Hanging system for an extractor hood

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hanging systems for extractor hoods in high-ceilinged rooms either use unsightly cables or aesthetically unpleasing thick frames that are difficult to handle and transport, as they need to accommodate greater forces and distances while maintaining an attractive appearance.

Innovation Solution

A hanging system featuring hollow encasement profiles with passages for cables and coupling pieces that allow movement, providing the necessary strength while concealing cables and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance by using materials like rubber for flexibility and allowing pivoting or spring-like movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hanging cables are used to support extractor hoods at large distances from the ceiling, then the system can accommodate high ceilings and allow movement, but the cables are unsightly from an aesthetic point of view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to hang at large distancesVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The hanging cables are nested inside hollow encasement profiles that extend from the frame structure to the ceiling. This nesting conceals the unsightly cables while maintaining their functional ability to support the extractor hood at large distances and accommodate movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Encasement profiles serve as intermediary elements between the hanging cables and the visible frame structure. These profiles hide the cables from view while allowing them to perform their supporting and movement-accommodating functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If frames with thicker profiles are used to support extractor hoods in high ceilings, then the frame can accommodate greater forces and distances, but the profiles become heavier and more difficult to hang and transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate forcesVSAvoidweight of frame profiles
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented between the frame structure (which provides the visible aesthetic profile) and the hanging cables (which provide the actual strength to accommodate forces). This allows the frame to remain lightweight and easy to handle while the cables, which are not visible, bear the mechanical loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hanging cables act as flexible elements that can be thin and lightweight yet still accommodate the forces acting on the extractor hood in high ceilings. These cables are concealed within encasement profiles, allowing them to be lightweight without compromising aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Shape

If frames are used to hang extractor hoods, then the appearance is aesthetically pleasing, but the system cannot easily accommodate movement and height adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidability to accommodate movement
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines the static aesthetic frame structure with dynamic hanging cables that can move and adjust. The encasement profiles follow the movement of the cables, maintaining the aesthetic appearance while allowing the extractor hood to move and be adjusted in height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The encasement profiles are nested on the hanging cables in a way that allows them to move together as a unit. This nesting maintains the continuous aesthetic profile while the entire assembly can move to accommodate changes in position and height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The system effectively supports extractor hoods at large distances from the ceiling, accommodating forces and adjusting height easily while appearing as a continuous, aesthetically pleasing profile, thus combining the advantages of cable systems with the aesthetic benefits of frames.

Implementation Method 1

The coupling piece is made of rubber or another elastic material, so that movement is possible between the encasement profile and the frame structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4015917B1Hanging system for an extractor hood
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 NOVY NV
  • EP4015917B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4015917B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4015917B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Hanging system for an extractor hood (1) comprising a frame structure with profiles (4, 11, 13) for supporting an extractor hood (1) and comprising hanging cables (2) for hanging the frame structure from an overlying structure, wherein the hanging system comprises, for each hanging cable (2), an encasement profile (5), wherein each hanging cable (2) is connected to the frame structure and at least partially extends through a passage (20) of the respective encasement profile (5) and that each encasement profile (5) is coupled by an end to the frame structure and this is achieved with the aid of a coupling piece (6) that allows movement between the encasement profile (5) and the frame structure between a rest position of the hanging system and one or more other positions.