Extractor hood with backlit grease filter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extractor hoods compromise on space allocation between filter and lighting areas, leading to suboptimal performance in both filtration and illumination.
Innovation Solution
An extractor hood design where a filter unit with fixed-size openings made of plastic material is integrated with a light source positioned behind it, allowing light to be scattered onto the working environment, and featuring a control device for adjustable lighting settings, with optional integration of lamps within the filter unit or laterally offset for enhanced illumination and ease of cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for filter units and light modules in extractor hoods, then each component can be optimized independently, but the available area is compromised and both filter and lighting performance are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter unit and light module into a single integrated assembly where the light module is positioned behind the filter unit. This merging allows both functions to share the same space without compromising individual performance, resolving the contradiction between independent optimization and area utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - filtration and illumination - within a single structural unit. The filter unit with its translucent cover acts as both a filtration element and a light diffuser, embodying multi-functionality that maximizes space usage.
2Illumination intensity
If built-in light modules are provided next to the filter unit on the edge of the hood, then lighting is provided, but the area allocation becomes a compromise solution that limits both filter and lighting performance
Solution Approach 1:
The light module is nested within the filter unit assembly, positioned behind the filter element. This nesting arrangement allows the lighting function to be contained within the filtration structure, eliminating the need for separate edge-mounted light modules and maximizing both lighting and filter performance.
3Area of stationary object
If the lower surface of the extractor hood is divided between filter surface and lighting, then both functions are provided, but this compromise solution limits the area available for optimal performance of each
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of dividing the two-dimensional lower surface of the hood between filter and lighting, the invention utilizes the third dimension by positioning the light module behind the filter unit. This vertical/dimensional arrangement allows both functions to occupy the same footprint area without compromising the filter surface area while providing adequate lighting.
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
Optimizes space usage by providing effective filtration and illumination without compromising on area, ensuring improved performance and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
filter unit arranged at least partially in front of the suction opening in the direction of flow for cleaning the air sucked in by the fan. The filter unit has a filter mat with at least one filter layer, which consists of a plastic material and has openings whose size is fixed
Implementation Method 2
at least one lamp is arranged behind the filter unit in the direction of flow. The at least one light source is aligned in such a way that a main propagation direction of the light emitted by the light source is oriented in the direction of the filter unit in such a way that the light emitted is scattered by the filter mat onto a working environment provided under the extractor hood
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a range hood with a backlit grease filter. The grease filter is made of plastic. According to the invention, at least one light source is arranged behind the grease filter in the direction of airflow. The at least one light source is oriented such that a main direction of propagation of the emitted light from the light source is directed towards the grease filter, so that the emitted light is scattered from the grease filter onto a cooktop provided below the range hood.