Food Processor Integrated Vapor Extraction to Reduce Energy and Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food processors face challenges in effectively and efficiently filtering vapors generated during cooking, as conventional extractor hoods require additional devices, high suction power, and space, and are not suitable for integration with food processors due to safety concerns and geometry mismatches.

Innovation Solution

A food processor with an integrated extractor module that includes a suction opening, filter, and suction device, allowing for direct vapor extraction and filtration within the processor, optimizing geometry and suction power for efficient vapor removal without additional devices or high energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a conventional range hood is used above the stovetop, then vapor extraction is achieved, but the stovetop is blocked and unusable, and the distance from the vapor source requires high extraction power

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor extractionVSAvoidstovetop usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the food processor and vapor extraction system into a single integrated device. The food processor housing incorporates the suction device, intake opening, and filter system, allowing vapor extraction without requiring a separate range hood that would block the stovetop surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of extracting vapor horizontally from above the stovetop, the system uses vertical extraction through the food processor container. The suction device draws vapor upward through the food being processed, utilizing the vertical dimension within the container rather than requiring horizontal space above the stovetop.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a portable extractor hood is used with a food processor, then vapor filtration is achieved, but additional equipment is required and considerable space is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor filtrationVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the suction device, intake opening, and filter directly into the food processor housing. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate portable extractor hoods or additional vapor filtration equipment, reducing the total number of devices required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The food processor housing serves multiple functions: it contains the food processing mechanisms and simultaneously houses the vapor extraction system with suction device, intake opening, and filter. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated vapor extraction equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a conventional range hood is used, then vapor extraction is achieved, but high extraction power is required resulting in noise and high energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor extractionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts vapor at the source within the food processor container, close to where it is generated during food processing. By removing vapor immediately at its origin rather than from a distance, the suction device requires minimal power to achieve effective extraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts vapor vertically through the food column in the container, creating a direct short path from the vapor source to the suction device. This vertical extraction pathway through the food reduces the distance vapor must travel compared to horizontal extraction from above, lowering the energy required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Use of energy by moving object

If downward vapor extraction is used from a lower position, then extraction power is reduced, but such devices are often incompatible with food processors due to height

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction powerVSAvoidcompatibility with food processors
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vapor extraction system is integrated within the food processor housing, with the suction device and intake opening positioned to work in conjunction with the food processor container. This integration ensures compatibility with standard food processor heights and configurations while maintaining efficient vapor extraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 space-saving, efficient, and convenient method for filtering vapors during food preparation, reducing noise and energy requirements while ensuring safety by integrating the extraction system directly into the food processor.

Implementation Method 1

a suction device with which steam from food preparation in the food preparation container can be drawn in through the suction opening and conveyed through the filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

The filter serves to remove substances from the vapor. A filter is a device that retains components from a vapor stream as the vapor flows through it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4265162A1Kitchen appliance and vapour extraction module
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP4265162A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4265162A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4265162A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to food processors for preparing food in a food preparation container by mixing, chopping, and/or heating, as well as a fume extraction module for a food processor. A food processor (1) for preparing food in a food preparation container (2) by mixing, chopping, and/or heating comprises the food preparation container (2), an intake opening (6), a filter (10), and a suction device (11) with which fumes (12) from the food preparation in the food preparation container (2) can be drawn in through the intake opening (6) and conveyed through the filter (10). In this way, a space-saving and convenient means of extracting the resulting fumes is created.