Downdraft Extraction Device with Inlet-Accessible Odour Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction devices, particularly downdraft types, have cumbersome odour filter servicing due to its placement close to the outlet opening, making access and removal difficult during maintenance activities.
Innovation Solution
An extraction device design with an inlet opening at or below a worktop cutout allows access to the odour filter through the inlet opening, featuring support means and a locking mechanism for easy insertion and removal, and includes a guide mechanism for tool-free assembly and disassembly, facilitating simplified maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the odour filter is arranged close to the outlet opening in conventional extraction devices, then the device structure is compact, but the access to and removal of the filter element becomes cumbersome during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The odour filter element is extracted from the conventional location near the outlet opening and repositioned to be accessible through the air inlet opening. This allows the filter to be removed and serviced without disassembling the outlet section or cabinet structures, significantly improving maintenance accessibility while maintaining a compact overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of accessing the odour filter through the outlet opening as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the access path by making the filter accessible through the air inlet opening. This reversal of the access route allows maintenance personnel to service the filter from the front of the device rather than from the rear outlet section.
2Ease of repair
If the odour filter is accessible through the inlet opening with support means, then maintenance becomes easier, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support means are designed to automatically engage with and support the filter element during insertion and removal operations. The support means include engagement surfaces and guiding features that self-align with the filter element, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning or additional adjustment mechanisms during maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The support means act as an intermediary mechanism between the filter element and the filter seat. These support structures provide a simplified interface that facilitates filter element handling through the inlet opening, mediating the interaction between the user and the filter seat without requiring direct manipulation of complex internal structures.
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 access to the odour filter, reduces the need for excessive disassembly, and enhances user readiness for regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing filter elements, by providing a straightforward and user-friendly method for servicing.
Implementation Method 1
a fan (36) for aspirating the air from the area above the cooking hob through the air inlet opening (24)
Implementation Method 2
The filter element (60) may comprise an odour filter, specifically a carbon filter, for removing odours from the aspirated air
Implementation Method 3
a grease particle filter for removing particles from the aspirated air
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5C
AI summary
The present invention concerns an extraction device (14) for removing air from an area above a cooking hob (12), which comprises an air inlet opening (24), a fan (36) for aspirating air from the area above the cooking hob (12) through the air inlet opening (24), a filter (60) element and an outlet opening (30) for exhausting air. According to the invention, the filter element (60) is removably arranged in a filter seat (62) downstream of the air inlet opening (24) and is accessible through the air inlet opening (24). Support means or actuation means are included supporting or facilitating insertion into and/or removal from the filter seat (62). The support means or actuation means are arranged at and/or act on the filter element (60) in a direction at least partially opposite to the direction of insertion.