Downdraft Element Double-Shell Design to Reduce Flow-Induced Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Downdraft elements in kitchen settings generate noise due to flow-induced vibrations, particularly when made of sheet metal, leading to noise pollution during operation.
Innovation Solution
A double-shell downdraft element design with a damping material receptacle and guide bodies, featuring curved surfaces and perforations, is used to reduce vibrations and noise by minimizing pressure loss and guiding fluid flow smoothly, while allowing for easy assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a sheet metal downdraft element is used, then structural strength and durability are improved, but flow-induced vibrations cause significant noise pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The downdraft element is divided into two separate shell parts that are connected by connecting elements. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain strength while reducing vibration transmission and noise generation through the distributed connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
Connecting elements serve as intermediaries between the two shell parts, providing mechanical connection while isolating vibrations. These intermediaries reduce the direct transmission of flow-induced vibrations that would otherwise cause noise in a monolithic sheet metal structure.
2Productivity
If the downdraft element redirects flow, then cooking fumes are effectively removed, but the redirection amplifies flow noise
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple sections within the two-shell structure, allowing the flow to be redirected in controlled stages. This reduces sudden flow direction changes that amplify noise while maintaining effective fume removal capability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a two-shell structure is used, then noise and vibrations are reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The downdraft element is constructed from two separable shell parts connected by simple connecting elements, enabling modular assembly. This segmentation reduces vibrations and noise while the standardized connection method keeps assembly complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The two shell parts are combined through connecting elements to form a complete downdraft element. This merging approach allows the structure to benefit from the noise-reducing two-shell design while maintaining assembly simplicity through standardized connection interfaces.
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 significantly reduces noise pollution and extends the service life of connections by effectively dampening vibrations and optimizing fluid flow, resulting in a quieter and more efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The damping material receptacle can contain damping material, in particular absorbent material, by means of which vibrations generated by the fluid flow can be dampened
Implementation Method 2
The downdraft element can have at least one guide element for flow guidance, spaced apart from the inside and arranged between the first and second flow openings
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a downdraft element (200) with a first flow opening (205) and a second flow opening (206), wherein the first flow opening (205) is arranged relative to the second flow opening (206) at an angle of 45° ≤ α ≤ 135°, preferably substantially 90°, such that at least the mean flow direction of a fluid entering the first flow opening (205) and exiting the second flow opening (206), or vice versa, can be deflected, characterized in that the downdraft element (200) has at least one damping material receptacle (201) and at least one damper (214) inserted into the damping material receptacle (214) on an inner surface (215, 216) between the first flow opening (205) and the second flow opening (206). The invention further relates to a corresponding arrangement.