Combination device with an extractor device and a cooker hob

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combination devices with integrated extractor hoods face space constraints due to the placement of power electronics and fan housings, limiting installation options and storage space, particularly in standardized kitchens.

Innovation Solution

The power electronics are arranged perpendicular to the cooking modules, allowing for a more compact design that maximizes space below the hob, enabling larger fans and filters without obstructing the air inlet opening, and facilitating easier maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the power electronics housing is placed below the cooktop, then the electronics are protected and integrated, but the available space for fan housing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of electronics housingVSAvoidavailable space for fan housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the orientation of the power electronics housing from a horizontal placement that blocks fan space to a vertical arrangement where the housing extends downward from the cooktop. This dimensional reorientation allows the fan housing to be positioned laterally adjacent to the electronics housing rather than below it, resolving the space conflict while maintaining integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the fan housing size is increased to improve air extraction, then extraction performance is enhanced, but the installation width must be increased beyond standard kitchen dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair extraction performanceVSAvoidinstallation width
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a width-oriented fan housing layout to a depth-oriented configuration. By positioning the fan housing laterally adjacent to the power electronics housing and extending in the depth direction rather than the width direction, the design achieves high extraction performance while maintaining a compact width suitable for standard 60cm kitchen installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the power electronics are arranged parallel to the cooking modules, then the layout is simplified, but the space below the cooktop is insufficient for both electronics and fan housing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayout simplicityVSAvoidspace below cooktop
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of arranging the power electronics parallel to the cooking modules (horizontal orientation), the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the electronics housing vertically below the cooktop. This inversion creates a three-dimensional configuration where the fan housing can be placed laterally adjacent to the electronics housing, efficiently utilizing the available volume below and around the cooktop.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This configuration ensures efficient air filtration, reduces noise, and allows for flexible design widths, such as 60cm, while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility and easy access for maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

A fan can be provided in one embodiment. The fan can be arranged in a space laterally adjacent to a recess... the air inlet opening extends through the center of the width of a hob

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3701193B1Combination device with an extractor device and a cooker hob
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3701193B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3701193B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3701193B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a combined device that comprises a cooker hob (10) with at least one cooker module (101), a fume extraction device (11), which is arranged at least partly below the at least one cooker module (101) and has at least one fan (110) with at least one suction opening (1101), and at least one air inlet opening (111) for the fume extraction device (11), said air inlet opening being arranged in the cooker hob (10). The combined device (1) is characterized in that the combined device (1) has at least one support (103, 104) with the elements of the power electronics of at least one cooker module (101) of the cooker hob (10), and the at least one support (103, 104) is arranged in the combined device (1) at an angle to the at least one cooker module (101).