Extractor Hood Multi-Panel Front Assembly Using Hidden Adhesive Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extractor hood designs face challenges in achieving flexible design options and simplified manufacturing processes, as they often require complex attachment methods like welding or separate profiles, which can result in visible tape or limited geometry and material choices.
Innovation Solution
An extractor hood with a panel system comprising at least two panel parts connected via a single adhesive or magnetic connecting layer to the device body, allowing for secure attachment without visible fasteners and enabling flexible design and simplified manufacturing by eliminating the need for profiles or complex screw connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the decorative panel is glued directly to the device body or attached via a separate profile, then the panel can be secured to the device body, but the attachment method becomes complex and the tape becomes visible in the side view
Solution Approach 1:
The front of the device body is divided into a first region (visible front surface) and a second region (rear surface), with the connecting layer applied only to the second region. This segmentation allows the panel to be securely attached while keeping the connection method hidden from view.
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting layer (adhesive or magnetic) serves as an intermediary between the panel and the device body, enabling secure attachment without visible fasteners or complex mechanical connections. The connecting layer mediates the connection while remaining concealed on the rear surface.
2Ease of manufacture
If the front of the device body is offset backwards to create a step for panel insertion, then the panel can be attached, but welding and grinding are required and the depth of the step cannot be chosen arbitrarily
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting layer is applied in the depth dimension (on the rear surface of the front) rather than creating a visible step in the front surface dimension. This allows the front surface to remain flat while still providing attachment capability through the connecting layer positioned in the third dimension.
3Reliability
If a separate profile part is provided for panel attachment, then the panel can be securely mounted, but the production process becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting layer is integrated directly onto the front of the device body rather than being a separate profile component. This merging of the attachment mechanism with the device body eliminates the need for separate profile parts while maintaining secure panel mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting layer serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment, remains hidden from view, and can be applied directly to the device body surface. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated profile components that would otherwise be required.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the decorative panel covers only part of the front of the device body, then the electronic components are protected, but the design options for the appliance front are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The panel configuration is made dynamic and flexible through the use of multiple independently attachable panel parts that can be arranged in various patterns and configurations on the front surface, allowing diverse design options while maintaining protection of electronic components.
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 solution provides a secure, flexible, and aesthetically pleasing attachment method that allows for varied panel arrangements and materials, simplifying manufacturing and ensuring the panel remains securely attached even under temperature changes, while hiding the connecting layer from view.
Implementation Method 1
the at least two panel parts are connected to the front of the device body via a single connecting layer
Implementation Method 2
The connecting layer can be, for example, a magnetic layer or another connecting layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an extractor hood which has a basic body (1), in the underside of which is provided an intake opening for taking in air and on which, at least on part of the front side (11) of the basic body (1), a front panel (2) is fitted, characterized in that the front side (11) of the basic body (1) represents a planar surface, the front panel (2) consists of at least two front-panel parts (21-26), and the at least two front-panel parts (21-26) are connected to the front side (11) of the basic body (1) via at least one connecting layer (3).