Fume extractor hood and ventilation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fume extractor hoods face challenges in energy efficiency, odor removal, and durability due to limitations in airflow adjustment and ventilation system design, particularly in domestic settings where compact, cost-effective, and long-lasting solutions are needed.
Innovation Solution
A fume extractor hood with a device for airflow adjustment featuring a housing, movable sheet, and motor-driven mechanism, made by metal molding for precision and durability, allowing for electronic control of aperture area and reduced material usage, integrated with a central ventilation system for efficient odor removal and energy conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a damper is used to adjust airflow in the fume extractor hood, then odor removal capability is improved, but the mobility and functionality of the damper deteriorate over time due to wear and usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical damper system with an electronically controlled airflow adjustment device. A motor-driven mechanism actuates a movable sheet or gate to control the opening area, eliminating the need for manual damper operation. This substitution reduces mechanical wear and improves long-term reliability while maintaining odor removal effectiveness through electronic control.
2Productivity
If external air guiding elements are added to improve odor reduction, then odor removal capability is improved, but headroom is reduced and aesthetic appearance is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the airflow guidance function directly into the housing structure of the fume extractor hood. The housing is designed with internal flow guidance features that channel air without requiring separate external guiding elements. This merging of functions maintains odor removal effectiveness while preserving headroom and aesthetic appearance.
3Volume of moving object
If small dimensions of exhaust ducts are used, then installation space is reduced, but high pressure is required leading to increased leakage risk and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs transition elements within the exhaust duct system that gradually change the cross-sectional area and shape of the airflow path. These transition elements optimize airflow parameters, reducing turbulence and pressure losses. By carefully designing the transition geometry, the system maintains effective exhaust performance with smaller duct dimensions while minimizing leakage risk and noise generation.
4Manufacturing precision
If metal molding is used for the airflow adjustment device, then manufacturing precision and durability are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow adjustment device is divided into separate modular components, each manufactured using appropriate processes. Critical precision components are made by metal molding, while less critical parts use simpler manufacturing methods. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high overall precision without incurring excessive manufacturing costs across all 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
The solution provides a compact, efficient, and long-lasting airflow adjustment mechanism that enhances odor removal and energy efficiency by optimizing airflow and reducing material usage, while maintaining functionality over time.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (6), a driving element (7), arranged in the movable sheet (5), and a connecting element (8), which is connected to the motor (6) and the driving element (7)
Implementation Method 2
the necessary airflow for aspiring fumes and for the ventilation of rooms is provided by a central flow generator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~5
AI summary
We describe a device (1) for the adjustment of an air flow (13) within a fume extractor hood (20), a ventilation unit or an exhaust duct, wherein the device comprises a housing (2) having an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), which are fluidically connected for conducting the air flow (13) along a flow path from the inlet (3) to the outlet (4), and a sheet (5), movable into the flow path along a moving direction (16), for adjusting an aperture area (14) in the flow path, wherein the sheet (5) is arranged at the inlet (3) or at the outlet (4) or in between the inlet (3) and the outlet (4). The device is characterized by further comprising a motor (6), arranged at or nearby the housing (2), a driving element (7), arranged in or on the movable sheet (5), and a connecting element (8), which is connected to the motor (6) and the driving element (7), wherein at least one of the housing (2), the movable sheet (5), and the driving element (7) are made by molding, in particular by metal molding. Further, we describe a fume extractor hood (20) and a ventilation system for a house or a building.