Detachable Slow Cooker Lid Locking Assembly for Spill Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slow cookers lack a secure locking mechanism between the lid and the liner container, leading to potential spillage and difficulty in assembly, maintenance, and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A detachable locking assembly with connector and locking end components that securely engage the lid with the liner container, distributing force evenly and allowing for easy assembly, cleaning, and replacement, while being adaptable to different slow cooker sizes and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the lid to the container, then spillage prevention and lid stability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is divided into independent modular components: a connector attached to the lid, locking end components with hooks, and a detachable connecting rod. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while simplifying manufacturing and assembly, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable locking and maintaining simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking end components are designed to nest within the container rim structure, with hooks that engage into the rim's recesses. The connector on the lid accommodates the connecting rod that links to the locking end components. This nesting approach provides secure locking without adding external protrusions, maintaining aesthetic simplicity while ensuring reliability.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent spillage, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional parts and assembly difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into independently manufacturable components that can be produced separately and assembled later. The connector is attached to the lid, the locking end components are separate, and the connecting rod links them. This segmentation enables each part to be manufactured using standard processes without complex tooling, improving ease of manufacture while providing reliable spillage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking end components incorporate elastic elements that provide automatic engagement and locking action. When the connector is placed on the lid and the connecting rod is inserted, the elastic elements automatically engage the hooks with the container rim, providing self-locking functionality that reduces assembly complexity and improves ease of manufacture.
3Reliability
If a fixed locking structure is integrated into the housing or container, then reliability is improved, but adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is designed as a universal detachable component that can be attached to various lid and container combinations. The connector adapts to different lid types, and the locking end components engage with standard container rims. This universal design allows the same locking assembly to be used across multiple slow cooker models and even other cooking utensils, providing both reliable locking and high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly transitions from a fixed integrated structure to a dynamic detachable system. The connector can be attached to or removed from the lid, and the connecting rod can be engaged or disengaged from the locking end components. This dynamic configuration allows the locking mechanism to adapt to different container and lid combinations, enhancing versatility while maintaining locking reliability through proper engagement.
4Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple parts is used, then locking reliability is improved, but ease of repair and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is segmented into modular components that can be independently repaired or replaced. If one part fails, only that specific component needs to be replaced rather than the entire locking mechanism. The connector, locking end components, and connecting rod are separate, allowing for targeted repairs that simplify maintenance while maintaining overall locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable design of the locking assembly allows for easy replacement of worn or damaged components. The connector can be removed from the lid, the connecting rod can be detached from the locking end components, enabling quick replacement of individual parts. This facilitates recovery and replacement of specific components without discarding the entire locking system, improving ease of repair while maintaining reliability through component renewal.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to cooking utensils. The present invention provides a slow cooker and a locking assembly that have simple and practical structure, easy to clean and can engage the lid with the liner container for preventing spillage of cooking content such as soup. The structure comprises a container, a lid and a locking assembly. The locking assembly retains the lid on the opening of the container. The container has a rim projecting outside at the opening. The locking assembly comprises a connector disposed on the lid for engaging the lid with the opening of the container, and locking end components provided at ends of the connector for engaging with the rim of the liner container. Using the locking assembly to retain the lid in sealing engagement with the opening of the container, the slow cooker can effectively engage the lid with the container.