Extractor Hood Inward Flap for Hidden High-Capture Intake

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extractor hoods with vertical or inclined suction openings face challenges in achieving sufficient vapor capture rates while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance, as large intake openings expose the interior components, including filters, to the user.

Innovation Solution

An extractor hood design featuring a flap that can move inwardly to close the suction opening, allowing for a larger intake size without protruding beyond the device's front, thus blocking the view of internal components and enhancing vapor capture efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the intake opening is made large to ensure sufficient vapor capture, then the vapor capture rate is improved, but the interior components including filters become visible to the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor capture rateVSAvoidappearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The front of the extractor hood is segmented into two functional zones: a fixed outer front panel and a movable inner flap. This segmentation allows the outer panel to maintain a sleek, closed appearance while the inner flap can be opened to reveal the intake opening for effective vapor capture. The flap acts as a separate controllable element that divides the visual and functional aspects of the front structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flap is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between a closed position (when the extractor hood is off) and an open position (when in use). This dynamic element allows the extractor hood to adapt its appearance based on operational state, maintaining aesthetic appeal during idle periods while ensuring functional performance during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Shape

If a cover plate is used to close the intake opening, then the appearance is improved, but the mass required to open the cover plate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveappearanceVSAvoidmass of cover plate
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a large, heavy cover plate that covers the entire front surface, the invention employs a localized flap that only covers the intake opening area. This flap is significantly smaller and lighter than a full cover plate, reducing the mass that needs to be moved while still achieving the aesthetic goal of closing the intake opening when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4083518B1Extractor hood
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4083518B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a range hood comprising a range hood housing (10) and a front panel (11) which is arranged inclined to the horizontal. The range hood (1) is characterized in that an intake opening (111) is provided in the front panel (11), the range hood (1) has at least one flap (112) for closing the intake opening (111), and the flap (112) is mounted on the range hood (1) so as to be movable inwards.