Removable Grease Trough Layout for Easier Extraction Hood Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing extraction apparatus with a stationary grease collection channel is difficult to clean, especially when a large quantity of grease accumulates, leading to time-consuming maintenance and potential splashing hazards.
Innovation Solution
The extraction apparatus features removable grease collection troughs that can be easily washed or replaced, reducing production costs and allowing for safer handling, with optional handles for improved usability and airflow compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a stationary grease collection channel is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the cleaning process becomes time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The grease collection channel is divided into multiple separate troughs that can be individually removed and cleaned. Each trough acts as an independent component that can be separated from the holder, allowing users to access and clean the grease collection areas without disassembling the entire extraction apparatus. This segmentation directly resolves the cleaning difficulty while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
2Device complexity
If a single long grease collection trough is used, then the structure is simple, but the risk of splashing increases and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The single long trough is divided into multiple shorter troughs arranged in series. Each shorter trough has a reduced grease volume, lowering the risk of splashing when grease accumulates. The modular troughs are easier to handle during removal and cleaning operations. This segmentation maintains functional simplicity while improving reliability through reduced splash hazard.
3Quantity of substance
If a single large grease collection trough is used, then the collection capacity is sufficient, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grease collection system uses multiple smaller troughs instead of one large trough. Each small trough can be produced using standard injection molding tools and presses, avoiding the need for specialized large-tooling equipment. The total grease collection capacity is maintained by arranging multiple troughs in series, while production costs are reduced through the use of conventional manufacturing processes for smaller components.
4Ease of operation
If removable troughs are used, then cleaning ease improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grease collection channel is segmented into removable troughs that fit into a holder structure. Each trough can be independently removed for cleaning and reinserted, providing easy maintenance access. The holder provides simple guidance and positioning, minimizing the complexity of the removal and reinstallation process. This segmentation achieves cleaning ease while keeping structural complexity low through intuitive modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
An extraction apparatus includes at least one filter and a grease collection channel, wherein the grease collection channel has a number of removable troughs, which support the at least one filter. The troughs can be arranged flush with one another in a holder Each of the troughs has a handle, which has at least one air through-flow opening.