Adjustable Grinder Stator and Rotor for Continuous Fineness Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional grinders for grain-like condiments lack precise adjustment mechanisms for varying grinding fineness, making it difficult for users to select desired grain sizes, and existing solutions often restrict continuous adjustment due to integral design limitations.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable grinder design featuring a rotor with teeth and a stator, where the rotor is driven by a drum and adjusted axially relative to the stator, with a rotary slide and pointer system allowing continuous variable adjustment and visual marks for precise positioning, enabling production of fine, medium, and coarse grain sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a screw system is used for adjustment, then the rotor can be positioned relative to the stator, but it is not possible to provide marks for positioning and identify grinding fineness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrinding fineness identificationVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual marks (notches) on the drum that correspond to desired grinding fineness settings. These marks serve as a simplified representation or copy of the actual grinding outcome, allowing users to select settings without complex measurement systems. The marks are positioned to align with corresponding positions on the rotor-stator assembly, providing intuitive feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs visual indicators (marks/notches) that provide visual feedback to the user. While not literally changing color, these visual markers allow users to identify different grinding fineness settings through visual observation, replacing the need for complex measurement or identification systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Measurement precision

If the rotor is made integral with an annulus furnished with pins, then adjustment in graduations is achieved, but continuous adjustment is not permitted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment graduationVSAvoidcontinuous adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the rotor independently adjustable relative to the stator through axial displacement, rather than being integral with a fixed annulus. The rotor can be positioned at any point along the axial direction within the conical frustum space, enabling continuous adjustment. The inclined surface allows the rotor to be locked at any position while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the rotor from the annular adjusting element, allowing them to move independently. The rotor can be axially displaced relative to the stator while the drum and adjusting mechanism remain separate components. This segmentation enables continuous adjustment of the rotor position without being constrained by integral design limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the rotor and stator are made as frustoconical bodies, then adjustment is achieved by axial displacement, but the structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment mechanismVSAvoidfrustoconical structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drum serves multiple functions: it rotates the rotor for grinding, provides the adjusting mechanism through its inclined surface, and offers visual marks for setting identification. The conical frustum structure of the rotor simultaneously provides the grinding surface and the adjustment geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2590496B1Adjustable grinder and a stator for the adjustable grinder
Publication Date: 2015.10.28 MCCORMICK & CO INC
  • EP2590496B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2590496B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP2590496B1 patent drawingFigure 9~13

AI summary

An adjustable grinder, includes a container, a stator, a rotor, a drum, and a rotary slide. The container can hold a product to be ground. The stator is positioned on the container. The rotor is positioned opposite to the stator and can rotate with respect to the stator. The stator and the rotor each contain at least two rows of teeth to grind the product therebetween. The drum is positioned around the rotor. The rotary slide includes a pointer that can be adjusted such that a distance between the stator and the rotor increases or decreases. Additionally, the stator may include at least two extended teeth.