Fume extraction device with variable channel unit, combination apparatus comprising a fume extraction device with a variable channel unit, kitchen cabinet with a combination apparatus and method for installation of a combination apparatus in a kitchen cabinet

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of fume extraction devices with channel systems in kitchen cabinets is often time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring multiple components and skilled effort, especially when dealing with varying kitchen cabinet sizes.

Innovation Solution

A fume extraction device featuring a geometrically variable channel unit with moveable channel elements that can be adjusted in length, allowing for simplified and efficient installation by forming a form-fit connection and eliminating the need for additional components, which can be integrated into a kitchen cabinet with a hob.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional channel system with multiple components is used, then the fume extraction device can be installed in kitchen cabinets, but the installation becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple channel elements (first channel element, second channel element, and intermediate channel element) into a single integrated channel unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and complex assembly procedures, allowing the entire channel system to be installed as one piece while maintaining the same functional reliability in guiding fumes from the hob through the kitchen cabinet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The channel unit is designed with moveable connections between channel elements that allow for adjustable length configuration. This segmentation enables the channel unit to be adapted to different kitchen cabinet sizes and spatial requirements, while still being installed as a single integrated unit rather than multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-length channel unit is used, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the device cannot accommodate different kitchen cabinet sizes and spatial requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different kitchen cabinet sizesVSAvoidchannel unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel unit incorporates moveable connections between channel elements that allow the length to be adjusted dynamically. The first and second channel elements can move relative to each other along the flow direction, enabling the channel unit to adapt to different spatial requirements in various kitchen cabinet configurations without requiring multiple different channel designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The channel unit's length parameter can be changed by moving the channel elements relative to each other. This allows the same channel unit design to be configured for different kitchen cabinet sizes by adjusting the extension length of the intermediate channel element, providing versatility without increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If additional components like clamps and bellows are used for connection, then the channel system can be assembled, but the device complexity and installation effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the connection functionality directly into the channel unit structure itself. The moveable connections between channel elements are built-in features rather than separate components like clamps or bellows. This merging eliminates the need for additional connection components, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized integrated designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4187159A1Fume extraction device with variable channel unit, combination apparatus comprising a fume extraction device with a variable channel unit, kitchen cabinet with a combination apparatus and method for installation of a combination apparatus in a kitchen cabinet
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES
  • EP4187159A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4187159A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4187159A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a fume extraction device (100) with a channel unit (200) for guiding fumes in a flow direction (S), wherein the channel unit (200) is configured for connection with a mounting wall (310) and comprises at least one first channel element (210) and at least one second channel element (220), wherein the at least one first channel element (210) and the at least one second channel element (220) are in connection with each other via at least one intermediate channel element (230), wherein for adjusting a variable length (L) of the channel unit (200) the at least one first channel element (210) and/or the at least one second channel element (220), and the at least one intermediate channel element (230) are configured and/or arranged to be moveable at least partially relative to each other, preferably in the flow direction (S). The present invention relates further to a combination apparatus (500) with a hob (400) and a fume extraction device (100). The present invention relates further to a kitchen cabinet (300) with a combination apparatus (500) and to a method for installation of a combination apparatus (500) in a kitchen cabinet (300).