Pressure Cooker Lid Sub-Assembly for Safer, Simpler Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure cookers with flexible lids face challenges in industrial manufacturing complexity, assembly verification, and after-sales service due to design and construction complexities, which hinder flexibility in stock management and ease of repair.
Innovation Solution
A pressure cooking appliance with a retractable lid where the control means and opening safety mechanisms are integrated into an independent mechanical sub-assembly, allowing for pre-assembly verification and easy attachment to the lid, simplifying manufacturing and facilitating after-sales service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control means and opening safety means are integrated into the lid structure, then safety and control functions are ensured, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure cooker system into distinct modular components: the lid assembly and the control means assembly. The control means (including lever, cam, and safety mechanisms) are constructed as a separate module that can be independently manufactured and tested, then attached to the lid. This segmentation reduces overall construction complexity while maintaining safety functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means and opening safety means are extracted from the traditional integrated lid structure and formed as a separate detachable assembly. This allows the control mechanisms to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, simplifying the overall construction and enabling separate verification of control functions before final assembly.
2Stability of the object's composition
If control means and opening safety means are integrated into the lid, then functional coherence is improved, but assembly verification and after-sales service become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control means into a separate detachable assembly, the patent enables independent verification of control functions during manufacturing and assembly. The separate module can be tested for proper operation before being attached to the lid, and can be easily replaced or repaired without affecting the lid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means are extracted as a separate serviceable module that can be independently inspected, verified, and replaced. This extraction facilitates after-sales service by allowing technicians to replace only the control assembly if needed, rather than dealing with the entire lid structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional integrated design is used, then structural coherence is maintained, but industrial manufacturing flexibility and stock management are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure cooker into modular components that can be manufactured independently and assembled in different configurations. The control means assembly can be produced as a standard module and attached to different lid types, enabling flexible manufacturing and efficient stock management of interchangeable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable control means assembly is designed as a universal module that can be attached to different lid configurations and tank sizes. This universality allows the same control module to serve multiple product variants, improving industrial manufacturing flexibility and reducing the need for product-specific inventory.
4Ease of manufacture
If control means are separately attached to the lid, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but structural integration and sealing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control means assembly with the lid through a secure attachment mechanism that maintains structural integrity and sealing. The control assembly is designed to be attached in a manner that preserves the hermetic seal of the cooking enclosure, combining the benefits of separate manufacturing with reliable structural integration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The apparatus has a cover moved between a closed position, in which the cover and a tank form a cooking enclosure, and an open position, in which the cover permits communication between interior and exterior of the enclosure. A control unit (5) controls the displacement of the cover and moved between two positions corresponding to closed and open positions, respectively. An opening security unit (9) prevents the unit (5) from attaining the position corresponding to the open position. The units (5, 9) are incorporated in an independent mechanical sub assembly (10) fixed on the cover. An independent claim is also included for a method for fabricating a cooking apparatus.