Combination device with a cooker hob and extractor device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen ventilation systems, particularly those using downdraft fans, require significant space and impose high demands on suction fans due to the long distance between the cooking area and the vacuum source, leading to inefficiencies in vapor extraction and increased risk of dirt and liquids entering the fan.
Innovation Solution
A combination appliance with a hob and extractor hood design featuring at least two recesses in the hob to reduce the distance air travels to the fan, integrating the hob and extractor device as a single unit with the fan positioned below the hob, and incorporating a radial fan with an upward-facing air inlet opening to minimize airflow deflection and protect the fan from contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fan is positioned far from the cooktop (as in separate downdraft ventilation systems), then the extraction of cooking vapors can be achieved, but the space requirement increases and the demands on the negative pressure source increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooktop and extractor hood into a single integrated unit, with the fan positioned directly below the cooktop surface. This merging eliminates the need for separate ventilation systems and long exhaust ducts, reducing space requirements while maintaining effective vapor extraction through the integrated design
2Volume of moving object
If the fan is positioned close to the cooktop, then the space requirement is reduced, but the risk of dirt and liquids entering the fan increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a differentiated design where the front portion of the fan housing remains accessible for air intake, while the rear portion is sealed and integrated with the exhaust duct system. This local quality differentiation allows the fan to be positioned close to the cooktop for space efficiency while protecting critical components from contaminants through selective sealing
3Device complexity
If radial fans are used with upward airflow from below, then the fan can be positioned below the cooktop, but the requirements for the fans to generate sufficient negative pressure are increased due to large airflow distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical airflow (upward from below) to horizontal airflow by positioning the fan laterally adjacent to the cooktop surface. This dimensional change allows the fan to draw air horizontally across a short distance and discharge it laterally, eliminating the need to generate high negative pressure over long vertical distances while maintaining effective vapor extraction
4Ease of operation
If extraction openings are located at the edges of the cooktop, then air can be drawn downwards, but the distance air has to travel to the fan is considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fan from its traditional position within the cooktop structure and positions it laterally adjacent to the cooktop surface. This extraction allows air to be drawn directly across the cooktop surface through nearby openings and immediately captured by the fan, minimizing the travel distance while maintaining the downward airflow extraction effect
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 simplifies the structure, reduces the demands on the fan, prevents dirt and liquids from entering, and enhances the extraction of cooking vapors while reducing the overall height and noise of the ventilation system.
Implementation Method 1
the requirements for the radial fans to generate sufficient negative pressure are increased
Implementation Method 2
A suction fan is located at the outer end of the exhaust duct
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a combination appliance comprising a hob (10) with at least one cover plate (103) and at least one heating element (101) and an extractor device (11) arranged below the hob (10) with a fan (110) for extracting air from the space above the hob (10). The combination appliance (1) is characterized in that at least two recesses (104) are made in the hob (10) and the at least two recesses (104) are arranged offset horizontally with respect to the fan (110) arranged under the hob (10) and the edge of the recesses (104) in vertical projection onto the underlying fan (110) lies close to or partly on the edge of the air inlet opening (115) of the fan (110).