Centrally Positioned Suction Arm for Unimpeded Lateral Cooktop Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downdraft extraction devices face challenges such as reduced functionality with high pots, blocked storage space, and potential mould formation due to their design, and existing solutions impede lateral access to cooking zones.
Innovation Solution
An extraction device with a suction arm that can be elevated above the cooking hob, allowing unimpeded lateral access, featuring a centrally arranged suction arm with a changeable position and integrated fan, filter, and optional sensors for assisted cooking, enabling efficient capture of cooking vapors from multiple zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the suction opening is positioned at the height level of the cooktop to maintain close proximity to cooking vapours, then vapor capture efficiency is improved, but lateral access to cooking zones is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The suction arm is designed to be movable between a retracted position (at cooktop level) and an elevated position, allowing dynamic adjustment based on cooking needs. This enables the system to maintain close proximity to vapours when needed while allowing unimpeded lateral access when the arm is elevated.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of only horizontal movement at cooktop level, the solution introduces vertical movement by elevating the suction arm above the cooktop. This adds a vertical dimension to the positioning, allowing the suction opening to remain effective while clearing the lateral path for cookware handling.
2Productivity
If connecting arms are swivel-mounted to lift the function unit to an elevated position, then vapor capture with high pots is improved, but lateral access to cooking zones is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The suction arm is extracted from the lateral edges of the cooking hob and repositioned to a central location. This removes the obstruction caused by lateral connecting arms while maintaining the ability to elevate the suction opening for effective vapor capture.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting the suction mechanism at the lateral edges and swinging it upward, the invention inverts the approach by placing the suction arm centrally and having it elevate vertically, thus avoiding lateral obstruction entirely.
3Productivity
If downdraft extraction devices use ventilation channels inside kitchen cabinets, then vapor removal is achieved, but storage space is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation channel is extracted from the kitchen cabinet interior and repositioned to run along the rear wall or external surface of the cabinet. This removes the obstruction to storage space while maintaining the vapor removal function through an external or surface-level channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation channel is nested within the cabinet structure but positioned on the external surface or rear wall rather than occupying internal storage volume. This allows the channel to be integrated into the cabinet design without sacrificing usable storage space.
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 allowing easy access to cookware and improved vapor capture, reducing mould risk and maintaining effective functionality with high pots, while providing modular and adjustable design for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
a fan (24), which is configured to suck in the air from an area above a cooking hob (12) through the suction opening (32) and, downstream thereof, through the air duct (30)
Implementation Method 2
a filter element (28) for removing particles and/or droplets and/or odours from the air sucked in through the suction opening (32)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~5C
Figure 6A~7
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 fan 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).