Up-and-down hood
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional up-and-down extractor hoods have an aesthetic drawback due to visible cables supporting the movable extraction portion, which compromises their appearance when in use, and rely solely on natural convection for fume extraction.
Innovation Solution
The extractor hood design moves the primary extraction mechanism to a fixed portion connected to the wall, using a low-voltage fan in the movable portion with a small cross-sectional power cable, allowing for efficient fume extraction and a sleeker appearance by eliminating visible ducts and cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional up-and-down extractor hoods use visible cables to support the movable extraction portion, then the structural support function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates when in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the primary extraction mechanism (fan and motor assembly) from the movable second portion and relocates it to the fixed first portion. This allows the movable portion to be supported by thin, aesthetically pleasing cables without the bulk of ductwork and heavy-gauge cables, resolving the contradiction between structural support and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional design where extraction components are integrated into the movable portion to a design where the extraction mechanism is separated and positioned in the fixed portion above. This dimensional reorganization allows the movable portion to appear sleek and cable-supported while the extraction function operates from the fixed portion.
2Productivity
If the movable extraction portion is brought close to the cooking surface for effective fume extraction, then the extraction efficiency is improved, but the visibility of supporting cables increases compromising aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the fan and motor assembly from the movable second portion and placing it in the fixed first portion, the patent enables the movable portion to be brought close to the cooking surface for efficient extraction while being supported only by thin cables, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance even when in use.
3Device complexity
If the first portion acts only as a support without extraction capability, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the extraction efficiency deteriorates due to reliance on natural convection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional role assignment: instead of the movable second portion being the primary extraction unit, the fixed first portion becomes the primary extraction unit housing the fan and motor assembly. This inversion allows the system to maintain structural simplicity while achieving mechanical extraction efficiency.
4Reliability
If heavy-gauge cables are used to support the movable portion with fan, then the structural reliability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to cable visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy fan and motor assembly from the movable second portion, eliminating the need for heavy-gauge support cables. The movable portion is now supported by thin, aesthetically pleasing cables that are sufficient for the reduced weight, thus maintaining both structural reliability and aesthetic appearance.
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
This design enhances the aesthetic appeal of the extractor hood while maintaining effective fume extraction and safety, ensuring reliable operation with improved user experience and reduced visibility of supporting structures.
Implementation Method 1
a fan for moving the fumes and/or vapours towards the flue or, as the case may be, towards an area for reintroduction of the air into the kitchen environment
Implementation Method 2
an up-and-down extractor hood for a kitchen... capable of being arranged near a cooking surface where fumes and/or vapours to be extracted are generated
Data Source
AI summary
An extractor hood capable of extracting fumes and/or vapors being generated on a cooking surface, the hood including a first portion (2) integral with a wall (3) of the room where the cooking surface is located, a second portion (4), spaced apart from the first and close to the cooking surface, and a support connection (50) capable of securing the first portion (2) to the second portion (4), the second portion containing a fan (5) capable of extracting fumes and/or vapors from the cooking surface when the hood (1) is in use. The first portion (2) includes an autonomous extraction device capable of extracting fumes and/or vapors exiting the second portion (4) and extracted from the cooking surface by the fan (5) present in the second portion (4), the hood having no connecting tube between the second portion (2) and the first portion (4).