Pivotable V-Shaped Filter Elements for Downdraft Extractor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter units for vapor extraction devices, particularly in downdraft extractors, face challenges in achieving optimal alignment and maximizing filter surface area within limited installation spaces, which affects airflow and grease collection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A filter unit with pivotably mounted filter elements forming a V-shape, utilizing a support frame and positioning elements such as magnets or projections to adjust and fix the filter elements' position, allowing for easy alignment and optimal airflow within the limited space of the suction opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If two filter elements are arranged at an acute angle to maximize filter area in limited space, then the filter area is increased, but the alignment precision and airflow optimization become difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The filter elements are made pivotable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the acute angle between them. This enables the filter area to be maximized while maintaining proper alignment through adjustable positioning elements that can accommodate variations in installation and ensure optimal airflow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning elements such as magnets or protrusions are integrated into the support frame to automatically guide and secure the filter elements in the correct orientation. These self-aligning features eliminate the need for complex external alignment mechanisms while ensuring precise positioning for optimal airflow and grease collection.
2Ease of operation
If filter elements are made pivotable to allow position adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Complex mechanical locking mechanisms are replaced with simpler positioning elements such as magnets or fixed protrusions that provide stable positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. This maintains ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into simple, modular components: a support frame with integrated positioning elements and pivotable filter elements. This modular approach allows for easy assembly and adjustment while keeping each individual component simple in design.
3Reliability
If positioning elements are added to secure filter element alignment, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Complex mechanical fastening systems are replaced with simple positioning elements such as magnets or protrusions that provide reliable positioning through inherent geometric or magnetic constraints. These minimal additions ensure proper alignment and prevent incorrect mounting while adding very little to the overall device complexity.
Data Source
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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) and a filter housing (14), and the filter elements (11) are arranged at an acute angle to each other. The filter unit (1) is characterized in that the filter elements (11) are pivotably mounted in the support frame (10) and the filter unit (1) has at least one positioning element (12) for adjusting the position of at least one of the filter elements (11) in the filter unit (1).