Oven Vapour Extractor Drawer Insert for Exhaust-Recirculation Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing extractor hoods designed as substructure hoods for cookers have complex and costly mechanics and assembly processes for switching between exhaust and recirculation modes, making them difficult to handle and operate.

Innovation Solution

A substructure hood with a drawer insert that can be easily moved into the housing before installation to switch between exhaust and recirculation modes, featuring a box-shaped drawer with adjustable openings and baffle plates to direct air flow, allowing for simple conversion between modes without complex assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a switchable extractor hood is used to operate in both exhaust and recirculation modes, then heat loss from the interior to the exterior can be avoided, but the device becomes complex in its design with complicated and costly mechanics and assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational mode switching capabilityVSAvoidmechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The common exhaust air duct is segmented into two separate air ducts, allowing independent operation for exhaust and recirculation modes. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex switching mechanisms while maintaining operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single duct with complex switching mechanisms to change operational modes, the invention inverts the approach by providing two separate air ducts from the outset. Each duct is dedicated to a specific function (exhaust or recirculation), simplifying the overall mechanical design while maintaining mode-switching capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If a single common exhaust air duct is used for both exhaust and recirculation modes, then the structure is simple, but the air currents from radial fans cannot be properly directed for recirculation mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduct structure simplicityVSAvoidair flow control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The common exhaust air duct is divided into two separate air ducts, each optimized for its specific function. This segmentation allows proper direction of air currents for both exhaust and recirculation modes without compromising structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each air duct is designed with specific local characteristics suitable for its function. The first air duct is configured for exhaust mode with appropriate openings and flow paths, while the second air duct is configured for recirculation mode, ensuring optimal air flow control in each local region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 simplifies the operation and assembly of the extractor hood by allowing easy switching between exhaust and recirculation modes with a simple drawer mechanism, reducing mechanical complexity and costs while maintaining effective air management.

Implementation Method 1

the air currents generated by the radial fans can flow through the open rear wall before they are discharged into the socket placed on the housing of the substructure hood

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir current flow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

The curved segments complement the walls of the exhaust air ducts of the radial fans, so that the cleaned exhaust air can be released back into the interior

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir recirculation: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2535647B1Vapour extractor for an oven or a hotplate
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP2535647B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2535647B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2535647B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The hood (1) has cooking zone having base hood housing (2) in which radial fans (3) are adjacently arranged, whose air ducts arranged in adjacent open to the back of housing in common air duct. An operating device (8) is arranged in the region of common air duct for selectively operating hood as circulating air hood or exhaust hood. An open slot (9) opened at the back of housing is formed in common air duct. A drawer (10) formed with insert (11) is inserted into open slot so that base hood housing is operable as circulating air hood or exhaust hood before assembling.