Extractor Hood Cable-Based Sliding Cover for Heavy Material Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Extractor hoods with sliding covers require significant force to move due to heavy materials, leading to large actuating units that occupy valuable space, which is limited in compact designs.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a connecting device with a fastening mechanism and a motorized actuating mechanism using a riser cable that transmits force between the cover and the extractor housing, allowing for reliable movement of the cover while minimizing space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a heavy material cover is used for the extractor hood, then the cover provides better durability and aesthetic appearance, but considerable force is required to move the cover

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover durabilityVSAvoidforce required to move cover
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a counterweight mechanism where a balance spring is connected to the cover through a cable system. The balance spring generates a counterbalancing force that offsets the weight of the heavy cover, making it easier to move the cover between open and closed positions without requiring excessive manual force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Reliability

If a large actuating unit is used to move the heavy cover, then reliable movement of the cover is achieved, but the actuating unit takes up a considerable amount of space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover movement reliabilityVSAvoidactuating unit space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces a traditional large mechanical actuating unit with a cable-based actuation system. The actuating force is transmitted through flexible cables connected to the cover, allowing for a more compact actuating mechanism while maintaining reliable cover movement. The cable system distributes the force transmission efficiently without requiring a bulky mechanical linkage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact extractor hood design is used, then the visual appearance is improved and installation space is minimized, but the installation space available for the actuating mechanism is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextractor hood sizeVSAvoidactuating mechanism space
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes a three-dimensional cable routing arrangement to accommodate the actuating mechanism within the compact extractor hood structure. The cables are routed through guides and channels that efficiently use available space in multiple dimensions, allowing the actuation system to fit within the constrained volume of a compact hood design without compromising functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables efficient and space-saving operation of the extractor hood, allowing for heavy material covers and reduced noise, with flexible design and pinch protection, while maintaining effective fume and vapor extraction.

Implementation Method 1

The cover (11) can be moved in relation to the extraction opening (14) of the extractor hood (13). Because the cover on a range hood is partially made of heavy material, considerable force is required to move the cover.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4170243A1Extractor hood
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4170243A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4170243A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4170243A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a range hood with a range hood housing (12), a cover (11) slidably mounted on the range hood housing (12) for covering the extraction opening (14) of the range hood (13), and an actuating mechanism for moving the cover (11). The range hood (13) is characterized in that the range hood (13) has a connecting device for connecting the cover (11) to the range hood housing (12), the connecting device comprises a fastening device which is attached to the range hood housing (12), the cover (11) is slidably mounted on the fastening device, and the actuating mechanism comprises at least one riser cable (8) which runs between the cover (11) and the fastening device for the relative displacement of the cover (11) with respect to the fastening device.