Pressure Cooker Sealing Ring With Localized Pressure Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure cooker designs with bayonet locking mechanisms and sealing rings face challenges in providing a reliable and cost-effective pressure-release mechanism that does not require deformation of the entire sealing ring or additional openings in the lid, leading to manufacturing complexities and potential weaknesses in the lid's structure.
Innovation Solution
A sealing ring with pressure-release pockets along its circumferential surface, allowing the sealing lip to radially and downwardly displace into an intermediate space when pressure exceeds a certain value, eliminating the need for deformation across the entire ring and reducing manufacturing costs by avoiding additional notching or shaping of the lid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sealing ring is deformed across its entire cross-section to create a pressure-release mechanism, then pressure release function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and the sealing ring material must be relatively soft reducing sealing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is segmented into distinct functional zones: a rigid circumferential spine providing structural support, and localized flexible pressure-release pockets with sealing lips. This segmentation allows different parts of the sealing ring to have different mechanical properties, with the spine maintaining rigidity for reliable sealing while the pockets provide controlled deformation for pressure release.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring exhibits local quality through varying material properties and structural characteristics at different locations. The circumferential spine has high rigidity for sealing stability, while the pressure-release pockets have localized flexibility enabled by reduced wall thickness and rounded corners, allowing deformation only where needed without compromising overall sealing integrity.
2Reliability
If openings are provided in the edge of the lid to enable pressure release, then pressure release function is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and the edge of the lid is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-release function is merged into the sealing ring itself through integrated pressure-release pockets and sealing lips, eliminating the need for separate openings in the lid. The sealing ring simultaneously provides sealing and pressure-release functions, simplifying the lid structure and reducing manufacturing steps while maintaining reliable pressure release.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring performs dual functions: sealing the vessel and providing pressure release through its own integrated pockets and lips. The pressure-release mechanism is self-contained within the sealing ring, requiring no additional features or modifications to the lid, thereby simplifying manufacturing and maintaining lid structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the sealing ring is made of relatively soft material to enable deformation for pressure release, then pressure release function is achieved, but sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is segmented into a rigid circumferential spine for reliable sealing and localized flexible pressure-release pockets. This segmentation allows the majority of the sealing ring to maintain high rigidity for consistent sealing, while only small localized regions have the flexibility needed for pressure release operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sealing ring have different mechanical properties: the circumferential spine has high rigidity and minimal deformation capability for reliable sealing, while the pressure-release pockets have localized flexibility through reduced wall thickness and rounded corners, enabling deformation only where needed without affecting overall sealing performance.
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
This design ensures a reliable and precise pressure-release mechanism with reduced manufacturing costs, maintaining the sealing function while preventing sudden pressure drops and allowing for flexible adaptation to different vessel configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing ring is formed over at least one portion of its circumference in such a way that it is deformed by a pressure inside the vessel which exceeds a preset value (response pressure), to form a venting gap between receptacle and lid
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure vessel includes a pot-like receptacle and a lid for placing thereon, the two being detachably locked together and including a circumferential sealing ring made of elastically yielding material which is located in the region of a circular edge of the lid and a circular edge of the pot for the purpose of sealing the interior against a drop in pressure. Sealing lips of the sealing ring come into close contact with the edge of the lid and the edge of the receptacle, in which case, for producing an automatic pressure-control mechanism, the sealing ring is formed over at least one portion of its circumference in such a way that it is deformed, under a pressure inside the vessel which exceeds a given value (response pressure), so as to form a venting gap between the receptacle and the lid.