Laboratory Mill With Fixed Grinding Gap and Axial Counter-Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory mills face challenges such as complex and difficult gap adjustments, susceptibility to user error, increased maintenance, and hygiene issues due to adjusting screws and nuts, which can lead to blade wear, overheating, and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A laboratory mill design featuring a grinder housing with a rotor and stationary counter-elements, where the grinding gap is predefined by the geometry of the parts, allowing for easy and hygienic operation without manual adjustment, using a linear guide for counter-elements that are not radially adjustable, and allowing for discrete gap width selection through rotor exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of cutting gap is implemented using adjusting screws and locking nuts, then the cutting gap can be set to desired width, but the device complexity increases and hygiene design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all manual adjustment components (adjusting screws, locking nuts, threads) from the cutting mill. The cutting gap width is predetermined by the geometric relationship between the rotor and stator elements, which are manufactured with fixed dimensional relationships. This extraction of adjustment mechanisms eliminates complexity while maintaining hygiene design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing continuous adjustment of the cutting gap width through manual mechanisms, the patent changes the approach by offering discrete gap width options through different rotor-stator element combinations. Each element pair is manufactured with a specific geometric relationship that defines a predetermined cutting gap width, eliminating the need for adjusting components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of cutting gap is allowed, then gap width can be customized, but user error increases leading to blade wear and overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting gap width is predetermined during manufacturing through the geometric design of rotor and stator elements. The optimal cutting gap is established in advance by the manufacturer based on the specific application requirements, eliminating the risk of user error during operation. Users simply select from pre-configured element pairs with appropriate gap widths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the adjustment function automatically through its geometric design. The fixed dimensional relationship between rotor and stator elements self-determines the cutting gap width without requiring user intervention or manual adjustment, thereby preventing user error while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjusting screws and locking nuts are used for gap setting, then cutting gap can be adjusted, but hygiene design is thwarted due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
All non-essential adjusting components are removed from the design. The cutting gap is defined purely by the geometric relationship between the rotor and stator elements, which are manufactured as simple, smooth-surfaced components without threads, slots, or adjustment mechanisms that would compromise hygiene design and ease of cleaning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustment mechanism is used, then cutting gap can be set, but the setting process is difficult and requires experience
Solution Approach 1:
The complex manual adjustment mechanism is completely removed. The cutting gap width is determined by the geometric design of the rotor-stator element pairs, which are exchanged rather than adjusted. This eliminates the need for user experience or skill in setting the cutting gap, as users simply select the appropriate pre-configured element pair for their application.
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 design simplifies operation, reduces maintenance, ensures consistent gap width, and prevents user error, resulting in a cost-effective, compact, and easy-to-clean mill suitable for various materials.
Implementation Method 1
a cutting rotor (34) with rotor blades (40) that extend substantially axially and one or more stationary counter-blades (36) that also extend substantially axially according to the scissor principle in the grinding gap extending axially therebetween
Implementation Method 2
by a cutting and/or beating action
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a laboratory mill (1) for comminuting grist, in particular configured as a cutting mill or cross beater mill, comprisinga device housing (12) having a grinder housing (16), wherein the grinder housing (16) defines a grinding chamber (32) and has an axial end face (16a),a rotor-grinder in the grinding chamber (32) of the grinder housing (16), wherein the rotor-grinder (30) comprises a rotor (34), which defines a rotor axis (X), and at least one counter-element (36), wherein the grist is comminuted between the rotor (34) and the at least one counter-element (36) when the rotor (34) rotates,a grinder drive (2, 4) for driving the rotor (34) in the grinding chamber (32),a grinder housing door (18) for closing the grinder housing (16) at the axial end face (16a)wherein the at least one counter-element can be inserted axially into the grinder housing (36) when the grinder housing door (18) is open.