Filter device for a vapour extraction device, and vapour extraction device with a filter device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extractor device filters are prone to contamination as grease or liquids drip down and accumulate below the filter, making it difficult to access and clean components located beneath the suction opening.

Innovation Solution

A filter device with a V-shaped grease filter and a collecting container that surrounds the tip of the V-shape, featuring a deflector element to prevent liquid entrainment and facilitate drainage, allowing for efficient collection and separation of impurities while simplifying the cleaning process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional filter is used in an extractor hood, then grease and liquids are filtered from the air flow, but grease and liquids drip down and contaminate components beneath the filter which are difficult to access and clean

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful liquid collection function is extracted from the filter element itself and transferred to a separate, accessible collection tray positioned below the filter. This allows the filter to maintain its filtration function while liquids are collected in a separate, easily accessible location that can be cleaned without disassembling the filter or accessing difficult-to-reach areas beneath it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A collection tray is introduced as an intermediary component between the filter element and the components beneath the filter. This tray intercepts dripping grease and liquids, preventing them from contaminating the fan and other components, while the tray itself is designed to be easily removable and cleanable by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the filter structure is simplified to improve cleaning access, then cleaning becomes easier, but the separation efficiency of impurities may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidseparation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration system is segmented into distinct functional components: the filter element for separation, the collection tray for liquid accumulation, and the support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the filter element maintains its separation efficiency while the collection tray provides easy access for cleaning, and the components can be cleaned in sequence without compromising the filtration function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a collecting container is added to capture dripping liquids, then contamination of underlying components is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collection tray is merged with the existing filter assembly structure, utilizing the same support framework and mounting mechanisms. This integration allows the collection function to be added without requiring separate complex support structures or additional fastening systems, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while still providing effective liquid collection.

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

The filter device effectively separates impurities and simplifies the cleaning of the extractor device by ensuring reliable liquid collection and preventing contamination of components, enhancing the fat separation rate and accessibility for maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

an edge filter arranged in at least one edge section of the filter system, which edge filter is designed as a vortex separator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

a filter layer arranged in at least one plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3956611B1Filter device for a vapour extraction device, and vapour extraction device with a filter device
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3956611B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3956611B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3956611B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a filter device for a vapour extraction device (11) having a suction opening (111) via which air is sucked off downwards. The filter device (2) is characterized in that the filter device (2) has a grease filter (20) and a collecting container (21) for collecting liquid, with an opening (210) for receiving at least part of an edge of the grease filter (20), and the width of the interior of the collecting container (21) is greater than the thickness (D) of the grease filter (20) in the region in which the latter is located in the interior of the collecting container (21). In addition, a vapour extraction device (11) having such a filter device (2) is disclosed.