Gentle Comminution of Dry Plants Using Multi-Level Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for comminuting dry plants, such as tea leaves, often destroy cell structures and result in flavor loss and dust accumulation due to intensive crushing, failing to retain desirable properties and efficiently extract aromas.
Innovation Solution
A device with identical, adjustable rollers and combs arranged in multiple levels, allowing gentle comminution with controlled parameters, and a modular design for efficient aroma extraction and dust management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If intensive grinding is applied to crush dry plants, then comminution efficiency is improved, but cell structures are destroyed and flavor is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the comminution parameters by using gentle rolling action instead of intensive grinding, preserving cell structures while achieving sufficient comminution for flavor extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional intensive mechanical grinding system with a gentle rolling and pressing system that achieves comminution without destroying cell structures
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple rollers with different geometries are used for progressive crushing, then comminution quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses identical rollers that perform multiple functions across different levels, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining comminution quality through uniform design and arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the comminution process into multiple levels with identical rollers, where each level performs the same function but processes material at different stages of reduction
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment mechanisms are arranged on the housing side, then comminution parameter adjustment is possible, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the adjustment mechanism arrangement by placing it on the top of the housing instead of the side, allowing operators to access and adjust comminution parameters from above for easier operation
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 device achieves gentle comminution that preserves cell integrity and flavor, enabling optimal aroma extraction even with short hot water contact, while allowing for easy adjustment and increased capacity through modular arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
The material is crushed by drawing it in via the inlet between the roller and the comb
Implementation Method 2
the cell structures of the tea leaves are also destroyed, and constituents and aromas are lost
Implementation Method 3
unless this already occurs due to gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for chopping dried plants, more particularly for chopping dried tea leaves, herbs and other dryable plants and their constituents. The aim of the invention is to achieve a simple, gentle comminution of said product. To achieve this aim the invention proposes an apparatus comprising a housing (1) with an inlet (6) at the top for the product to be comminuted and an outlet (7) at the bottom for the comminuted product, in addition to at least two or more identical, rotatable, driven rollers (2, 3) positioned on at least two or more planes (4, 5) which lie one above the other and which have at least one roller (2, 3) per plane (4, 5), said roller corresponding with at least one cog (15). To carry out a comminution process, the rollers (2, 3) are equipped with cams (24).