Sliding Flap Assembly for Tool-Free Extraction Device Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extraction devices for removing cooking fumes and vapors from cooking hobs require complex installation and servicing due to screw-based fixation methods, which complicates assembly and repair processes.

Innovation Solution

The extraction device employs a ventilation system with sliding flaps or brackets that engage behind a frame or housing edge, allowing for a stable and simplified assembly process, using bayonet fastening and locking mechanisms for secure attachment, and includes a filter element for efficient particle and odor removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw-based fixation is used to attach the ventilation system to the cooking hob, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the installation complexity increases and servicing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the fastening function from the cooking hob structure itself and relocates it to the ventilation system housing. The housing incorporates integrated fastening elements (such as clips, lugs, or interlocking features) that engage with corresponding features on the cooking hob, eliminating the need for separate screws and mounting hardware. This extraction simplifies installation while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilation system housing is designed with self-fastening capabilities through integrated fastening elements that automatically engage with the cooking hob during installation. The housing serves its own fastening function without requiring external mounting equipment or complex assembly procedures, thereby reducing installation complexity while ensuring reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If screw-based fixation is used to attach the ventilation system, then the attachment is secure, but the servicing and repair work becomes more elaborate and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidservicing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting the fastening function from separate screws and integrating it into the housing structure itself, the patent enables the ventilation system to be attached and detached as a single unit. This eliminates the need to disassemble multiple screw fastenings during servicing, allowing for quick removal and replacement of the entire ventilation system or its components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the ventilation system into modular components (such as the housing, fan assembly, and filter elements) that can be independently accessed or replaced. The integrated fastening elements are designed to allow easy separation of these modules, facilitating maintenance and repair operations without requiring complex disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If mounting equipment is required for screw-based fixation, then precise positioning is achieved, but the installation process becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the positioning and fastening functions from separate mounting equipment and combines them into integrated fastening elements built into the housing. These elements incorporate positioning features (such as guide ribs, alignment pins, or shaped engagement surfaces) that automatically ensure correct positioning during installation, eliminating the need for external mounting tools and procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4006433A1Extraction device and method for assembling a ventilation system
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP4006433A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4006433A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4006433A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

An extraction device (14) for removing air from an area above a cooking hob (12) comprises a component (36, 28) to be assembled, in particular a ventilation system (36, 42) for sucking-in the air from the area above the cooking hob (12). According to the invention, the component (36, 28) to be assembled is fixed to or connected to a frame part or a housing part of the extraction device (14), or to a suspension device (54), which forms a mounting fixture for the extraction device (14). The fixation is performed by means of at least one sliding flap (60) or bracket, which engages behind an edge region of the frame part or housing part or of the suspension device (54). Further, a method for assembling a component (36, 28) in an extraction device is disclosed. The assembly of the component (36, 28) comprises a first assembly movement including docking a contact surface of the component (36, 28) to be assembled at a contact surface of a frame part or a housing part of the extraction device (14), or at a suspension device (54), which forms a mounting fixture for the extraction device (14). The assembly further comprises a subsequent second assembly movement including moving at least one sliding flap (60) or bracket behind an edge region of the frame part or housing part or of the suspension device (54).