Steam Exhausting Device With Spatial Separation for Residue Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam exhausting devices in electric pressure cookers often fail to effectively separate the steam flow path from device components, leading to deposition of residues which complicates cleaning and increases the risk of damage due to high-pressure steam.
Innovation Solution
A steam exhausting device with a spatially separated steam flow path and components, utilizing a pressure member, lever, and electromagnet to control steam discharge, ensuring steam is exhausted horizontally through a sound absorbing member, preventing residue deposition and facilitating cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steam flow path and device components are not spatially separated, then the device structure remains simple, but residues are deposited on components leading to cleaning difficulty and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional zones: a steam flow path region and a component housing region. The housing includes a first space for steam flow and a second space for components, physically separated by partitions and sealed structures. This segmentation prevents steam and residues from contacting components while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed partition structure acts as an intermediary barrier between the steam flow path and device components. The partition includes sealing elements that prevent steam leakage while allowing necessary mechanical connections. This intermediary structure protects components from direct steam exposure without requiring complete spatial isolation.
2Ease of operation
If the steam flow path is separated from device components, then residue deposition is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a first space for steam flow and a second space for components, with the steam flow path completely separated from component areas. This segmentation creates easily cleanable surfaces that do not contact steam, allowing simple wiping or washing without disassembly of complex internal structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam flow path is extracted and isolated from the component housing area. The steam exhaust outlet and associated flow paths are positioned in a separate first space, while components reside in a protected second space. This extraction eliminates residue deposition on components and simplifies cleaning procedures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If steam is exhausted directly upward, then the exhaust structure is simple, but noise during steam discharge is high
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of exhausting steam vertically upward as in conventional designs, the steam exhaust outlet is oriented horizontally. The steam flow path is redirected 90 degrees from vertical to horizontal direction, allowing steam to be discharged sideways through the housing. This inversion significantly reduces noise while maintaining effective steam removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The steam exhaust direction is changed from the vertical dimension to the horizontal dimension. The steam flow path includes a horizontal section that directs steam discharge laterally through the housing wall, rather than continuing vertically. This dimensional change reduces noise propagation while preserving steam exhaustion functionality.
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 effectively prevents steam from affecting device components, extends device lifespan, reduces production costs, and minimizes noise during steam exhaustion, while ensuring safe and efficient steam discharge.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet disposed at a bottom surface of the housing... The vertical axis passes the first opening and the electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
A steam exhausting device coupled to a cover of an electric pressure cooker includes: a housing that has an upper surface defining a first opening and a lower surface defining a second opening; a steam pipe that is spaced apart from the second opening and that extends along a vertical line passing the second opening; a pressure member arranged in the housing along the vertical line and configured to move down to a discharge end of the steam pipe; a lever disposed in the housing and having a first end connected to the pressure member; a button connected to a second end of the lever and configured to move vertically along a vertical axis passing the first opening, where the button includes a magnetic body; and an electromagnet disposed at a bottom surface of the housing. The vertical axis passes the electromagnet.