Range Hood Fire Shroud Deployment for Stovetop Grease Fires

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fire suppression methods for stovetop fires in residential kitchens are inadequate, requiring user proximity, complex decision-making, and often ineffective against grease fires, with a lack of automated solutions in existing residential range hoods.

Innovation Solution

An automated fire suppression system integrated into kitchen range hoods that deploys a fireproof textile shroud to create an oxygen-deprived environment and a misting system for targeted suppression, activated by sensors or a manual button, effectively smothering and extinguishing fires without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional fire suppression methods (portable extinguishers, fire blankets, baking soda, pot lid) are used, then users can attempt to extinguish fires, but users must remain in close proximity to flames exposing them to burns and injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser safetyVSAvoidburns and injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs fire suppression automatically without requiring user intervention. Sensors detect fire conditions and trigger the shroud deployment and misting system autonomously, eliminating the need for users to approach flames while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fireproof textile shroud acts as an intermediary barrier between the user and the fire. It deploys to create a physical separation and oxygen-deprived environment, allowing users to remain at a safe distance while the system executes suppression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If conventional fire suppression methods are used, then users can attempt to extinguish fires, but quick decision-making is required during high-stress situations when cognitive function is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression speedVSAvoiddecision-making complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates decision-making complexity by operating autonomously. Sensors continuously monitor fire conditions and automatically trigger suppression mechanisms without requiring user judgment or action, even during high-stress situations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system is pre-configured with sensors and automated mechanisms that are ready to deploy immediately upon fire detection. The shroud and misting system are pre-positioned within the range hood, eliminating the need for users to gather tools or make decisions during the emergency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If water is applied to grease fires, then users may attempt to extinguish the fire, but water causes violent flare-ups and potential spread of flaming grease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire extinguishing effectivenessVSAvoidflare-ups and fire spread

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the suppression approach by using a fireproof textile shroud that creates an oxygen-deprived environment rather than applying water. This parameter change in the suppression mechanism prevents the harmful interaction between water and grease that causes flare-ups

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The textile shroud creates an inert, oxygen-deprived environment around the grease fire, suffocating the flames without introducing water or other reactive substances. This inert environment prevents flare-ups and allows safe extinguishing of grease fires

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

4Extent of automation

If automated hood suppression systems are used in commercial kitchens, then rapid fire suppression is achieved, but these systems have not been adapted effectively for residential use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated fire suppressionVSAvoidresidential applicability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to function effectively in both commercial and residential settings. The same automated shroud deployment and misting mechanism can suppress fires in residential kitchens, adapting universal fire suppression technology to household conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is tailored for residential use by integrating with standard range hoods and considering the specific fire hazards in home kitchens. The textile shroud and misting system are configured for the smaller scale and different fire characteristics of residential cooking environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

5Loss of time

If conventional fire suppression methods are used, then users can attempt to extinguish fires, but these methods require too much time to implement effectively, allowing flames to escalate beyond control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire suppression response timeVSAvoidfire containment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary positioning of suppression components within the range hood during normal operation. The textile shroud and misting system are pre-configured and ready for immediate deployment, eliminating the time required to gather tools or assemble suppression equipment during an emergency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system eliminates human response time by detecting fires through sensors and immediately triggering the shroud deployment and misting mechanism. This self-service operation reduces response time from seconds to milliseconds, preventing fire escalation

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

Provides rapid, safe, and effective fire suppression for all types of stovetop fires, including grease fires, by creating an oxygen-deprived environment and applying suppression agents, while keeping users at a safe distance and minimizing cognitive load during emergencies.

Implementation Method 1

creating an oxygen-deprived environment that smothers fires

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxygen deprivation:

Implementation Method 2

an integrated misting system for additional fire suppression

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMisting:

Data Source

PatentUS12478813B1Automated kitchen hood fire trap

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 PATEL KIRAN KUMAR

AI summary

An automated fire suppression system for kitchen stovetops integrates with a vent hood positioned above a range top surface. The system includes a fireproof textile shroud stored within the vent hood that, upon activation, deploys downward to create a sealed fire suppression area encompassing the entire stovetop. Activation occurs either automatically through sensors detecting fire conditions or manually via a dedicated switch. Once deployed, the shroud's perimeter securely couples to the range top surface, effectively containing and smothering fires by eliminating oxygen. A secondary suppression mechanism incorporates a liquid dispensing system that, after a predetermined delay allowing for shroud deployment, releases fire suppression spray within the contained area. The system provides immediate, effective fire containment without requiring proximity to flames or complex decision-making during emergency situations.