Adjustable Grinder Assembly That Prevents Sticking and Seizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinders for spices and similar products lack adjustable grain-size settings, leading to issues with smaller or larger pieces getting stuck and the device stiffening over time, preventing effective adjustment of grinding size.
Innovation Solution
A universal grinding device with adjustable grain-size, featuring a mobile grinder group and a fixed counter-grinder with ribbings of varying pitch and height, allowing for snap-locking and axial movement for precise adjustment, and a casing design that facilitates easy adjustment and prevents obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the grinder is made to slide axially with respect to the counter-grinder for adjusting grain-size, then the grain-size can be adjusted, but the device tends to stiffen and lock into adjustment positions after prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the grinder can move axially relative to the counter-grinder through a cam mechanism. The cam profile is designed to provide controlled movement between different grinding positions, allowing smooth transition between grain-size settings while maintaining reliable operation through the inherent mechanical flexibility of the cam-follower system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cam mechanism to optimize the adjustment range and movement characteristics. By carefully designing the cam profile dimensions and positions, the system achieves multiple adjustable grain-size positions with smooth operation, preventing the stiffening and locking problems experienced in previous snap-sliding designs
2Manufacturing precision
If the distance between grinding surfaces is reduced for finer grinding, then finer grain-size is achieved, but smaller pieces of product become stuck in between the teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing different tooth configurations in different regions of the grinder and counter-grinder. The tooth spacing, height, and angle are locally optimized based on the specific grinding requirements at each radial position, allowing fine grinding near the center while maintaining product flow capability at the periphery where larger pieces are processed
Solution Approach 2:
The grinding surface is segmented into multiple zones with different tooth characteristics. This segmentation allows each zone to handle specific particle size ranges effectively, preventing smaller ground pieces from becoming stuck while maintaining the ability to achieve fine grain-sizes in the appropriate regions
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
Enables flexible adjustment of grain-size for different products, prevents sticking and seizing, and ensures smooth operation by maintaining a free gap for product dispensing, allowing for efficient grinding and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the grinding occurs through friction between a fixed part and a mobile part
Data Source
AI summary
A grinding device includes a mobile grinder group having openings for dispensing a ground product and a fixed counter-grinder having a central hole the surface of which comprises a grinding surface. The grinder group has a casing and a grinder which can be fixedly coupled, the grinder having a grinding surface that is inserted inside the central hole of the counter-grinder and that cooperates with the opposing grinding surface of the counter-grinder when grinding a product. The grinder group is arranged straddling the counter-grinder with the casing being arranged outside the counter-grinder. The casing can rotate with respect to the counter-grinder and is axially mobile with respect to the counter-grinder between two or more reciprocal adjustment positions. The grinder and the counter-grinder are made in a substantially rigid material and the casing is made from a substantially flexible material.