Sliding Hob Cover Plates for Cleaner Downdraft Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combination appliances with integrated extractor devices face complexity in vapor extraction and contamination prevention, and risk damage from pivotable components when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A combination appliance with a hob and integrated extractor device, featuring two cover plates that form the cooking surface, where at least one plate is slidably guided to cover part of the suction opening, ensuring reliable vapor extraction and contamination prevention, with a frame protecting the components and allowing for easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a rotatable closing element is used to close the suction opening, then contamination prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically movable cover plates that can slide between different positions (covering and uncovering the suction opening) rather than using complex rotatable closing elements. The cover plates are guided by simple guide rails, transforming a complex rotational mechanism into a simpler linear sliding mechanism that maintains contamination prevention while reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing function is segmented across multiple cover plates (first and second cover plates) that can move independently along guide rails. This segmentation allows each plate to cover a portion of the suction opening, providing effective contamination prevention through distributed coverage rather than requiring a single complex closing element.
2Productivity
If an extractor hood is integrated above the hob, then vapor extraction is improved, but contamination entry risk increases when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plates are designed to be movable between a closed position (when the extractor hood is not in use, preventing contamination) and an open position (when the extractor hood operates, allowing vapor extraction). This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt to different operational states, simultaneously addressing both contamination prevention and vapor extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plates are positioned to preliminarily cover the suction opening before the extractor hood is activated. This preliminary covering action prevents contamination from entering the system during idle periods, while allowing rapid opening when extraction is needed, thus preparing the system in advance for both protective and operational modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the upper cooking frame is pivotably connected to the lower cooking frame, then adaptability is improved, but damage risk increases from bumping into objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pivotable connection with a fixed lower cooking frame and movable upper cover plates that slide horizontally. This dynamic sliding mechanism provides the necessary adaptability for vapor extraction operation while eliminating the rotational movement that could cause the upper frame to bump into objects, thereby reducing damage risk while maintaining operational flexibility.
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
The solution provides a simpler structure for vapor extraction, prevents contamination when the extractor hood is not in use, and protects the appliance from damage, while ensuring reliable operation and easy handling.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the cover plates is slidably guided in the frame of the combination appliance
Implementation Method 2
an extractor device with a suction opening
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a combination appliance comprising a cooktop (10) and an integrated extractor hood (11) with an intake opening (110), wherein the cooktop (10) has at least one cover plate (100, 101) and at least one heating module (102, 103) arranged below the at least one cover plate (100, 101). The combination appliance is characterized in that the combination appliance (10) has a frame (13), the cooktop (10) has at least two cover plates (100, 101), at least one of which is slidably guided in the frame (13) of the combination appliance (1), and at least one of the cover plates (100, 101) covers at least part of the intake opening (110) of the extractor hood (11) upwards in at least one position. Furthermore, a kitchen cabinet (2) with such a combination appliance (1) is disclosed.