Odor Filter Exchange Timing Using Air Quality Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the exchange time of odor filters in extractor devices do not account for actual user-specific conditions, leading to unnecessary filter replacements or continued operation with saturated filters.

Innovation Solution

A procedure that uses sensor values, particularly from air quality sensors, to determine the exchange time based on actual odor load, saturation degree, and influencing variables like VOC levels, temperature, and moisture, with a system that includes an air quality sensor and processing unit to provide user-specific exchange recommendations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed exchange intervals are used for odor filters, then the system is simple to operate, but unnecessary replacements occur and filters may become saturated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using air quality sensors to continuously monitor odor levels and automatically adjust filter exchange timing. The system receives feedback from sensor measurements of VOCs and other odor components, processes this information to determine actual filter saturation, and dynamically adjusts the exchange schedule accordingly, replacing filters based on actual need rather than fixed intervals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static fixed exchange intervals to dynamic exchange scheduling. The system continuously adapts the filter exchange timing based on real-time cooking activity detection, odor load measurements, and filter saturation assessment, making the exchange schedule flexible and responsive to actual usage conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If sensor-based determination is implemented, then exchange time precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the air quality sensor system to serve multiple functions: monitoring cooking activities, measuring odor component levels, assessing filter saturation, and triggering exchange recommendations. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate systems into a unified sensor-based platform, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically processing sensor data to determine filter exchange timing without requiring user intervention. The processor autonomously analyzes sensor readings, compares them against saturation thresholds, calculates optimal exchange times, and provides recommendations, eliminating the need for manual filter change scheduling and reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach allows for precise determination of odor filter exchange times, preventing unnecessary replacements and ensuring the extractor device operates with unsaturated filters, thereby improving filter efficiency and user compliance with recommendations.

Implementation Method 1

In the air sealing sensor used according to the invention, the VOC substances are preferably monitored.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVOC monitoring:

Implementation Method 2

Activated carbon filters are used as odor filters. By cleaning the air of odor substances, the air output from the extractor device can be returned to the room in which the extractor device is operated.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectActivated carbon filtration: Activated Carbon

Data Source

PatentEP4075067A1Method and system for determining an exchange time point of an odour filter and fume extractor
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP4075067A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4075067A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3
  • EP4075067A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for determining the replacement time of an odor filter (13) of a range hood (1). The method is characterized in that the determination is carried out on the basis of sensor values ​​from at least one air quality sensor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system and a range hood for carrying out such a method.