Device for chopping herbs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing herb shredding devices face challenges in efficiently processing larger or coarser materials due to complex designs and limited material flow, particularly in devices using sharp-edged elements or grinding discs, which restrict the size of herbs that can be processed.
Innovation Solution
A device with a support element projecting axially into the chamber, allowing a variable radial distance between the support element and surface through twisting chamber parts, enabling material to be easily introduced and shredded by shearing motion of overlapping shredding elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sharp-edged elements are used to shred herbs, then the shredding effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases and material flow becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two rotatable chamber parts with shredding elements on each, allowing independent rotation and simplified material feed without complex augers or plunger mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of forcing material into a fixed chamber, the invention allows material to be easily introduced and shredded through the relative rotation of two chamber parts, inverting the traditional approach of material feed mechanisms
2Productivity
If pressure mechanisms are used to press material against grinding disc, then the shredding effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes complex pressure mechanisms (augers, plunger) from the device, relying instead on the shearing action between two rotatable chamber parts to shred material without forced pressing
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pressing material against a stationary grinding disc, the invention uses two rotatable chamber parts that move relative to each other, allowing material to be shredded through shearing motion without complex pressure application mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If auger is used to improve material flow, then the material flow is improved, but the maximum size of processable material is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is segmented into two rotatable parts with shredding elements distributed throughout, allowing material of various sizes to be gradually reduced without requiring large clearance spaces needed by auger systems
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber parts are designed to be rotatable relative to each other, creating dynamic shearing zones that can accommodate and process material of varying sizes through multiple passing cycles between the chamber parts
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
Facilitates easy and effective shredding of larger herbs by varying the radial distance between support elements, ensuring material is drawn into the chamber and efficiently comminuted without complex pressure mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the shredding elements can move completely past each other... Material taken into the chamber and located within the shredding zone while the shredding elements move past each other (and overlap) is shredded, torn, or cut by the shearing motion exerted by the cutting elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A device (1) for chopping herbs has a cylindrical chamber (2). The chamber (2) has an axis of rotation (R) and is formed by at least a first chamber part (3) and a second chamber part (4), which are rotatable relative to each other about the axis of rotation (R). A support element (18) projecting axially into the chamber (2) is arranged on one of the chamber parts (3, 4), and at least one axially extending support surface (21) is arranged on the other chamber part (3, 4). In a chopping area (Z) where the support element (18) and the support surface (21) overlap, at least one chopping element (22) projecting radially outwards is arranged on one side of the support element (18), and at least one chopping element (22) projecting radially inwards is arranged on the support surface (21). The chopping elements (22) can be moved past each other by rotating the chamber parts (3, 4). The support element (18) is shaped in such a way as toprotrudes into the chamber (2) in such a way that by rotating the chamber parts (3, 4), a radial distance (A) formed between the support element (18) and the support surface (21) can be changed.