Grinding ring assembly for improved grind reproducibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinding ring assemblies for coffee bean grinders, especially in beverage preparation devices, face issues with reproducibility and consistency due to manufacturing tolerances and asymmetrical components, leading to inconsistent grinding results.
Innovation Solution
A form-fitting connection between the grinding ring and the grinding ring holder that extends over the entire circumference, ensuring secure fastening in both axial and circumferential directions, allowing for precise adjustment and minimizing distortions, using symmetrical components to enhance precision and reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If asymmetrical components are used to enable specific wrench size and locking mechanisms, then the grinding ring can be securely fastened, but manufacturing tolerances and distortions increase, reducing grinding reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in a controlled manner by using symmetrical components with circumferentially distributed locking elements. The grinding ring and grinding ring holder both feature multiple radially extending locking elements arranged symmetrically around the circumference, which provides secure fastening while maintaining manufacturing precision and minimizing distortions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete locking elements distributed around the circumference. Instead of a single asymmetric locking point, the patent uses multiple radially extending locking elements on both the grinding ring and grinding ring holder, distributing the fastening force and reducing localized stresses and distortions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual parts are assembled to form the grinding ring assembly, then the device can be manufactured and adjusted, but assembly tolerances accumulate, reducing grinding consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the grinding ring and grinding ring holder into a tightly integrated assembly with interlocking locking elements. The circumferential distribution of multiple locking elements creates a unified structure that minimizes relative movement and tolerance accumulation between parts, while the modular design with adjustable components preserves grind adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed to engage in a predetermined circumferential pattern during assembly. The grinding ring and grinding ring holder are configured so that their locking elements align and engage automatically, pre-establishing precise positional relationships before final tightening, which reduces the impact of assembly tolerances.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a grinding ring assembly (12) for a grinder, in particular for a grinder for coffee beans equipped with a grind adjustment device, comprising a grinding ring (1) and a grinding ring receptacle (5), wherein the grinding ring receptacle (5) has adjustment means (7) which form part of the grind adjustment device in the grinder, and wherein the grinding ring (1) is secured and/or fastened relative to the grinding ring receptacle (5) in an axial direction (A) and in a circumferential direction (U). According to the invention, a positive locking connection (13) extending over the entire circumference between the grinding ring (1) and the grinding ring receptacle (5) is provided for fastening the grinding ring (1) and the grinding ring receptacle (5) in the axial direction (A) and in the circumferential direction (U).