Cooking Pot Lid Vapour Passage for Downdraft Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Downdraft and sidedraft extraction systems are often insufficiently performant in removing upward vapour streams from cooking units, as they tend to rise due to homogeneous ambient air conditions, and existing solutions like deflector plates are large, unattractive, and ineffective.

Innovation Solution

A cooking pot and pot lid assembly with vapour passage channels that extend in a downward direction, creating a niche or span to enclose and direct the vapour stream, enhancing downdraft and sidedraft extraction by preventing vapour rise and allowing for effective discharge along the pot wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a classic cooker hood is used for vapour extraction above the cooking unit, then the vapour exhaust is effectively removed, but the device becomes large, unattractive, and cannot be easily stored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapour extraction effectivenessVSAvoidsize of extraction system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the vapour extraction function from a separate large cooker hood and integrates it into the cooking assembly itself through vapour passage channels in the pot lid and overhang structure. This allows the extraction system to be compact and storable while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The vapour passage channels are nested within the structure of the pot lid and overhang, utilizing existing spaces and surfaces. The extraction system is embedded within the cooking assembly rather than being a separate external unit, reducing overall space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a deflector plate is used to redirect vapour stream downwards, then downdraft extraction is supported, but the plate becomes large, unattractive, and contributes only to a small extent to extraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedowndraft extraction supportVSAvoidsize of deflector plate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the deflector function with the vapour passage channels in the pot lid and overhang structure. Instead of a separate deflector plate, the vapour redirection and passage functions are combined into integrated channels that guide vapour downward while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional deflector plate surface to three-dimensional vapour passage channels that extend through the pot lid and overhang structure. This volumetric approach provides more effective vapour redirection in a compact space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If a casing with openings is used for grill device downdraft extraction, then fumes are protected and extracted, but the solution is only applicable to specific grill devices and lacks versatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefume extractionVSAvoidapplication range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a universal vapour extraction system that can be applied to various cooking assemblies including pots, pans, and grills. The vapour passage channels in the pot lid and overhang provide a adaptable solution that works across different cooking device types rather than being specific to one design.

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

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 assembly effectively supports downdraft and sidedraft extraction systems by keeping the vapour stream converged and oriented downward, improving extraction efficiency and allowing for a lighter, more aesthetically pleasing, and easily storable solution.

Implementation Method 1

the vapour passage channels extend to a niche of the cooking pot... the vapour stream follows a path that at least partially extends in the direction of the cooking pot, i.e. with a downward moving component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a part of the vapour passage is essentially parallel to the outer surface of the pot wall, in which the vapour stream can be led downwards along that surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3723562B1Cooking asssembly, cooking pot and pot lid with vapour passage
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 BERGHOFF WORLDWIDE NV
  • EP3723562B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3723562B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3723562B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

In a first aspect, the invention relates to an assembly (1) comprising a cooking pot (2) and a corresponding pot lid (3), for closing off the cooking pot, in which the assembly is provided with a vapour passage (14) for leading vapour out of the assembly. In particular, said vapour passage extends in the direction of the cooking pot. In further aspects, the invention relates to a method for downdraft extraction of vapour, and to a cooking pot (2) and a pot lid (3), which preferably are appropriate for use in said assembly.