Pull-Out Steam Shield Hood Using Cam Followers and Dynamic Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extractor hoods with pull-out steam shields require balanced force application for smooth operation, often compromise on aesthetics due to necessary space and design features, and do not integrate well within the hood frame when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A hood design with a pull-out steam shield utilizing cam followers and guide members, including racks and pinions, that allows smooth movement between rest and operating positions without requiring balanced force application, maintaining a horizontal position in operation and minimizing space between the shield and hood frame, ensuring easy actuation and integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steam shield uses slides with inclined ramps to move from rest to operating position, then the shield can be pulled out smoothly, but a large space is required between the shield and hood frame in rest state
Solution Approach 1:
The guide members are designed to rotate from a first position (when steam shield is retracted) to a second position (when steam shield is extended), dynamically changing the guidance geometry to minimize space requirements in both states
Solution Approach 2:
The guide members utilize rotational movement in addition to linear translation, adding a dimensional aspect to the movement mechanism that allows compact space utilization while maintaining smooth operation
2Shape
If the steam shield is kept flush with hood frame in rest position, then a neat appearance is achieved, but the shield cannot be pulled out without sufficient space
Solution Approach 1:
The guide members dynamically change their orientation and position during the pull-out operation, allowing the steam shield to maintain a flush appearance in rest state while enabling full extension when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational degree of freedom of the guide members provides an additional dimension of movement that reconciles the conflicting requirements of compact rest position and full extension capability
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
Enables easy and balanced actuation of the steam shield, maintaining a neat appearance and efficient operation with minimal space requirements, ensuring smooth movement and reduced torque-induced issues during use.
Implementation Method 1
a cam follower (9) designed for sliding contact with the track (10)
Implementation Method 2
The track (10) comprises at least one first inclined section (10a) and a second substantially horizontal section (10b)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A hood with a pull-out steam shield comprises a ventilating unit (3), a collecting section (4), a frame (2) designed to contain the ventilating unit (3) and the collecting section (4), a steam shield (5) movable relative to the frame (2) between a rest state in which it closes the collecting section (4) and an operating state in which it exposes the collecting section (4) to the outside environment. A pair of support members (6) are rigidly joined to the steam shield (5) each having a pair of cam followers (9) which slidably engage respective tracks (10) rigidly joined with said frame (2), each track (10) comprises a first inclined section (10a), a straight guide (12) for each support member (6) is adapted to translate relative to the frame (2). Guide members (23) are also provided, which are operable on said support members (6) to allow said support members (6) to move between a rest state in which said steam shield (5) is contained within the footprint of said frame (2) and closes said collecting section (4) and an operating state in which said steam shield projects out of the footprint of said frame (2) and exposes said collecting section (4) to the outside environment