Inclined Filter Holder for Grease-Free Hob Extractor Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air purification systems for kitchen fumes and vapors, such as vapor extraction devices, often require users to manually handle and remove filter elements for cleaning, which is cumbersome and exposes users to grease contamination.

Innovation Solution

A filter unit with a filter holder that includes a base plate and inclined holding frames, allowing for easy removal and insertion of filter elements without direct contact, and a handle positioned away from the filter elements to prevent grease contamination, enabling simultaneous handling of multiple filter elements and facilitating dishwasher cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If filter elements are inserted directly into the suction opening for cleaning, then the filter elements can be accessed for maintenance, but the user must take hold of the filter element itself which exposes the user to grease contamination and makes handling difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of handling filter elementsVSAvoidGrease contamination to user
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a holder as an intermediary component between the user and the filter elements. The holder has a handle that extends beyond the filter elements, allowing the user to grip and manipulate the entire assembly without direct contact with the grease-contaminated filter surfaces. This mediator structure resolves the contradiction by enabling easy handling while preventing grease contamination to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple filter elements are handled separately, then each filter element can be cleaned individually, but the time and effort required for maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidTime required for filter maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple filter elements and the holder into a single removable assembly. The holder encompasses all filter elements, allowing the user to remove, transport, and clean the entire group as one unit. This merging approach significantly improves maintenance efficiency by reducing the number of separate handling operations required, while the handle provides a convenient grip point for the entire assembled group.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If filter elements are held in a fixed position in the suction opening, then the filter elements are securely positioned during operation, but removal and insertion becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSecure positioning of filter elementsVSAvoidEase of removal and insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the filter system into two main parts: the holder (which remains in the device) and the filter elements (which are removable). The holder provides secure positioning during operation, while the filter elements can be easily removed as a group by gripping the handle. This segmentation allows the stationary holder to ensure reliability during use, while the removable filter assembly enables easy maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3287701B1Combinations appliance comprising a cooking hob and a fume extractor
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3287701B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3287701B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a filter unit for a fume extraction device (11), which has at least one filter element (120) and at least one filter holder (121). The filter unit (12) is characterized in that the filter holder (121) has a base plate (123) with at least one handle (122) and at least one holding frame (124) which is arranged inclined to the base plate (123) and with the base plate (123) is rigidly connected, and in each holding frame (124) at least one of the filter elements (120) is held. The invention also relates to a combination device with such a filter unit (12)