Coffee Grinder Stator Fixing via Integrated Thread
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee grinders require a separate fixing step to set the grinding degree, which complicates handling and increases the time needed to start the grinding process.
Innovation Solution
A coffee grinder with a floating grinding unit in the Z direction, where the stator outer ring is connected to a fixing pin and a lens adjustment unit via a fine thread, allowing for adjustable grinding degree without the need for a separate fixing step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stator is fixed using a separate fixing device after adjusting the distance between stator and rotor, then the stator is securely fixed to prevent rotation during grinding, but the handling becomes more complex and the time to start grinding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment mechanism and fixing mechanism into a single integrated structure. The adjustment thread is directly formed on the stator, and the fixing is achieved automatically when the stator is positioned, eliminating the need for a separate fixing device and step. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable fixing while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stator is designed to be self-fixing through its own structure. The adjustment thread on the stator allows it to secure itself to the rotor when positioned at the desired distance, without requiring an external fixing device. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable fixing while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a separate fixing device and fixing step are provided to prevent stator rotation during grinding, then the stator remains stable during operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment and fixing functions into the stator's own structure through the adjustment thread. This eliminates the need for separate fixing devices, reducing structural complexity while maintaining grinding stability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fixing function from a separate device and integrates it into the stator itself. The adjustment thread on the stator provides both adjustment and fixing capabilities, removing the need for additional fixing components and simplifying the overall device structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the stator is moved continuously towards or away from the rotor using a thread to adjust grinding degree, then the grinding fineness can be precisely controlled, but an additional fixing step is required after adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment thread function with the fixing function. The same thread structure that enables precise adjustment of the stator position also serves to fix the stator in place, eliminating the need for a separate fixing step and reducing setup time while maintaining grinding precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment thread on the stator serves multiple functions: it enables precise adjustment of the stator-to-rotor distance for grinding control and simultaneously provides the fixing mechanism to prevent rotation during operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment and fixing operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
For the purpose of creating a coffee grinder K which, after setting a grind setting, allows the grinding process to be started immediately without requiring a further fixing step to prevent the stator outer ring S from twisting during the grinding process, a coffee grinder K with a coffee grinder unit KE is proposed, wherein the coffee grinder unit KE has a coffee bean container B, a grinding unit M having a bevel gear KG, a drive unit AN driving the grinding unit M and a coffee grounds ejection A, wherein the grinding unit M has a stator outer ring S and a rotor rotary cone R mounted on a rotatable shaft.This coffee grinder K is characterized in that the grinding unit M is mounted in such a way that, in order to adjust the axial distance between the stator outer ring S and the rotor rotary cone R for setting the grind size, the stator outer ring S is connected to a connecting means F, in particular a fixing pin, which is displaceable in the z-direction and fixed in the direction of rotation of the rotor rotary cone R, and this connecting means F engages with a penetration depth varying as a result of the setting of the grind size in a guide receptacle FA of a guide element FE of the grinding unit M, wherein the stator outer ring S is connected to an objective adjustment unit O, wherein the objective adjustment unit O is connected to the coffee bean container B via a fine thread FG so as to be displaceable in the z-direction.