Pleated Extractor Hood Filter for Condensate Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extractor hood filters for hobs face issues with grease condensation and dripping onto the hob, affecting hygiene and aesthetics, as previous solutions either accumulate condensate within the aspiration space or allow it to be re-evaporated due to inadequate design.

Innovation Solution

The extractor hood incorporates a filtering unit with a pleated metal filter made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy, featuring triangular cross-section filtering elements connected in an inverted 'V' shape, which directs condensate to a collection area and prevents it from falling onto the hob through strategic inclination and passage design, facilitating efficient condensate removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a metal filter is used to retain grease in extractor hoods, then filtering performance is improved, but grease condenses on the filter and drips onto the hob below, causing hygiene and aesthetic issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering performanceVSAvoidgrease dripping onto hob
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the condensate collection function from the filter assembly by introducing a separate collection portion that receives condensate through dedicated channels. This separation allows the filter to focus on filtering while the collection portion handles condensate removal, preventing grease from dripping onto the hob.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces condensate collection channels as an intermediary mechanism between the filter and the hob. These channels capture condensate before it can drip onto the hob, acting as a mediator that prevents the harmful effect while maintaining the filtering function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If condensate is collected inside the passage between filtering screens and filters, then some condensate retention is achieved, but the passage dimension is reduced and condensate can be re-evaporated by hot vapour, exiting with the aspirated vapour

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecondensate retentionVSAvoidcondensate retention effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts condensate from the aspiration passage by providing dedicated collection channels that remove condensate before it can be re-evaporated by hot vapour. This extraction prevents condensate from remaining in the passage where it would be exposed to high temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the condensate collection function from the aspiration function by providing separate collection channels distinct from the vapour passage. This segmentation allows condensate to be collected and removed independently, preventing it from interfering with vapour flow or being re-evaporated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the filter is placed further inside the hood structure, then filtering efficiency is improved, but the distance from the opening increases, potentially affecting aspiration effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering efficiencyVSAvoidaspiration effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a frame with slots as an intermediary structure between the opening and the filter. This frame allows vapour to pass through while maintaining the filter's position further inside the hood, mediating between the need for aspiration effectiveness and filtering efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively retains and recovers condensate, enhancing filtering performance while maintaining a simple and cost-effective production process, ensuring optimal hygiene and aesthetic outcomes by preventing grease from dripping onto the hob.

Implementation Method 1

a problem with the filters for the grease of the extractor hoods, in particular those filters which are made of metal, is that this grease condenses on the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 2

give rise to a centrifugal effect thereon, such as to assist the aspiration and filtering thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal effect: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3974734B1Extractor hood for a cooking hob with a grease filter and a collection portion for collecting condensate
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 FABER SPA
  • EP3974734B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3974734B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3974734B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An extractor hood (1) for a hob, which hood can aspirate vapours or fumes from this hob, the vapours containing grease released by food being prepared on this hob, the hood (1) comprising a structure (2) containing a fan (3) in order to aspirate these vapours through an opening (4) of the hood (1), at said opening (4) there being present a filter (10) for the grease aspirated, which filter is associated with a frame (11) of the filter having openings (12) for the passage of said vapours, the filter (10) for the grease being further to the inside of the structure of the hood (2) than the frame (11) of the filter, said filter and said frame defining a unit (5) for filtering of the extractor hood (1). The filtering unit (5) is inclined relative to the opening (4) of the hood, said filter (10) for the grease being pleated and supported on said frame (11), the filter (10) for the grease having distributed passages (25) which can deflect the vapours aspirated onto inclined surfaces (18A) of the filter (10), which passages are distant from said frame (11) and can permit condensation of the vapours on these surfaces, said condensate being collected inside the hood (1) such as to prevent dripping of the condensate onto the hob below.