Extractor Hood Air Deflector With Plug-In Width Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional recirculation switches for air extraction ducts are time-consuming to assemble due to their complex screwing mechanism and require multiple identical parts, which complicates installation and adaptation to different duct widths.

Innovation Solution

A recirculation switch constructed from two plug-in components with optional latching, featuring a simplified assembly process and adaptable width adjustment through a single attachment element, allowing for quicker installation and compatibility with various duct sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional screwing mechanism is used to assemble recirculation switch components, then structural integrity is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple screwing operations into a single plug-in connection mechanism. Two structurally identical components are designed with complementary plug-in connections that engage simultaneously when the components are inserted together, eliminating the need for multiple separate screwing operations and significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional screwing mechanism with a plug-in connection system. Instead of requiring threaded fasteners and torque application, the components feature interlocking plug-in interfaces that provide both connection and alignment through simple insertion, substituting a complex mechanical fastening system with a simpler engagement mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple identical parts are used to construct recirculation switch, then assembly flexibility is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs two structurally identical components that can serve multiple functions. Each component can be used in different positions (first position or second position) and can be interchanged with the other, providing assembly flexibility and adaptability to different installation configurations without requiring multiple different part types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The recirculation switch is divided into two separate but identical components, each capable of independent manufacturing and assembly. This segmentation allows for modular construction where the components can be assembled in different sequences or configurations, providing flexibility while keeping each individual component simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed width design is used for recirculation switch, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different duct widths is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to duct widths
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the recirculation switch width to be dynamically adjusted by selecting different combinations of the identical components. By varying the number of components or their arrangement in the assembly, the overall width can be adapted to match different air discharge duct widths while maintaining the same simple component design for manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2286153B1Air deflector
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2286153B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2286153B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2286153B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an air deflector (100) of an extractor hood, comprising at least two components (10, 20) that are designed to divert the air extracted by the extractor hood from the chamber back into the chamber, and to a method for mounting the above-mentioned air deflector (100) in an exhaust air channel (300; 300') of the extractor hood. The aim of the invention is to improve said air deflector and the mounting method thereof such that the components (10, 20) of the air deflector (100) can be assembled in a simple and rapid manner, in particular that mounting said air deflector (100) is simplified compared to that of prior art. According to the invention, the components (10, 20) can be connected in a detachable or non-detachable manner by means of at least one plug connection (12, 22).