Cooking Vessel Closure Insert for Controlled Steam Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cooking vessels often lack precise control over heat and pressure retention, leading to issues like lid detachment and uncontrolled steam release, which can result in inconsistent cooking results and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A device with a support element and plug-in element featuring a blocking means that securely fits onto the cooking vessel's edge, allowing partial closure and preventing unintentional removal, while enabling steam escape and splash protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a lid is used to retain heat and pressure, then cooking efficiency is improved, but the vessel must be completely closed or lid completely removed, preventing partial closure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat retentionVSAvoidpartial closure capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into a support element that rests on the opening edge and a plug-in element that inserts through the opening. This segmentation allows the plug-in element to be partially inserted, enabling partial closure while retaining heat and pressure, thus resolving the contradiction between energy retention and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the lid is placed at an angle for partial opening, then accessibility is improved, but liquid splashing out increases and closure is imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidliquid splashing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plug-in element can be dynamically adjusted to different insertion depths, allowing the user to optimize between accessibility and splash prevention based on cooking needs. The locking element provides stable positioning at desired levels, preventing imprecise closure while maintaining control over liquid containment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a locking element is added to prevent unintentional removal, then reliability is improved, but the risk of detachment under pressure and noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unintentional removalVSAvoiddetachment noise and unexpected detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to automatically engage with the opening edge when the plug-in element is inserted, providing preliminary locking action. This automatic engagement prevents unintentional removal during cooking while the controlled release mechanism ensures safe, noise-free detachment when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful detachment effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution ensures consistent cooking conditions, prevents lid detachment, and maintains controlled steam release, enhancing cooking vessel safety and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a positive locking mechanism between the locking element and the opening edge is conceivable, for example, by means of a bayonet fitting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositive locking mechanism: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

a positive fit and/or a frictional fit can be achieved in the locking position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrictional fit: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3517003B1Device for at least partial closing of an opening of a cooking vessel, cooking vessel system and food processor
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP3517003B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3517003B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~3
  • EP3517003B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4e

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for at least partially closing an opening (5) of a cooking vessel (2), comprising a support element (11) which can be placed on an opening rim (6) of the opening (5) of the cooking vessel (2), and a plug-in element (12) which can be inserted at least partially through the opening (5). The invention further relates to a cooking vessel system (8) with a cooking vessel (2) and a food processor (1).