Range Hood Synchronization with Pyrolytic Oven

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-cleaning pyrolytic ovens can release toxic carbon monoxide into the air if the catalyst device fails, and large amounts of carbon dioxide produced during the pyrolysis process can be annoying, while existing smoke detectors in range hoods are ineffective when turned off during cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A method of controlling an electrical household system that synchronizes the operation of a range hood with an oven, starting the suction device immediately or with a delay upon initiating the pyrolysis process, adjusting its power based on detected fumes and temperature, and using a light source to indicate the process, ensuring safe removal of pyrolytic substances and minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the range hood is switched off during pyrolytic cleaning, then power consumption is reduced, but the detector is not able to sense fumes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddetection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting the start of pyrolysis process through temperature sensing before fumes are generated, and pre-activates the range hood suction device to prepare for potential harmful gas removal, ensuring detection capability is maintained without continuous operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from temperature sensors and smoke detectors to dynamically control the range hood operation. The suction device is activated only when pyrolysis is detected or fumes are present, rather than operating continuously, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining detection reliability through on-demand activation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the suction device is activated continuously, then pyrolytic substances are removed effectively, but power consumption increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval of pyrolytic substancesVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects the start of pyrolysis process through temperature sensing before significant fume generation occurs, and pre-activates the range hood suction device. This preliminary action ensures pyrolytic substances are removed effectively from the moment they are generated, rather than waiting for detection after accumulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The suction device operates periodically based on detected conditions rather than continuously. It activates when pyrolysis is detected through temperature sensors or when fumes are detected by smoke detectors, and deactivates when conditions normalize, achieving effective removal of harmful substances while minimizing unnecessary power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the catalyst device is relied upon for oxidation, then carbon monoxide is converted to carbon dioxide, but safety is compromised if the catalyst fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion of carbon monoxideVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by providing a backup safety mechanism independent of the catalyst device. Temperature sensors detect pyrolysis start and activate the range hood suction device, while smoke detectors provide additional monitoring. This creates a redundant safety system that functions even if the catalyst device fails, cushioning against potential harmful gas accumulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The range hood suction device acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the oven and the kitchen environment. Instead of relying solely on the catalyst device for gas conversion, the system introduces an active removal mechanism that physically extracts pyrolytic substances, providing an alternative pathway for harm reduction that operates independently of catalyst functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances safety by ensuring the removal of pyrolytic substances from the kitchen, even if the oven's catalyst device fails, while avoiding unnecessary power consumption by activating the suction device only during the pyrolysis process.

Implementation Method 1

turning on a light source to a colour indicative of the oven running the pyrolysis process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

starting the suction device of the household range hood after a predetermined delay; varying a power to the suction device based on the pyrolysis process in the oven

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

During thermal cleaning in ovens, organic material is converted by pyrolysis and oxidation into volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons and carbonized gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyrolysis: Pyrolysis

Implementation Method 4

Known self-cleaning pyrolytic ovens are provided with a catalyst device for oxidation of carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS20230167980A1Electrical household system and method of controlling an electrical household system
Publication Date: 2023.06.01 WHIRLPOOL CORP
  • US20230167980A1 patent drawing
  • US20230167980A1 patent drawing
  • US20230167980A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of controlling an electrical household system, comprises: starting a pyrolysis process in an oven, wherein the oven is connected or configured to be connected in signal communication to a household range hood; starting a suction device of the household range hood as a function of a communication signal from the oven, wherein said signal is correlated to the pyrolysis process in the oven.