Combined device with cooking hob and vapour extraction device with filter unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kitchen ventilation systems with filter units are ineffective in preventing liquids from entering the filter element, leading to contamination and inefficient liquid management, as liquids can penetrate back into the filter material and impurities are not properly separated from vapors.

Innovation Solution

A filter unit with a collection area for liquids that is not covered by the filter material, featuring an overflow mechanism at a distance from the filter element, ensuring liquids are collected and drained without contaminating the filter, and optimizing liquid flow in a combination device with a vapor extraction device and hob.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter element is arranged in the drainage channel system to prevent liquids from entering the vacuum source, then liquid protection is improved, but liquid flow efficiency deteriorates because liquids must pass through the filter element before reaching the pan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid protectionVSAvoidliquid flow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter unit is segmented into distinct functional zones: a filter body with filter material for vapor filtration, and a collection area for liquid accumulation. This segmentation allows liquids to be collected in the dedicated collection area without needing to pass through the filter material, thus maintaining liquid flow efficiency while still providing liquid protection to the vacuum source through the overflow mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collection area acts as an intermediary between the vapor inlet opening and the vacuum source. Liquids are directed to this intermediate collection area first, where they accumulate and can be drained through the overflow mechanism, preventing direct contact with the vacuum source while avoiding the need for liquids to pass through the filter material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If a grease filter insert with drip tray is used to collect liquids, then liquid collection is improved, but liquid management deteriorates when the drip tray reaches filling level and liquid penetrates back into the filter material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid collection capacityVSAvoidliquid management
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The overflow mechanism provides preliminary anti-action by creating a predetermined escape path for liquids before they can penetrate back into the filter material. The overflow opening is positioned at a specific height relative to the filter material, ensuring that when the collection area reaches its filling level, excess liquid automatically drains through the overflow opening away from the filter element, preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Productivity

If the collection area is positioned to maximize liquid collection, then liquid management is improved, but filter element contamination risk increases if liquids can reach the filter material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid managementVSAvoidfilter element contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The solution introduces a vertical dimension to liquid management by positioning the collection area underneath the filter body at a lower level. This dimensional arrangement creates a gravity-driven liquid flow path from the vapor inlet opening downward to the collection area, maximizing liquid collection while the overflow opening provides an escape route in another direction (away from the filter material), preventing contamination.

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

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 effectively prevents liquids from entering the fan and ensures reliable cleaning of vapors by maximizing the filter surface area, allowing for efficient separation of impurities and liquids, and providing a reliable drainage system to prevent overflow.

Implementation Method 1

at least one filter element and at least one collection area for liquids, wherein the filter unit has a cover that covers at least the at least one filter body at the top

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a cooking steam inlet opening located in the hob level is connected to a vacuum source via an exhaust air duct system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

it has a cover that covers at least the at least one filter body at the top and an air inlet opening is formed on the filter unit in the upper area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3338030B1Combined device with cooking hob and vapour extraction device with filter unit
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3338030B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3338030B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3338030B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter unit (1) for a fume extraction device (11), which filter unit comprises at least one filter body (1200), which has at least one filter element (120), and at least one collecting region (122) for liquids. The fume extraction device (11) is characterized in that an air inlet opening (125) is formed on the filter unit (12) in the upper region, which air inlet opening serves to let in air that is suctioned by the fume extraction device (11) and which air inlet opening at least partially surrounds the at least one filter body (1200), that an air outlet opening (126) is provided in the bottom side of the filter unit (12), which air outlet opening serves to let air out of the filter unit (12) to the fume extraction device (11), and that the collecting region (122) lies below the at least one filter body (1200) and at least partially surrounds the at least one filter body (1200).