Pressure Cooker Lid Locking Control With Single-Button Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure cooking utensils for household use have complex ergonomics and require significant user effort to control the locking and unlocking of the lid, often leading to operating errors due to the presence of multiple operating members and the need for substantial force.
Innovation Solution
A pressure cooking utensil with a single operating member linked to a locking mechanism via resilient return means, where the locking position is the stable rest position and the unlocking position is unstable, requiring minimal user force and simplifying the control mechanism, along with a locking valve that takes up a sealing high position under pressure to prevent accidental unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple operating members are used to control locking and unlocking, then the control function is complete, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking control function and unlocking control function into a single operating member (the button). By integrating both functions into one component, the design eliminates the need for separate operating members, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining complete control functionality. The button achieves both locking and unlocking through different positions or states of the same element.
Solution Approach 2:
The single operating member (button) serves multiple functions: it controls both the locking and unlocking of the lid. This multi-functional design allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall control device structure while ensuring reliable operation for both locking and unlocking scenarios.
2Reliability
If multiple operating members are used for locking and unlocking, then the control is precise, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operating members into a single button that users can operate with one hand. This consolidation improves ergonomics by reducing the number of discrete actions and components the user must manage, while the button's design ensures precise control through clear positional feedback and intentional actuation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient return means automatically returns the button to its initial position after actuation, providing self-service functionality. This automatic reset mechanism reduces user effort by eliminating the need for manual resetting or complex multi-step operations, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining precise control through the button's defined travel and engagement points.
3Reliability
If substantial force is required to move the locking member, then the locking is secure, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient return means acts as an intermediary between the user's input force and the locking member. It provides a mechanical advantage by storing and releasing elastic energy, allowing the button to be actuated with reduced user effort while still achieving the necessary force to securely lock or unlock the lid. The spring mechanism mediates the force transmission, making operation easier without compromising locking security.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient return means changes the force parameter required for operation by utilizing elastic deformation. The spring can be compressed or extended to store energy, then release it to assist in moving the locking member. This parameter change allows the system to require less instantaneous user force while maintaining secure locking through the cumulative effect of the mechanical advantage provided by the resilient element.
4Reliability
If the locking position is stable, then the lid remains locked during cooking, but the ease of operation deteriorates if unlocking requires overcoming strong return forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic characteristics of the resilient return means to create a stable locking position that is easy to unlock. The spring is designed with specific stiffness and pre-load characteristics that provide strong holding force in the locked position through mechanical advantage, but allow controlled release when the button is actuated. The dynamic response of the spring system ensures stability during cooking while enabling easy unlocking through deliberate button press that overcomes the controlled return force.
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 simplifies the control mechanism, reduces the need for excessive user force, and ensures safe and ergonomic operation by using a single operating member and a locking valve that maintains the lid locked during cooking, enhancing user safety and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
said at least one locking member (10) is mounted on the lid (3) in such a manner as to be urged by positioning resilient return means (17) towards its locking position
Implementation Method 2
The cooking utensil is provided with at least one locking valve (18) mounted on the lid (3) and suitable, under the effect of the pressure prevailing inside the utensil, for taking up a sealing high position
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a utensil for cooking food under pressure including: a vessel and a lid; at least one locking member mounted to move on the lid between a locking position and an unlocking position; a control device for controlling the movement of the locking member, including an operating member suitable for being actuated by a user in such a manner as to cause the locking member to move; wherein the locking member is mounted on the lid in such a manner as to be urged by positioning resilient return means towards its locking position; and the operating member is mounted to be drivingly linked to the locking member in a manner such that the action by the user on the operating member causes the locking member to move towards its unlocking position.