Extractor Hood Filter Unit with Elastic Strip for Universal Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current filter units for extractor hoods require specially designed fastening elements that match the extractor hood's design, making them difficult to attach and adapt to different hood models, and often result in air leaks.

Innovation Solution

A filter unit with an elastic, compressible plastic strip attached to the filter frame, allowing for simple and reliable attachment to the extractor hood using surface pressure and static friction, without the need for specific counter-elements, and enabling easy size adjustment by cutting the strip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specially designed fastening elements are used for each extractor hood model, then the filter unit can be securely attached, but the device complexity increases and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidfastening element complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized fastening element (the elastic plastic strip) that can be used across different extractor hood models. This strip interacts with various counter-elements (cutouts, recesses, or flat surfaces) through the same attachment mechanism, eliminating the need for model-specific fastening designs while maintaining secure attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing an elastic plastic strip that can deform elastically during attachment. The strip is inserted in a compressed state and then expands to engage with the counter-element, creating a reliable mechanical connection. This elastic deformation parameter change allows the same fastening element to adapt to different opening sizes and configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If model-specific fastening elements are required, then secure attachment is achieved, but adaptability to different extractor hood designs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidfilter unit adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized fastening element with counter-element interaction design enables the filter unit to be adapted to various extractor hood models. The same fastening element can engage with different counter-element types (cutouts, recesses, or flat surfaces), providing both reliable attachment and broad adaptability across different hood designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the fastening function from the filter element itself. The elastic plastic strip is provided separately and can be attached to different filter elements as needed. This modular approach allows the fastening mechanism to be independently selected and adapted to match different extractor hood configurations while maintaining attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If traditional fastening elements are used, then attachment is possible, but air leaks occur at the sealing interface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment simplicityVSAvoidair leaks
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible shells and thin films by using an elastic plastic strip that can deform and conform to the counter-element surface. This flexible strip creates a tight sealing interface that prevents air leaks while maintaining simple attachment. The elastic nature of the plastic allows it to fill gaps and adapt to surface irregularities, eliminating leakage paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Stability of the object's composition

If non-compressible fastening elements are used, then structural stability is maintained, but sealing capability and ease of attachment deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter frame stabilityVSAvoidattachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the elastic properties of the plastic strip. The strip undergoes elastic deformation during attachment (compression during insertion, expansion during engagement) while maintaining its overall structural integrity. This controlled parameter change enables both easy attachment and stable fixation, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flexible attachment and sealing of the filter unit to various extractor hood designs, preventing air leaks and simplifying installation, while eliminating the need for additional fastening elements.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic, compressible plastic strip which is attached to the outside of the filter frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

allowing for simple and reliable attachment to the extractor hood using surface pressure and static friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic friction: Static Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4012270A1Extractor hood and filter unit for an extractor hood
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4012270A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4012270A1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4012270A1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to a filter unit for a cooker hood, wherein the filter unit comprises a filter element with a filter frame and at least one filter body held in the filter frame. The filter unit is characterized in that it has at least one elastic, compressible plastic strip attached to the outside of the filter frame and extending at least along one side of the filter frame. The invention also relates to a cooker hood with such a filter unit.