Downward Vapour Extractor Filter Removal Through Inflow Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extractor devices have a complex and time-consuming filter removal process, which obstructs the appearance of the hob system and requires additional structural weakening, compromising the tidy appearance and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A reversibly deformable filter with a flexible frame and segmented design allows for easy removal through the inflow opening, eliminating the need for additional removal openings and maintaining a clean hob surface for cooking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a removal opening is created in the hotplate for filter maintenance, then the filter can be removed, but the appearance becomes compromised and the hotplate structure is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple segments that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the filter to be compressed into a compact form that can pass through the inflow opening for removal, while maintaining a large filtering surface area when assembled. The segmented design resolves the contradiction by enabling filter removal through the existing opening without requiring additional structural modifications to the hotplate.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter incorporates flexible connections between segments that allow it to dynamically change its shape and size. When removed, the filter can be compressed into a compact configuration to fit through the inflow opening. When installed, it expands to its full filtering surface area. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between removal ease and appearance preservation.
2Ease of repair
If a removal opening is created in the hotplate for filter maintenance, then the filter can be removed, but additional structural weakening occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The filter removal function is extracted from the hotplate structure by utilizing the existing inflow opening pathway. Instead of creating a new removal opening that would weaken the hotplate, the filter is designed to be removed through the already-present inflow opening. This extraction principle resolves the contradiction by separating the removal pathway from the hotplate structure, maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflow opening serves multiple functions: it allows cooking vapors to enter the extraction device during normal operation and also serves as the pathway for filter removal during maintenance. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for a separate removal opening, thereby preserving the hotplate's structural strength while still enabling easy filter access.
3Productivity
If the filter is made large for effective filtration, then filtering performance improves, but removal through the inflow opening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple segments connected by flexible joints. This segmentation allows the filter to maintain a large total filtering surface area for effective filtration while enabling the segments to be detached and compressed into a compact configuration for easy removal through the inflow opening. The segmented design directly resolves the contradiction between filtration effectiveness and removal ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter segments are connected by flexible connections that allow the filter to bend and compress. This flexibility enables the large filter surface area to be collapsed into a compact form factor that can pass through the relatively small inflow opening, resolving the contradiction between maintaining large filtering area and enabling easy removal.
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
Facilitates efficient filter replacement and cleaning, maintaining the extractor device's functionality while preserving the hob system's tidy appearance and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The filter can have at least one fold. Preferably the filter is pleated. As a result, the filter can be designed to be deformable. The pleating can also lead to an increase in the surface area of the filter.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a ventilation device (2) for extracting cooking fumes downwards. The ventilation device (2) comprises at least one fan (14) for drawing in the cooking fumes, an inlet opening (11) for the cooking fumes entering the ventilation device (2), a filter seat (19) arranged downstream of the at least one fan (14), on which at least one filter (20) for filtering the cooking fumes can be arranged, and a filter change chamber (21) extending between the inlet opening (11) and the at least one filter seat (19), wherein the filter change chamber (21) is designed for the reversible removal of the at least one filter (20) from the filter seat (19) through the inlet opening (11).