Extractor Hood Glass Panel Structure for Shadow-Free Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extractor hoods suffer from reduced light diffusion due to metal frames, resulting in shadow areas and incomplete room illumination, as the frame obstructs the light and limits the ability to illuminate the space homogeneously.
Innovation Solution
The extractor hood design features a surround metal frame separated from the hood body, connected only by a structural glass sheet that withstands stresses, with additional transparent sheets and methacrylate elements to enhance light diffusion and structural integrity, allowing for a more homogeneous and diffuse illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal frame is used to support the transparent sheet in the illuminating panel, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the light diffusion is obstructed and shadow areas are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal frame from the illuminating panel structure, extracting the obstructing element that caused shadow areas. The transparent sheet is directly coupled to the hood body without any metal frame support, allowing light to diffuse freely across the entire panel surface without obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent sheet serves dual functions: it provides structural support as a stressed element maintaining the panel's integrity, and simultaneously acts as an effective light diffuser. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate frame structures that would obstruct light.
2Area of stationary object
If the transparent sheet is made larger to improve light diffusion area, then the illumination coverage increases, but the weight of the panel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using transparent plastic materials such as PMMA (acrylic) or polycarbonate instead of traditional glass. These materials offer higher strength-to-weight ratios, allowing the panel to be larger in area while maintaining lower weight. The material parameter change enables extended light diffusion area without proportional weight increase.
3Device complexity
If the transparent sheet acts as a stressed element to reduce the number of support structures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the requirement for sheet strength increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the illuminating panel, combining the transparent sheet (PMMA or polycarbonate) with the hood body structure. This composite approach allows the sheet to function as both the diffusing surface and the primary structural element, eliminating the need for separate metal frame supports while meeting strength requirements through material selection.
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 configuration minimizes shadow areas, provides homogeneous illumination, and reduces the hood's weight while maintaining structural strength, enabling the extractor hood to function effectively as a light source without obstructing light paths.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet of transparent material, preferably glass, coupled with the frame... the sheet of transparent material is a real stressed element of the structure, that is a structural element of the hood designed to withstand stresses
Implementation Method 2
the provision of the metal frame is an obstacle for the free diffusion of the light... the sheet of transparent material... allowing for a more homogeneous and diffuse illumination
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an extractor hood (1) for kitchens and the like, comprising - a hood body (2) intended to house extraction means (3), - an illuminating panel (5) coupled to one end of the hood body (2) and in turn comprising a supporting frame (8) and a first sheet of transparent material (91), preferably glass, coupled to said supporting frame (8) and at least one light source, said hood (1) comprising hanging means (21,51) designed to keep the hood hung with respect to a hob, said hanging means being associated with the hood body (2) and with the illuminating panel (5), wherein the supporting frame (8) is a surround frame separated from said hood body (2) and coupled thereto by means of the sheet of transparent material (91), such that this latter is a stressed element - that is a structural element - of the hood (1).