Extracting device for removing air, combination appliance and suction arm
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Downdraft extraction devices face challenges such as reduced functionality with high pots, blocked storage space, and potential mould formation due to ventilation channel design, and existing solutions impede lateral access to cooking zones.
Innovation Solution
An extraction device with a suction arm that can be adjusted to an elevated position above the cooking hob, allowing unimpeded lateral access, featuring a centrally arranged suction arm with a changeable suction opening and filter element, and optional automated positioning for improved cooking comfort and vapour capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suction opening is positioned at the height level of the cooktop to maintain functionality with high pots, then the extraction device can effectively capture vapours from all cooking zones, but lateral access to the cooking zones is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The suction arm is designed to be movable between a retracted position (enabling lateral access) and an extended position (optimizing vapour capture). This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt between different operational requirements: during cooking preparation, the arm retracts to allow easy access to cookware, while during active cooking with vapour generation, the arm extends to capture vapours effectively from all cooking zones
2Device complexity
If the ventilation channel is arranged inside the kitchen cabinet to simplify the extraction path, then the air can be directly blown out through a cutout in the rear wall, but storage space in the cabinet is blocked and mould formation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation channel is extracted from the kitchen cabinet and relocated to the extraction device itself. The air duct is integrated into the suction arm, allowing the air to be conveyed directly from the suction opening to the outlet opening without passing through the cabinet interior. This eliminates the conflict between ventilation requirements and storage space while preventing mould formation by avoiding humid air accumulation in the cabinet
3Ease of operation
If the suction arm is centrally arranged to improve cooking comfort and lateral access, then unimpeded access to cooking zones is enabled, but the distance from the suction opening to cooking vapours may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centrally arranged suction arm is designed to be dynamically extendable towards the cooking zones when needed. The arm can be extended to reduce the distance to cooking vapours for optimal capture efficiency, then retracted to the central position for unimpeded lateral access during preparation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize both cooking comfort and vapour capture efficiency at different stages of cooking activity
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
Enhances cooking comfort by enabling easy access to cookware and improved vapour capture from all cooking zones, reducing mould risk and maintaining functionality with high pots, while allowing for adjustable and automated operation.
Implementation Method 1
The fan is configured to suck in the air from the area above the cooking hob through the suction opening and, downstream thereof, through the air duct
Implementation Method 2
The filter element, which preferably includes a grease and/or odour filter function, is particularly arranged or arrangeable upstream of the fan
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to an extraction device (14) for removing air from an area above a cooking hob (12). The extraction device (14) comprises a suction arm (26), a fan and an outlet opening (34). The suction arm (26) includes a suction head (28), which comprises a suction opening (32), and a suction base (30), which comprises an air duct for conducting the air. The air duct is arranged downstream of the suction opening (32). The is configured to suck in the air from the area above the cooking hob (12) through the suction opening (32) and the air duct. The outlet opening (34) is configured to exhaust air. According to the invention, the suction arm (26) is centrally arranged or arrangeable in relation to the cooking hob (12) or is arranged or arrangeable midway between the lateral edges of the cooking hob (12). Further, the position of the suction head (28) and/or of the suction opening (32) is changeable from a position within the boundary lines and at least approximately at the height level of a cooktop (18) of the cooking hob (12) to an elevated position above the height level of the cooktop (18).