Hob Air Extraction Device with Hinged Front Panel for Easy Maintenance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air extraction devices from hobs, such as table ventilation systems, face challenges in ease of maintenance, particularly in cleaning and replacing parts, as the entire front panel often needs to be removed, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pivoting front panel connected via a hinge that transitions from exerting tensile force in a closed position to compressive force in an open position, allowing for easy access and maintenance without the need to remove the entire panel, and featuring a spring-assisted mechanism for effortless operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire front panel is removed for maintenance, then full access to internal components is achieved, but the maintenance process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The front panel is segmented into a fixed outer frame and a movable inner panel section. The movable panel can be independently pivoted open via hinges to provide access to internal components like the grease filter, while the outer frame remains attached to the device housing. This segmentation allows partial access without removing the entire panel assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The front panel transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, movable structure through the incorporation of hinges and spring mechanisms. The panel can be pivoted between closed and open positions, enabling easy access to internal components while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appearance when closed.
2Area of stationary object
If the front panel is made long to cover the device, then complete coverage and aesthetic appearance are achieved, but access to internal components becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The long front panel is divided into a fixed outer frame that provides complete coverage and a movable inner panel section that can be independently opened. This allows the panel to maintain its full length for aesthetic purposes while the movable section provides easy access to internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable panel section acts as an intermediary element between the fixed outer frame and the internal components. It can be pivoted open to provide access to the grease filter and other components, while the fixed outer frame maintains the aesthetic appearance and structural support.
3Reliability
If the hinge exerts tensile force on the front panel, then secure closure is achieved, but the panel may unintentionally close during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides periodic force application: it exerts tensile force when the panel is in the closed position to maintain secure closure, but this force is naturally released when the panel is intentionally opened. The spring can be disengaged or overridden during maintenance operations, allowing the panel to remain open without unintentional closing.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded hinge mechanism automatically maintains the panel in the closed position through tensile force, eliminating the need for additional latches or fasteners. During maintenance, the spring force can be easily overcome by manually opening the panel, and it will remain in the open position without active control, allowing safe access to internal 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 design significantly enhances maintenance accessibility and usability by allowing the front panel to pivot away from the device, reducing the effort required for cleaning and repair, while ensuring safe and secure closure to prevent accidental opening.
Implementation Method 1
the hinge is designed such that, during a transition between a closed position in which the front panel closes the device and an open end position in which the front panel is pivoted away from the device to an end point, it changes from exerting a tensile force on the front panel to exerting a compressive force on the front panel
Implementation Method 2
the hinge is designed such that, during a transition between a closed position in which the front panel closes the device and an open end position in which the front panel is pivoted away from the device to an end point, it changes from exerting a tensile force on the front panel to exerting a compressive force on the front panel
Implementation Method 3
At least one hinge of the at least one hinge can have a tension spring to assist in closing the front panel
Implementation Method 4
a compression spring to assist in opening the front panel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device (10) for suction of air in a cooking field, has a suction opening (12) for suction of air in a cooking field and a front plate (11) for closing the device. The front plate is arranged in the area adjacent to the suction opening. The suction opening is provided in a side of the device facing the cooking field for directing the suction air. The front plate is pivotally mounted on the device. The front plate is connected to the device by a hinge.