Cooking Hob Extraction Device with Horizontal Airflow Above Worktop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional downdraft extraction devices occupy storage space and reduce performance when high pots are used for cooking, as they are typically positioned below the worktop and have a suction opening at the same level as the cooking hob, limiting their effectiveness in capturing cooking vapors.

Innovation Solution

A combination appliance with a cooking hob and an extraction device featuring a retractable fan system that moves from below the worktop to above, with a suction opening at the rim level of pots, and an outlet above the hob, allowing for horizontal airflow and efficient vapor extraction without occupying storage space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If the extraction device is positioned below the worktop (downdraft extraction), then storage space is occupied by the ventilation channel, but the extraction device can be installed in a compact kitchen space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidextraction performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction device is made movable between a retracted position (below the worktop) and an extended position (above the worktop). This dynamic positioning allows the device to occupy storage space only when not in use, while providing optimal extraction performance when activated, thus resolving the contradiction between storage space utilization and extraction effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a fixed two-dimensional positioning (either above or below the worktop) to a three-dimensional solution where the extraction device can move vertically between positions. This dimensional flexibility allows the device to optimize both storage space utilization and extraction performance depending on the operational state

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

2Ease of operation

If the suction opening is positioned at the same level as the worktop, then the extraction device can be installed below the worktop, but performance is reduced when high pots are used for cooking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidvapor extraction effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suction opening is positioned on the movable extraction device that can extend above the worktop. When high pots are used, the device extends to maintain optimal suction distance, ensuring consistent vapor extraction effectiveness regardless of pot height, while still allowing installation below the worktop when not in use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the extraction device is fixed above the cooking area, then extraction performance is optimized, but storage space is permanently occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction performanceVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction device is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned above the cooking area only when needed for extraction. When not in use, it retracts below the worktop, freeing up storage space. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between maintaining optimal extraction performance and preserving storage space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient extraction of cooking vapors without compromising storage space or performance, even when using high pots, by positioning the extraction device to optimize airflow and intake, maintaining performance and usability.

Implementation Method 1

the direction of the sucked air comprises an at least major horizontal component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow:

Implementation Method 2

a filter element for removing particles and/or odours from the air sucked in

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4008966A1Combination appliance
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP4008966A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4008966A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4008966A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention is related to a combination appliance (10) comprising a cooking hob (12), which comprises a cover plate or worktop (18) and an extraction device (14). The extraction device (14) comprises - a suction opening (24, 32) arranged above the cooking hob (12), - a fan (36) for sucking air from the area above the cooking hob (12), - a filter element (42) for removing particles and/or odours from the air sucked in, and - an outlet opening (28, 34) for exhausting air. According to the invention, the direction of the sucked air comprises an at least major horizontal component and the outlet opening (28, 34) is arranged above the cooking hob (12).