Height-Adjustable Extractor Hood for Flush Worktop Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extractor hoods are visually intrusive, require additional effort for cover management, and can obstruct the usable area of kitchen worktops, while also being less effective in vapor extraction and air flow management, especially when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable extractor hood with a suction opening that can be positioned vertically up, down, or flush with the kitchen worktop, equipped with an electric drive for automatic operation, allowing for enhanced vapor extraction and cooling air flow management, and featuring a control unit for optimized suction power and visibility of display elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the suction opening is closed with a cover when not in use, then the visual appearance is improved and objects are prevented from falling into the air duct, but additional effort is required to remove and replace the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is made rotatable instead of fixed, allowing it to be easily repositioned between horizontal (closed) and vertical (open) orientations. This dynamic transformation eliminates the need for complete removal and reinstallation, resolving the contradiction between visual appearance and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a rotatable cover is used to close the suction opening, then automatic operation is achieved and objects are prevented from falling in, but additional costs are incurred for the rotating mechanism and drive
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be manually rotatable by the user without requiring motorized drives or complex control systems. The user simply rotates the cover to the desired position, achieving automatic closure functionality while avoiding the costs and complexity of powered mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover extends vertically upwards when in use, then objects are prevented from falling directly into the air duct, but the usable area of the hob is restricted and the cover may collide with cookware
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions from a vertical extension that obstructs space to a horizontal orientation that clears the cooking area. By rotating the cover to a horizontal position during use, the system maintains object protection functionality while eliminating interference with cookware and maximizing usable hob surface area.
4Productivity
If the height-movable element is positioned offset upwards, then vapor extraction is enhanced, but the extractor hood becomes visually more intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The height-movable element can be dynamically positioned at different vertical levels. When offset upwards, it enhances vapor extraction efficiency by being closer to the heat source. When retracted or positioned differently, it becomes less visually intrusive. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between performance and aesthetics.
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 visually inconspicuous, space-efficient, and intuitive operation of extractor hoods, improving vapor extraction and air flow management, with automatic operation and adjustable suction power to suit different cooking modes, enhancing the kitchen's aesthetic integration and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an air suction element, in particular a fan, which is designed to generate the flow of fumes
Implementation Method 2
the height-movable element, in particular an extractor cover, can be moved in at least three positions or positionings of different heights relative to the plane of the kitchen worktop or hob, in particular in a flush positioning, in which the opening in the kitchen worktop is blocked
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a ventilation hood (2) for extracting a stream of fumes (A) below the plane of a kitchen worktop (1) and/or a cooktop (1), comprising a frame (20) designed to be fixedly connected to the kitchen worktop (1) and/or the cooktop (1), and a height-adjustable element (23) with an intake opening (24), wherein the height-adjustable element (23) is designed to be moved relative to the frame (20) in the vertical direction (Z) by means of a, preferably electric, drive, so that the height-adjustable element (23), preferably a ventilation hood cover (26) of the height-adjustable element (23), can be positioned in the vertical direction (Z) relative to the plane of the kitchen worktop (1) or the cooktop (1) • downwards, • flush, and • upwards.