Cooktop Downdraft Filter Access Design for Simplified Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downdraft hoods require difficult maintenance as the access point for replacing active-carbon filter elements is often in a poorly accessible area, necessitating the hood to be displaced or partially disassembled for filter replacement.
Innovation Solution
A cooktop design where the second filter seat is accessible through the first filter seat, allowing both filter elements to be pulled out through the suction opening, simplifying maintenance by placing the access point in an easily accessible region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the second filter is placed in a rear area of the support, then the aesthetics of the exposed parts of the downdraft hood is improved, but the accessibility for maintenance of the second filter deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by making the second filter seat accessible through the first filter seat. The first filter seat acts as an access通道 to reach the second filter seat located in the rear area, allowing maintenance personnel to access both filters sequentially through a single opening without compromising aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the filter access function into two levels: the first filter seat provides primary access, while the second filter seat provides access to the rear area through the first filter seat. This segmentation allows the aesthetic exterior to remain intact while providing multi-level access for maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If an additional opening is formed on the outer surface of the support to access the second filter, then the accessibility for maintenance of the second filter is improved, but the aesthetics of the exposed parts deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first filter seat serves multiple functions: it acts as the access point for maintaining the first filter and simultaneously serves as a passage to access the second filter seat. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate additional opening, maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing maintenance access.
3Ease of operation
If the second filter seat is made accessible through the first filter seat, then the accessibility for maintenance of both filters is improved, but the structural complexity of the filter seats increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the access pathway from a single-plane opening to a multi-dimensional pathway. The first filter seat creates a vertical or depth-wise passage that leads to the second filter seat in the rear area, transforming a two-dimensional surface access problem into a three-dimensional spatial solution.
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 design facilitates easy and convenient maintenance of both filters without the need to disassemble or move the cooktop, improving accessibility and reducing maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The first filter element (14) is configured to facilitate condensation of liquid or semiliquid particles, such as fats, in the cooking fumes
Implementation Method 2
The second filter comprises one or more elements active-carbon filter elements adapted to absorb odors from the cooking fumes
Implementation Method 3
A centrifugal fan is in fluid communication with the suction opening, and particularly has an inlet port in fluid communication with the suction duct. The fan ejects the fumes through a outlet scroll
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cooktop (1) having a support (2) with a suction opening (4); a top surface (2a), a bottom surface (2b) and a connecting edge (23) between the top surface (2a) and the bottom surface (2b); said connecting edge having a front surface (23a) and a rear surface (23b) opposed to said front surface (23a); one or more heating elements (3) arranged on said support (2) in proximity to said top surface (2a); suction means (5) connected in fluid communication with said suction opening (4) and configured to draw in cooking fumes, in proximity to said heating elements (3), said suction means (5) comprising first (11) and second (12) filter; said first filter (11) having a first seat (13) and comprising a first filtering element (14) in said first seat (13), said first seat (13) being accessible through said suction opening (4) to allow the extraction and/or insertion of said first filtering element (14); said second filter (12), located downstream from said first filter (11), having a second seat (15), separate from said first seat (13), and comprising a plurality of second filtering elements (16) of a different types with respect to said first filtering element (14) and inserted in said second seat (15). The characteristic feature is that the second seat (15) is located at the rear surface (23b) of the edge (23) and said first seat (13) is interposed between said suction opening and said second seat (15); said second seat (15) is accessible through said first seat (13), to allow the extraction and/or insertion of said second filtering through said suction opening (4) passing through said first seat (13).