Device for resetting the position of the grinding wheels in a grinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinders for plant-based products, such as coffee beans, face issues with inconsistent grinding wheel position resetting due to operator-dependent methods, leading to inaccurate determination of zero-distance and subsequent throughput losses and product waste.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a combination of a gear mechanism with an Archimedean screw and elastic members, or a current intensity meter, to automatically determine the zero-distance between grinding wheels, ensuring precise initialization regardless of operator skill or sensitivity, and allowing for accurate setting of reference and working distances for various particle sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an empirical acoustic method is used to determine zero-distance between grinding wheels, then the operation can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor due to operator-dependent acoustic sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic detection method with a mechanical detection system. A mechanical sensor directly contacts the grinding wheel to detect the zero-distance position mechanically, eliminating the need for operator acoustic sensitivity and providing consistent, reliable measurements regardless of operator skill level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary device (the mechanical sensor) that acts as a mediator between the grinding wheel and the operator. This intermediary translates the physical contact condition into a detectable signal, removing the operator from direct dependence on acoustic cues and standardizing the measurement process.
2Ease of operation
If manual calibration steps are required to determine working distances, then the device can be operated with simple controls, but productivity is reduced due to multiple iterative grinding steps and product waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the zero-distance determination action in advance, before actual grinding operations begin. By pre-calibrating the grinding wheel position using the mechanical sensor during wheel replacement, the system eliminates the need for subsequent iterative adjustments and product waste during production operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical sensor enables the system to self-calibrate automatically during wheel replacement. The sensor detects the zero-distance position and the control unit automatically sets the reference position without requiring multiple manual trial-and-error grinding steps, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the stationary grinding wheel is moved axially by a gear mechanism and Archimedean screw, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the axial displacement function into two separate components: a gear mechanism for coarse positioning and an Archimedean screw for fine precision adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high overall positioning precision while keeping individual components relatively simple and well-understood.
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
Enables consistent and accurate resetting of grinding wheels, reducing product waste and extending the lifespan of grinding wheels by eliminating operator-dependent inaccuracies and manual calibration steps.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (25) arranged coaxial with the shank (21) of the screw (18), whose other end (26) acts against a locking plate (27) attached to the shank (21), the axial elastic force exerted by said elastic member (25) being adapted to rotate the bevel gear (22)
Implementation Method 2
a bevel gear (22) adapted to slide between a shoulder (23) and an end (24) of an elastic member (25)... whose rotation, either obtained by manual actuation via a knob (32) and by motorized actuation via a motor (33), continues until the elastic member (25) detects that the bevel gear (22) and the corresponding shoulder (23) of the screw (18) have a resistant torque therebetween
Implementation Method 3
a bevel gear (22) adapted to slide between a shoulder (23) and an end (24) of an elastic member (25), whose rotation... moves said stationary grinding wheel (8) toward the rotating grinding wheel (7)
Implementation Method 4
a device for initializing a new pair of grinding wheels (7, 8) of a grinder (1), comprising a mechanism for imparting axial displacements to the stationary grinding wheel (8)... and a current intensity meter adapted to detect a value of the current absorbed by said motor when said stationary grinding wheel (8) and said rotating grinding wheel (7) are at said zero-distance from each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device for resetting the position of the grinding wheels (7, 8) in a grinder for beans of plant-based products, whose powder, resulting from grinding, is adapted for use in the preparation of a beverage, particularly coffee. The grinder comprises a grinding chamber, a pair of grinding wheels (7, 8) housed in said grinding chamber, a grinding wheel (7) being connected to the shaft (13) of a motor (14), whose axis defines the axial direction (Z-Z) of the grinding wheels, to be rotated, the other grinding wheel (8), opposite thereto, being stationary against rotation and susceptible of being axially moved in both ways along said axial direction (Z-Z). The device includes a mechanism (17, 18) for imparting said axial movements to the stationary grinding wheel (8), an electric motor (33), a current intensity meter (34) for measuring the current intensity absorbed by the electric motor (33) and a switch (35) for cutting off power to said electric motor (33) upon detection of a value of the current intensity absorbed by said motor (33) representative of zero distance state between the stationary grinding wheel (8) and the rotating grinding wheel (7) opposite thereto.