Infrared-Heated Grease Filters to Prevent Extractor Hood Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extractor hoods suffer from condensation formation on grease filters and screens due to temperature differences between rising steam and the filters/screens, leading to unhygienic dripping on the cooktop, especially exacerbated by induction hobs which produce less hot steam.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a radiation emitter that emits electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum to heat the grease filters and screens to a temperature above condensation formation, preventing condensation and dripping by maintaining them at 40°C - 50°C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the extractor hood uses conventional grease filters and screens without heating, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing cost is reduced, but condensation forms on the filters/screens due to temperature difference between steam and filters, causing harmful dripping
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element pre-heats the grease filter and screen before the steam arrives, raising their temperature above the dew point. This preliminary thermal preparation prevents condensation from forming when the cooler steam contacts the warmed surfaces, eliminating the harmful dripping effect without requiring complex active condensation management systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful cold temperature of the grease filter and screen (which causes condensation) into a beneficial warm temperature through the heating element. By intentionally heating these components, the system transforms the temperature difference that causes harm into a temperature condition that prevents condensation, turning the problem into a solution
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the extractor hood operates with cold grease filters and screens, then energy consumption is low, but condensation forms and drips on the cooktop creating unhygienic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of heating the entire extractor hood or all components uniformly, the heating element is strategically positioned to heat only the grease filter and screen areas where condensation forms. This localized heating approach prevents condensation dripping on the cooktop while minimizing overall energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary heating of other components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of the grease filter and screen from cold/room temperature to elevated temperature (above dew point). By modifying this physical parameter locally, the system prevents condensation formation and eliminates the harmful dripping effect with minimal energy input required
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
Effectively reduces or eliminates condensation and dripping on the cooktop, while also preventing mold and bacteria growth by maintaining the filters and screens at a temperature that inhibits condensation formation.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation emitter (1) configured in such a way to emit electromagnetic radiation (IR) with a wavelength comprised between 0.74 μm and 2000 μm, in order to irradiate and heat the grease filter (2)
Implementation Method 2
abundant condensation is inevitably formed on the surface and on the inside of the grease filters and/or on the surface of the covering screen
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Extractor hood (100, 100A) comprising a body (8), an inlet section (80), an electrical fan (V) suitable for extracting the hot steam (F) that rises from said cooktop (P) through the inlet section (80), and a grease filter (2) disposed in correspondence with the inlet section (80) or in intermediate position between the inlet section (80) and the electrical fan (V); the peculiarity of the extractor hood (100, 100A) is that it comprises an anti-condensation system provided with at least one radiation emitter (1) configured in such a way to emit electromagnetic radiation (IR) with a wavelength comprised between 0.74 µm and 2000 µm that irradiates and heats the grease filter (2) in such a way to prevent the formation of condensation in said grease filter (2).