Cooking Hob Filter Unit for Liquid Separation and Vapor Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kitchen ventilation systems, such as downdraft fans and extractor hoods, face challenges in effectively filtering both vapors and liquids, as liquids can enter the filtration system and impede airflow, and existing solutions require liquids to pass through filter materials, leading to inefficiencies in vapor extraction and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A filter unit with a collecting element positioned between the air inlet and outlet openings, featuring a separate collection area outside the filter body, which prevents liquids from entering the fan and ensures efficient airflow by guiding liquids away from the filtration system, allowing for improved vapor extraction and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter element is arranged in the drainage channel system to prevent liquids from entering the vacuum source, then liquid protection is improved, but liquid flow efficiency deteriorates because liquids must pass through the filter element
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is segmented into distinct functional zones: an upper collection area for receiving liquids, a filter element for vapor filtration, and a lower drainage channel. This segmentation allows liquids to be collected and drained separately from the vapor filtration path, eliminating the need for liquids to pass through the filter element while maintaining both liquid protection and flow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection area acts as an intermediary chamber between the vapor inlet and the drainage system. Liquids are received and held in this intermediate space, allowing them to be drained away without contacting the filter element, thus protecting the vacuum source while maintaining efficient liquid removal.
2Quantity of substance
If liquids are collected in a trough under the filter element, then liquid collection is improved, but vapor extraction efficiency deteriorates when the trough reaches maximum level
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is divided into an upper collection area for liquid accumulation and a lower drainage channel system. This vertical segmentation allows the collection area to reach higher liquid levels without blocking the drainage path, maintaining both collection capacity and vapor extraction efficiency even when the trough is full.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage channel is positioned at the bottom of the filter unit, creating a vertical dimension for liquid drainage that is separate from the horizontal collection space. This dimensional arrangement allows liquids to be drained from below while the collection area fills from above, preventing blockage of vapor flow paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the filter unit is designed with both collection area and filter element, then both liquid reception and vapor filtration are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the collection area, filter element, and drainage channel are combined into one compact unit that performs both liquid reception and vapor filtration simultaneously. This integration achieves dual functionality without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is designed as a multi-functional component that handles both liquid collection and vapor filtration within a single device. The collection area receives liquids, the filter element filters vapors, and the drainage channel removes liquids, creating a universal solution that addresses multiple problems in one unit.
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 effectively prevents liquids from entering the fan, ensures reliable vapor extraction, and maintains efficient airflow by allowing air to pass through the filter elements multiple times, enhancing the purification process and preventing liquids from impeding airflow.
Implementation Method 1
a filter unit (12) with at least one filter body (129) with at least one filter element (120)
Implementation Method 2
at least one collecting element (127) for collecting liquids is provided, which is arranged in the filter body (129) between the air inlet opening (125) and the air outlet opening (126)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a filter unit for a fume extraction device (11), which comprises at least one filter body (129) with at least one filter element (120) and at least one collection area (122) for liquids. The filter unit (12) is characterized in that the filter body (129) forms a hollow body at least in some areas, an air inlet opening (125) is formed in the upper side of the filter body (129) and is used for the inlet of air coming from the vapor extraction device (11). is sucked in, an air outlet opening (126) is formed in the underside of the filter body (129), which is used for the outlet of air from the filter unit (12) to the vapor extraction device (11), and that in the interior of the filter body (129) at least one collecting element (127) is provided for collecting liquids, which is arranged offset upwards to the underside of the filter body (129). A combination device with such a filter unit (12) is also described.