Adjustable Screen-Element Vapor Trap for Downdraft Fume Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fume extraction devices have low efficiency due to large extraction openings that suck in clean air along with vapors and do not adapt to varying cooking vessel heights, and their complex structures complicate effective vapor detection.
Innovation Solution
A fume extraction device with a suction shaft and a vapor trap consisting of two flat screen elements that can be moved separately, forming a horizontal or inclined suction gap, allowing for adjustable positioning to optimize vapor capture and using a fan for negative pressure to direct fumes downwards, with the screen elements protruding partially or fully to accommodate different cooking scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large extraction opening is used, then more vapors can be extracted, but clean air is also sucked in which reduces extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction opening is segmented into multiple adjustable screen elements that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows the opening to be divided into smaller effective extraction areas, reducing the intake of clean air while maintaining vapor extraction capability through strategic positioning of the screen elements near the vapor source.
2Device complexity
If a fixed extraction opening is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying cooking vessel heights
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction opening incorporates movable screen elements that can be dynamically adjusted in position along the suction shaft. This dynamic configuration allows the extraction device to adapt to different cooking vessel heights by repositioning the screen elements, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system without excessive complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If screen elements are fixed together, then the structure is stable, but they cannot be adjusted to optimize vapor capture for different conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The screen elements are segmented into individually movable components rather than being fixed together as a single unit. Each screen element can be independently positioned while remaining structurally supported by the suction shaft, enabling flexible adjustment for different cooking conditions while maintaining overall structural stability through the shaft's support system.
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 device enhances vapor trapping efficiency by adjusting the suction gap size and position to match cooking vessel heights, reducing unwanted air intake and improving reliability in capturing fumes from various cooking processes.
Implementation Method 1
The vapor extraction device includes a fan, via which negative pressure is generated, by means of which the vapors and fumes can be sucked into the fume trap and thus the suction shaft
Implementation Method 2
drawn-in fumes are directed downwards between the screen elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fume extraction device with an extraction duct (24) which forms an outlet opening (29) at its upper end, and at least one vapor collector slidably mounted in the extraction duct (24) with at least one extraction gap (20). The fume extraction device (2) is characterized in that the vapor collector consists of at least two flat screen elements (21, 22) which are slidably displaceable relative to each other with respect to the extraction duct (24), the extraction gap (20) is formed between the screen elements (21, 22), and at least one of the at least two screen elements (21, 22) projects at least partially beyond the outlet opening (29) of the extraction duct (24) in at least one position of the fume extraction device (2). Furthermore, a kitchen appliance with a cooktop (3) and such a fume extraction device (2) and a method for operating such a fume extraction device (2) are described.