Garlic Press Screw Drive With Automatic Thread Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing comminution devices require multiple turns to position the press ram for cutting and subsequent disengagement for refilling, complicating the operation and necessitating a separate changeover switch.

Innovation Solution

The comminution device automatically engages and disengages the screw drive threads based on the relative rotation of the housing parts, eliminating the need for a separate switch and simplifying the operation by integrating the switching mechanism into the rotational process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a screw drive is used to move the press ram, then the press ram can be positioned for cutting, but multiple turns are required which complicates operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidnumber of turns required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic switching mechanism that automatically transitions the screw drive between engaged and disengaged states based on the rotational position of the first housing part relative to the second housing part. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between cutting mode (screw drive engaged) and refilling mode (screw drive disengaged), eliminating the need for manual operation changes and reducing the number of turns required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the press ram remains engaged for refilling, then cutting can be performed, but the press ram must be completely disengaged for refilling which adds operational steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefilling convenienceVSAvoidchangeover switch requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the switching function into the existing rotational mechanism of the housing parts. The switching device utilizes the relative rotation between the first and second housing parts to automatically engage or disengage the screw drive threads, combining the positioning function with the switching function. This eliminates the need for a separate changeover switch and simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs the switching operation automatically based on the rotational position of the housing parts, without requiring separate manual intervention. The screw drive mechanism itself facilitates its own engagement and disengagement through the integrated switching device that responds to the rotational state, making the system self-regulating and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If automatic switching is implemented, then operation is simplified, but the switching mechanism must be integrated into the rotational process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching automationVSAvoidintegrated switching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching device serves multiple functions: it monitors the rotational position of the housing parts, determines the appropriate operational mode (cutting or refilling), and executes the engagement or disengagement of the screw drive. By making the switching mechanism multi-functional and integrating it into the existing rotational structure, the patent avoids adding separate complex control systems while achieving automatic operation.

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

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

This design allows for easier and more intuitive operation, reducing the number of steps required to prepare for cutting and refilling, and enables quick disengagement of the press ram after use, enhancing user experience and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a screw drive, by means of which turning the first housing part (1) is movable relative to the second housing part (2) in a direction of rotation of the ram to the cutting grid (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3237157B1Comminution device for cutting food, in particular for cutting garlic
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 GENIUS GMBH
  • EP3237157B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3237157B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3237157B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a comminution device for cutting food, in particular for cutting garlic, having a first housing part (1) and a second housing part (2), wherein the first housing part contains a cutting grid (3) and the second housing part contains an extrusion punch (4), and having a screw drive, by means of which the extrusion punch (4) is movable to the cutting grid (3) by rotating the first housing part (1) relative to the second housing part (2) in a rotation direction. The comminution device is characterized in that the comminution device has a switching device, which automatically switches the threads of the screw drive into engagement, independently of the axial relative position of the first housing part (1) relative to the second housing part (2), when the first housing part (1) is rotated relative to the second housing part (2) in the rotation direction, and/or automatically switches the threads of the screw drive out of engagement, independently of the axial relative position of the first housing part (1) relative to the second housing part (2), when the first housing part (1) is rotated relative to the second housing part (2) in the counter-rotation direction, opposite of the rotation direction.