Angled Filter Element Assembly to Increase Fume Extraction Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fume extraction devices face challenges in achieving reliable air intake and cleaning with a simple structure while maintaining low power output, particularly in devices with limited suction openings, such as those installed near hobs, where the available filter area is small and handling is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A filter device comprising at least two filter elements with a variable distance between their outer faces, arranged at an angle relative to each other, and held in a common frame, which increases the filter area and reduces flow resistance, allowing for efficient air cleaning with lower power consumption and improved handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large suction opening is used to provide adequate filter area, then reliable air cleaning is achieved, but the fume extraction hood must be operated at high power
Solution Approach 1:
The filter elements are arranged at an angle to one another instead of parallel, creating a three-dimensional V-shaped configuration. This angular arrangement increases the effective filter area within the same horizontal footprint, allowing adequate filtration without requiring high power operation. The angled positioning enables the filter surfaces to be optimally oriented relative to the air flow direction.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple filter elements are nested within a compact holding frame structure, with each filter element positioned at an angle. The filters are arranged to maximize space utilization, with one filter element partially overlapping or adjacent to another in a space-efficient configuration that increases total filter area without proportionally increasing device volume.
2Device complexity
If plate-shaped filter elements are introduced horizontally into a duct-like insert, then the structure is simple, but the filter area is limited to the size of the suction opening
Solution Approach 1:
The filter elements transition from horizontal plate-shaped configuration to angled three-dimensional arrangement. By positioning filter elements at an angle within the holding frame, the effective filter area extends beyond the horizontal projection of the suction opening, maximizing the utilization of available space while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering function is divided into multiple separate filter elements instead of using a single large plate filter. Each filter element can be independently positioned at an optimal angle, and multiple elements are held in the frame structure, collectively providing greater total filter area while maintaining simple individual component designs.
3Area of stationary object
If a plate-shaped filter element is introduced obliquely into an enlargement of the exhaust air duct, then larger filter area is achieved, but handling becomes unfavorable as the user must reach into the duct through the smaller suction opening
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filter elements and the holding frame are merged into a single integrated filter device assembly. This unified structure allows the entire filter unit to be installed and removed as one piece through the suction opening, eliminating the need for users to reach deep into the duct. The holding frame provides a unified mounting structure that secures all filter elements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter elements are nested within the holding frame structure, which acts as a container or carrier. This nested configuration allows the compact assembly to pass through the suction opening more easily, while the holding frame provides external engagement points for installation and removal tools, improving handling without compromising the internal filter area.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple filter cartridges are inserted next to one another in the suction opening, then adequate filter area is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filter elements are merged into a single integrated filter device with a common holding frame. Instead of installing separate filter cartridges as independent units, the filters are combined into one assembly that functions as a unified component, reducing installation complexity while maintaining the cumulative filter area of multiple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter device is segmented into multiple filter elements for functional purposes, but these segments are unified through the holding frame structure. The segmentation allows each filter element to be optimized independently, while the holding frame provides a single integrated mounting interface, combining the benefits of multiple filters with the simplicity of a single device.
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 enables reliable air intake and cleaning with reduced power requirements and simplified handling by maximizing the filter area and storage volume, while minimizing the space and height requirements of the fume extraction device.
Implementation Method 1
filter devices by means of which grease and other contaminants are filtered out of the fumes and vapors sucked into the fume extraction device
Data Source
AI summary
A filter device for a fume extraction device includes at least two filter elements arranged at an angle relative to one another, and a holding frame for holding the at least two filter elements. An edge of one of the at least two filter elements lies adjacent to an edge of the other one of the at least two filter element. Each of the at least two filter elements has a surface with a variable distance between opposite outer faces of the filter element.