSAvoidergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the control functions into a single manipulation member, the patent simplifies the user interaction to a single intuitive motion. Users no longer need to learn and coordinate multiple separate controls, improving ergonomics and ease of operation while maintaining complete control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring users to operate separate controls for locking and unlocking, the patent inverts the approach by providing a single control that automatically manages both functions. This inversion simplifies the user's task from coordinating multiple actions to performing a single intuitive motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If conventional control devices are used, then the locking function is achieved, but significant user force is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoiduser effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elastic element as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the locking mechanism. This elastic element acts as a mediator that stores and releases energy, reducing the peak force the user must apply while still achieving reliable locking and unlocking functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the force parameter profile by incorporating an elastic element that provides force multiplication and energy storage. This allows the locking mechanism to achieve the same reliable locking function with reduced user effort, as the elastic element compensates for force requirements during the operation cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 safer and more ergonomic way to control the locking and unlocking of the lid, reducing user effort and minimizing the risk of handling errors, ensuring complete safety and ease of operation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one locking member (10) mounted on the lid (3) under the action of an elastic return means (17) from its initial position in a locking position to its unlocking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2687132B1Appliance for cooking food under pressure with improved control device
Publication Date: 2015.05.06 SEB SA
  • EP2687132B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2687132B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

Apparatus for cooking pressure foods with an improved control device. The invention relates to a pressure cooking appliance comprising: - a tank (2) and a lid (3), - a locking member (10) between a locking and unlocking position, - a manipulation member (16) capable of being actuated by a user to cause said locking member (10) to move, characterized in that -said locking member (10) is mounted under the action of an elastic return means (17), -l manipulation member (16) is mounted in kinematic connection with said locking member (10) in such a way that an action by the user causes the locking member (10) to move towards its unlocked position, - the cooking appliance comprises a locking valve (18) capable of occupying a high position to thereby lock said locking member (10). Device for cooking food under pressure.