Movable Filter Unit for Cooker Hood Contamination Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In vapor extraction devices, especially those with limited suction opening area, filter elements are prone to contamination by liquids and other contaminants due to their V-shaped arrangement, leading to frequent cleaning needs.

Innovation Solution

A filter unit with two movable filter elements and a carrier frame, equipped with a handle, allowing the filter elements to change their relative position from an operating position to a removal position, ensuring they can be placed below the suction opening and easily removed for cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If filter elements are arranged in a V-shape to increase filter surface area, then the filter surface area and air flow are improved, but the filter elements become more susceptible to liquid contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter surface areaVSAvoidliquid contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter elements are designed to be movable relative to each other, transitioning from a V-shape during operation to a parallel arrangement during removal. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the filter elements to achieve both increased surface area during operation and reduced contamination susceptibility during removal, as the parallel arrangement prevents liquids from reaching the filter surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If filter elements are positioned below the suction opening to increase surface area, then air flow and grease trapping are improved, but the filter elements are more exposed to contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow and grease trappingVSAvoidcontaminant exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter elements dynamically change their spatial arrangement based on operational state. During operation, they are positioned below the suction opening in a V-shape to maximize air flow and grease trapping efficiency. During removal, they transition to a parallel arrangement that reduces contaminant exposure, thus achieving both high productivity and reduced contamination risk at different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a V-shaped arrangement of filter elements is used, then better air flow and grease trapping are achieved, but the filter unit becomes more complex to remove and clean

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow and grease trapping rateVSAvoidfilter removal and cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter elements are designed with movable connections that allow them to dynamically reconfigure from a V-shape during operation to a parallel arrangement during removal. This dynamic transformation simplifies the removal and cleaning process, as the parallel arrangement allows filters to be easily accessed and cleaned without dealing with the complex V-shaped configuration, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining high productivity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stress or pressure

If filter elements are arranged in a V-shape to maximize filter surface, then back pressure is reduced, but the structural complexity of the carrier frame increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveback pressureVSAvoidcarrier frame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier frame incorporates movable connections that enable the filter elements to dynamically transition between V-shaped and parallel arrangements. This dynamic capability allows the structure to achieve low back pressure during operation through the V-shape while simplifying the overall structural complexity during removal when the parallel arrangement is adopted, thus resolving the contradiction between pressure performance and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design allows for effective air purification with reduced contamination risk, enabling the filter unit to be easily cleaned and maintained, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance frequency.

Implementation Method 1

filter elements through which grease and other contaminants are filtered out

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3839356A1Filter unit and fume extractor with filter unit
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP3839356A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3839356A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3839356A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a filter unit for a cooker hood, comprising two filter elements (11) and at least one support frame (10) for the filter elements (11). The filter unit (1) is characterized in that the support frame (10) is partially movable and has at least one handle (12) by which at least a part of the support frame (10), in which one of the two filter elements (11) is arranged, can be moved.