Pressure Fryer Lid Locking with Dual Pin Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure fryer systems face limitations in their lid locking mechanisms, which can fail to securely lock the lid during high-pressure cooking operations, leading to potential safety issues and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A dual-locking system comprising a pressure-activated pin and an electronic lock, controlled by a controller, which engages the lid only when pressure exceeds a threshold and disengages when safe to do so, ensuring the lid remains locked during cooking and unlocking when pressure subsides, with sensors monitoring the lock status for operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking mechanism is used to prevent the lid from opening during pressure cooking, then the lid can be secured during cooking, but the mechanism may fail to reliably lock under high-pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent but coordinated locking mechanisms: a electronic lock pin and a pressure lock pin. Each pin operates independently to engage with the latch, providing segmented locking action that ensures reliable lid securing during pressure cooking without requiring a single complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure lock pin is designed to dynamically respond to pressure changes within the cooking chamber. As pressure increases during cooking, the diaphragm deflects and automatically engages the pressure lock pin with the latch, providing adaptive locking that enhances reliability under high-pressure conditions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid is locked during high-pressure cooking to ensure safety, then accidental opening is prevented, but the locking mechanism must be designed to withstand high pressure forces
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-activated locking function is extracted from the electronic locking system and implemented as a separate pressure lock pin mechanism. This allows the electronic lock to provide controlled locking while the pressure lock pin specifically addresses high-pressure conditions, distributing the strength requirements across two specialized mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
A diaphragm serves as an intermediary element between the pressure environment and the locking mechanism. The diaphragm converts pressure forces into mechanical motion that engages the pressure lock pin, allowing the locking system to respond to pressure without requiring direct mechanical strength against high-pressure forces
3Extent of automation
If an electronic lock is used to control the lid locking, then the locking can be controlled by the main cooking apparatus controller, but the electronic lock alone may not be sufficient to secure the lid under high-pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic lock and pressure lock pin mechanisms are merged into a coordinated dual-locking system. The electronic controller manages the electronic lock pin while also monitoring pressure conditions that trigger the pressure lock pin, combining automated control with pressure-responsive mechanical action to ensure both automation and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through sensors that monitor the engagement status of both the electronic lock pin and pressure lock pin with the latch. This feedback is reported to the controller, which can verify proper locking engagement and maintain automated control while ensuring the lid is securely locked under all pressure conditions
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 dual-locking system enhances safety and operational reliability by ensuring the lid remains locked during high-pressure cooking and safely unlocks when conditions are met, reducing the risk of accidental opening and improving cooking efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure lock pin is configured to engage with the latch in response to pressure in the cooking chamber exceeding a predetermined threshold
Implementation Method 2
a lid comprising a diaphragm, and a lid locking system. The lid locking system comprises a pressure lock pin coupled to the diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber for receiving a. cooking medium, a lid configured to cover the cooking chamber, and a lid locking system. The lid locking system includes a pressure lock pin coupled to a movable diaphragm, an electronic lock pin coupled to the lid, and a latch. The latch includes a pressure lock pin aperture formed therein to accommodate the pressure lock pin, and an electronic lock pin aperture formed therein to accommodate the electronic lock pin. The pressure lock pin engages the latch in response to pressure in the cooking chamber exceeding a predetermined threshold, and the electronic lock pin engages the latch in response to a lock signal from a controller.