Extractor Hood with Integrated UV Sanitizing Chamber for Kitchen Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extractor hoods do not effectively sanitize kitchen air and occupy valuable space, making them aesthetically unattractive and cumbersome, while standalone air sanitizers are space-intensive and pose movement hazards.
Innovation Solution
An integrated extractor hood with a built-in sanitizing chamber using UV radiation, such as UVC or UVB LEDs, that can be retrofitted into existing hoods, allowing for efficient air purification without additional space consumption, with independent power supply and control to prevent interference with cooking fumes and extend UV source lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standalone air sanitizing device is used, then air sanitization function is provided, but it takes up space and becomes an obstacle for movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air sanitization function with the extractor hood by integrating a UV radiation source and control unit into the hood structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate standalone sanitizing devices, thereby providing air sanitization without occupying additional space in the kitchen environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor hood is designed to perform multiple functions: both vapor extraction from the hob and air sanitization of the kitchen environment. By making the hood universal and multi-functional, the invention eliminates the need for separate dedicated sanitizing devices, thus resolving the space occupation issue.
2Reliability
If a standalone air sanitizing device is used, then air sanitization is achieved, but it requires autonomous connection to electrical mains and movement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit and UV source are integrated into the extractor hood's existing electrical system. The sanitization function shares the hood's power connection and control interface, eliminating the need for autonomous electrical connections and simplifying operation by using the same user interface already present on the hood.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor hood's electrical system and control interface are made multi-functional, serving both vapor extraction and air sanitization purposes. This universality eliminates the need for separate electrical connections and control systems, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If cooking fumes are allowed to contact the UV source, then vapor extraction continues, but the UV source efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the hood's functionality into distinct operational modes: vapor extraction mode and air sanitization mode. The control unit prevents simultaneous operation, ensuring that when UV sanitization is active, cooking fumes are not drawn into the sanitization chamber, thereby protecting UV source efficiency while maintaining vapor extraction capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sanitization function operates periodically or in alternating cycles with vapor extraction, rather than simultaneously. This periodic action allows the UV source to sanitize air without exposure to cooking fumes, while the vapor extraction system operates during other periods, maintaining both functions' efficiency through time-based separation.
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 solution provides effective air sanitization without increasing space usage, maintaining efficient vapor extraction and ensuring the UV source's longevity by preventing cooking fumes from being sucked into the sanitizing system.
Implementation Method 1
this air encounters UV radiation with an appropriate wavelength (in band C, or with wavelengths between 200 and 280 nm, preferably between 250 and 265 nm, indicated as UVC radiation) emitted by an appropriate source (defined by one or more UVC lamps)
Data Source
AI summary
An extractor hood (1) for a hob of the type to be fitted above a hob in a kitchen, and including a first part or extractor part (3) in the vicinity of this hob, which part is connected to a second part or flue (4) having an extractor unit (5) which is connected to an exhaust for vapour extracted from said hob. A sanitising chamber (20) is provided into which air is extracted directly from the kitchen, and includes an extractor unit (21) and a source of radiation (22) which can sterilise this air extracted before it exits from this sanitising chamber (20).