Vapour extraction device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapour extraction devices for cooking vapours face contamination issues due to liquid and solid constituents coming into contact with the fan impeller, leading to reduced performance and potential breeding grounds for harmful organisms.
Innovation Solution
A vapour extraction device with a releasable fan coupling allows the fan impeller to be easily removed and cleaned, featuring a compact design with a reduced-pressure duct section and a fan motor positioned safely away from potential liquid ingress, enabling efficient vapour extraction and prevention of contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the fan impeller is fixed in the extraction duct, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of cleaning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fan impeller is segmented from the motor assembly via a releasable fan coupling, allowing the impeller to be separated into an independent removable component. This segmentation enables the impeller to be detached for cleaning while the motor remains fixed, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan coupling transitions from a fixed state during operation to a releasable state for maintenance. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to adapt between operational stability and maintenance accessibility, enabling the impeller to be securely mounted during use but easily removed for cleaning.
2Device complexity
If the fan motor is positioned close to the fan impeller, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety deteriorates due to potential liquid ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a motor assembly and a fan assembly separated by the releasable fan coupling. This spatial segmentation creates physical distance between the motor and the impeller, positioning the motor away from liquid ingress risks while maintaining functional connection through the coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasable fan coupling acts as an intermediary element between the motor and the impeller. It transmits drive torque while maintaining spatial separation, allowing the motor to be positioned safely away from the extraction duct environment without direct exposure to cooking vapors and liquids.
3Ease of operation
If the fan impeller is made removable, then the ease of cleaning is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential coupling failures
Solution Approach 1:
The fan coupling is designed with dynamic characteristics that provide secure engagement during operation (high reliability) but allow easy release when needed (easy cleaning). The coupling mechanism maintains firm connection under operational loads while enabling intentional disassembly for maintenance, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of cleaning.
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 ensures the fan impeller can be cleaned effectively, maintaining performance and preventing harmful organisms, while the compact design minimizes structural space and enhances safety.
Implementation Method 1
the fan impeller can be removed reversibly from a fan motor... A vapour extraction device for extracting cooking vapours downward, comprising an extraction duct for conduction the cooking vapours and a fan apparatus for sucking in the cooking vapours
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vapour extraction device for extracting cooking vapours downward. The vapour extraction device comprises a fan apparatus for sucking in the cooking vapours having a fan impeller which can be driven in rotation, a fan motor for supplying a drive torque, and a releasable fan coupling for transmitting the drive torque to the fan impeller.