Modular Extractor Hood Diverting Device for Simplified Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extractor hoods face challenges in adaptability to different operating conditions and line connections, with integrated diverting devices requiring significant effort to modify and maintain, leading to longer downtimes and structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
The extractor hood features a separate diverting device as a modular unit with standardized connections, allowing for easy assembly and maintenance, and incorporates noise- and vibration-damping insulation, along with intermeshing gear segments for simple and synchronous flap control, enabling efficient switching between exhaust and recirculation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the diverting device is fully integrated in the extractor hood, then the structure is compact and unified, but the device cannot be easily modified, maintained, or repaired without long downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The diverting device is separated from the extractor hood into an independent modular unit that can be detached and replaced separately. This segmentation allows the diverting device to be maintained, repaired, or modified without affecting the main extractor hood structure, thereby reducing downtime and improving ease of repair while maintaining a compact overall structure.
2Device complexity
If the diverting device is fully integrated in the extractor hood, then the structure is compact and unified, but significant effort is required to adapt it to different operating conditions and line connections
Solution Approach 1:
The diverting device is designed as a modular unit with variable configurations, allowing it to be adapted to different operating conditions and line connections. The module can be adjusted or reconfigured depending on the specific installation requirements, providing versatility without requiring modification of the main extractor hood structure.
3Device complexity
If a tube-like housing with only one opening for air circulation is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different operating conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single tube-like housing with one opening, the design uses a modular diverting device with multiple possible connection points and configurations. This segmentation allows the system to support different air circulation patterns (single opening, dual openings, various orientations) while maintaining relatively simple individual components.
4Ease of operation
If the diverting device is integrated directly in the housing of the extractor hood, then the control is centralized, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diverting device is extracted from the housing structure and placed in the airflow path as a separate element. This allows the control function to remain integrated in terms of airflow management while reducing the structural complexity of the housing itself, as the diverting mechanism no longer requires direct integration into the housing walls.
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 allows for flexible operation with various line connections, reduces maintenance time, and ensures quiet and reliable airflow management by decoupling the diverting device from the main unit, facilitating easier repairs and adaptations.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom wall of the housing is covered with insulation made of noise and vibration-damping material, which reduces the acoustic and mechanical stress caused by the extractor fan of the cooker hood
Implementation Method 2
insulation made of noise and vibration-damping material, which reduces the acoustic and mechanical stress
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device (4) has a set of redirected flaps (11a, 11b) pivoted between front-sided and lateral outlets (9, 10a, 10b) and connected to an exhaust air duct (5) and/or a lateral outlet for a recirculation-air operation. A housing i.e. module, is connected with an extractor hood at an inlet-side and the exhaust air duct and/or with the lateral outlet at an outlet side. One of the redirected flaps is switched in an intermediate position for enabling a combined exhaust air operation and recirculation air operation, and a connection piece (23) is arranged in a cover (24) of the housing.