Downdraft Extraction Device Alignment Means to Reduce Vibration Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Downdraft extraction devices experience vibration noises due to tolerances in the production line, which affect the arrangement of the cover element at the inlet opening, particularly when extracting cooking fumes from induction cooking hobs, and also impact the aesthetic design of the cooking hob.

Innovation Solution

The extraction device incorporates an alignment means with multiple components, including beveled edges and elastic materials, to center and stabilize the cover element at the inlet opening, ensuring a flush installation and reducing vibration noises while maintaining a smooth aesthetic design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cover element is arranged at the inlet opening using conventional alignment means, then the extraction device can function, but vibration noises occur due to production tolerances causing play in the arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable operationVSAvoidvibration noises
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An elastic intermediate element (sealing ring) is introduced between the cover element and the inlet opening to absorb dimensional deviations and prevent direct contact with play, thereby eliminating vibration noises while maintaining functional reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment means is changed from a rigid structure to an elastic structure that can deform within a defined range to compensate for dimensional deviations, transforming the parameter of rigidity to elasticity to eliminate play-induced vibrations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover element is tightly fitted at the inlet opening to eliminate play, then vibration noises are reduced, but the aesthetic design of the cooking hob surface is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration noisesVSAvoidaesthetic design
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is localized to the elastic intermediate element at the contact interface, while the cover element itself maintains a smooth, aesthetically pleasing surface that integrates with the cooking hob design, separating functional and aesthetic requirements to different locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If conventional alignment means are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the arrangement of the cover element has play causing operational issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment means structureVSAvoidarrangement stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible elastic intermediate element (sealing ring) is used instead of complex rigid alignment mechanisms, providing reliable centering and sealing through elastic deformation while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 minimizes vibration noises and enhances the aesthetic appeal of the cooking hob by ensuring precise alignment and secure fitment of the cover element, compensating for production tolerances and providing a stable operation during cooking processes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of the first, second and third component is made of an elastic material, wherein the elastic material is deformable in at least one direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4390236A1Extraction device
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP4390236A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4390236A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4390236A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention is related to an extraction device (14) for removing air from an area above a cooking hob (12). The extraction device (14) comprises an inlet opening (24) for an intake of the air into an interior of the extraction device (14), a cover element (26), which is arranged at the inlet opening (24), and at least one alignment means (60, 60', 72). According to the invention, the alignment means (60, 60', 72) comprises at least a first component for centring the cover element (26) with the inlet opening (24), wherein the at least first component is arranged, continuously or discontinuously, at or next to a rim or edge of the inlet opening (24) and/or a rim or edge of the cover element (26).