Movable Range Hood Control Panel for Visibility and Cleanability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Extractor hoods with actuating elements attached to the underside of the fan module lack user visibility and are prone to contamination from vapors and vapors, making them difficult to operate and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A control panel device with a movably attached inner housing that can be brought into the user's field of vision and protected from contamination, featuring a simple structure with a fixed connection to the outer housing, allowing for easy access and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If actuating elements are attached to the underside of the fan module, then the extractor hood structure is simplified, but user visibility and accessibility of the actuating elements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextractor hood structureVSAvoiduser accessibility of actuating elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel device is made movable relative to the fan module through a movable connection mechanism, allowing it to switch between a retracted position (flush with fan module underside) and an extended position (protruding for user access). This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt between structural simplicity and user accessibility as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If actuating elements are attached to the underside of the fan module, then the extractor hood structure is simplified, but contamination resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextractor hood structureVSAvoidcontamination from vapors and vapors
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The movable connection allows the control panel device to be retracted into a protected position within the fan module when not in use, shielding the actuating elements from contamination by vapors and vapors. When operation is needed, the device extends to provide user access while minimizing exposure time to harmful contaminants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the control panel device is fixed to the fan module, then structural stability is improved, but maintenance accessibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The movable connection provides a stable yet detachable attachment between the control panel device and fan module. The device can be firmly connected during operation for structural stability, but can be easily detached or accessed for maintenance by simply releasing the movable connection, eliminating the need for complex disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2827066B1Extractor hood
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 BSH HAUSGERATE GMBH
  • EP2827066B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2827066B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2827066B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device for a range hood, characterized in that the control device (2) has at least one housing-fixed outer housing (20) with an open side (200) for receiving at least a part of an inner housing (21) and at least one inner housing (21) for receiving at least a part of a control element (22), that the inner housing (21) is at least partially movably attached to the outer housing (20), that at least one control element (22) with at least one actuating element (23) for at least one function of the range hood (1) is at least partially held on the inner housing (21), and that the inner housing (21) can be brought into at least one rest state and at least one operating state relative to the outer housing (20). A range hood (1) with such a control device (2) is further described.