Condiment Mill Grinding Adjustment Ring for Continuous Fineness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing condiment mills face issues with contamination risk during adjustment, limited adaptability to electric mills, and dependency on the mill body, leading to high replacement costs when the adjustment device deteriorates.
Innovation Solution
A device with an adjustment ring, thimble support, and fixing ring that allows continuous grinding adjustment without user contact, adaptable to various mill types, including electric models, by translating the thimble support's position relative to the wheel, independent of the mill's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the adjustment device is positioned where the condiment exits the mill, then the grinding fineness can be adjusted, but the operator comes in contact with the condiment leading to contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary adjustment mechanism where the adjustment ring rotates independently to drive the thimble support translation through threaded engagement, rather than requiring direct manual manipulation at the condiment exit. This intermediary mechanical transmission allows adjustment without operator contact with the condiment.
2Device complexity
If the adjustment device is integrated with the mill body, then the structure is compact, but the entire mill must be replaced when the adjustment device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adjustment device into a separate, modular assembly consisting of the adjustment ring, thimble support, and thimble that can be independently removed and replaced without replacing the entire mill. This modular design allows the adjustment mechanism to be serviced separately from the mill body.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device is designed with universal compatibility to fit different mill types (manual and electric) through the standardized fixing ring interface, making it a multi-functional component that can be applied across various mill configurations without requiring mill-specific integration.
3Device complexity
If step changes in grinding fineness are provided, then the adjustment mechanism is simple, but continuous adjustment of grinding is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static step-based adjustment to dynamic continuous adjustment by enabling the thimble support to translate smoothly along the threaded engagement with the adjustment ring. This dynamic mechanism allows continuous variation of the grinding gap between the thimble and wheel, providing infinite adjustment positions rather than discrete steps.
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 continuous and precise grinding adjustment without product contamination, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows compatibility with different mill types, including electric and manual models, while maintaining independence from the mill's operation.
Implementation Method 1
a screw thread (14, 17) is provided on the adjustment ring (3) and on the thimble support (4), respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A device for adjusting the grinding of a condiment in a mill includes a drive element having a thimble 6, a thimble support 4, a wheel 9 and a fixing ring 11 for attachment to the mill. Rotational movement of an adjustment ring 3 fitted with an adjustment stop 5 independent of the device results in translational movement of the thimble support 4.