Cooktop-Integrated Single-Fan Extractor with Upward-Facing Inlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen ventilation systems, such as downdraft fans and extractor hoods, require significant space and impose high demands on suction fans due to the need for extensive exhaust air duct systems and increased airflow deflection, leading to inefficiencies and increased noise.
Innovation Solution
A combination appliance integrating a hob with a single fan extractor device, where the fan's air inlet opening faces the hob, reducing airflow deflection and allowing for a larger fan size, thus simplifying the structure and improving suction efficiency while minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a downdraft ventilation is provided as a separate device with an exhaust air duct system, then vapor extraction function is achieved, but the space required increases and the distance between inlet opening and vacuum source increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hob and extractor device into a single integrated unit, with the fan directly mounted on the bottom of the device housing and the air inlet opening facing the hob. This merging eliminates the need for separate exhaust air duct systems and reduces the distance between the vapor source and the vacuum source, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining effective vapor extraction
2Reliability
If the distance between inlet opening and vacuum source is increased, then vapor extraction coverage is improved, but the demands on the vacuum source increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the fan far from the hob to increase coverage, the patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning the fan directly beneath the hob with the air inlet opening facing upward toward the hob surface. This inverted configuration reduces the distance to the vapor source, allowing a smaller, less powerful fan to achieve effective vapor extraction
3Reliability
If cooking vapors are deflected through a long duct system, then vapor removal is achieved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential vapor extraction function from the complex duct system by positioning the fan directly under the hob with the air inlet opening facing the hob. This eliminates the need for extensive exhaust air duct systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective vapor removal through direct suction at the source
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 reduces the demands on the fan, allows for a more compact design, and enhances airflow efficiency, resulting in effective and quiet vapor extraction without the need for extensive ductwork, making it easier to integrate into kitchen layouts.
Implementation Method 1
the fan (110) of the extractor device (11) on the bottom (140) of the device housing (14)... sucking air out of the space above the hob
Data Source
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AI summary
A combination appliance includes a cooktop having an opening representing a suction opening of the combination appliance. Arranged below the cooktop is a steam extraction device for suctioning air from a space above the cooktop via the opening. The steam extraction device includes a single blower having an air inlet opening and arranged in the combination appliance such that the air inlet opening of the blower faces the cooktop.