Integrated Hob Ventilation With Downward Duct Filtration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fume extraction devices have reduced suction performance due to the fan being spaced apart from the hob and rely solely on filter elements in the suction pipe above the hob, which does not effectively clean air and can direct cleaned air negatively towards the user.

Innovation Solution

Integrating the fan into the hob with a downwardly extending air duct and a circulating air filter, allowing for reliable air cleaning and effective suction performance while directing cleaned air away from the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the fan is arranged spaced apart from the hob, then the device structure is simplified, but the suction performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidsuction performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fan is integrated directly into the hob structure, merging the fume extraction device with the hob. This eliminates the need for a separate housing spaced apart from the hob, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining optimal suction performance by positioning the fan in immediate proximity to the cooking surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If only filter elements in the suction pipe are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the air cleaning reliability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering systemVSAvoidair cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The air cleaning function is divided into two distinct stages: primary filtration through filter elements in the suction pipe near the hob, and secondary filtration through a circulating air filter in the discharge air duct. This segmentation allows each filter to perform its specific function optimally, ensuring reliable air cleaning while maintaining reasonable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circulating air filter is positioned in the discharge air duct to perform preliminary cleaning of the air before it is discharged into the kitchen environment. This preliminary action ensures that odors and contaminants are removed before the air reaches the user, enhancing air cleaning reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the fan is integrated into the hob, then the suction performance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction performanceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fan is integrated directly into the hob structure, merging the fume extraction device with the hob. This eliminates the need for a separate housing spaced apart from the hob, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining optimal suction performance by positioning the fan in immediate proximity to the cooking surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If air is discharged directly from the fume extraction device, then the device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to negative airflow effect on user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair duct systemVSAvoidairflow effect on user
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The circulating air filter is positioned in the discharge air duct to perform preliminary cleaning of the air before it is discharged into the kitchen environment. This preliminary action ensures that odors and contaminants are removed before the air reaches the user, enhancing air cleaning reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 configuration ensures reliable air cleaning and effective suction performance while preventing direct airflow towards the user, effectively removing odors before discharge.

Implementation Method 1

an at least partially downwardly extending air duct being provided, said air duct being located in the direction of flow downstream of the fan and a circulating air filter being arranged in said air duct

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS11098906B2Combined appliance and a kitchen device with the combined appliance
Publication Date: 2021.08.24 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • US11098906B2 patent drawing
  • US11098906B2 patent drawing
  • US11098906B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A combined appliance includes a hob and a fume extraction device which is integrated in the hob and includes a fume extraction housing and an air duct having an end which is connected to the fume extraction housing. The fume extraction housing has an accommodating space having at least one region adjacent to the hob for accommodating a fan. The air duct has a vertical region which runs downward. A circulating air filter is arranged in the air duct.