Mincer Knife Pin Plug-in Connection Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing meat grinders face difficulties in easily connecting and disconnecting the knife cone from the conveyor snail due to high torque requirements, which can lead to damage to components over time.

Innovation Solution

A solvable connection using a plug-in mechanism where the knife cone's end is inserted into a warehouse bore on the conveyor snail, with a fastening ring that ensures torque transmission and easy assembly/disassembly, utilizing a screw connection and coordinated cross-sections to prevent damage during disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If a screw connection is used to connect the knife pin to the conveyor screw, then the cutting elements and knife pivot can be replaced, but the screw connection becomes difficult or impossible to loosen after a long period of use and high torques can damage the components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveReplaceability of cutting elements and knife pivotVSAvoidLoosening of screw connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into multiple functional parts: the knife pin with connecting section, the conveyor screw with bearing bore, and a separate detachable fastening element. This segmentation allows the cutting elements to be replaced independently while maintaining a reliable torque transmission connection that can be easily loosened when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A detachable fastening element acts as an intermediary between the knife pin and conveyor screw. This intermediary component transmits the necessary torque during operation but can be easily removed for maintenance, avoiding the problems of both permanent and overly loose connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a press connection or keyway connection is used to connect the knife pin to the conveyor screw, then the knife pivot can be easily installed, but the connection is no longer removable after prolonged use

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation of knife pivotVSAvoidRemovability of knife pivot
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic system where the fastening element can be easily engaged and disengaged. The detachable fastening element maintains a firm connection during operation but allows for quick removal when maintenance is needed, providing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the insertion end of the knife pin is inserted into the bearing bore without a press fit, then the connection can be easily assembled, but torque transmission from the conveyor screw to the knife pin must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAssembly of knife pin connectionVSAvoidTorque transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cross-sectional shapes of the inserting end and bearing bore are pre-adapted to each other before assembly. This preliminary geometric matching ensures that when the knife pin is inserted, torque can be effectively transmitted from the conveyor screw to the knife pin through the coordinated surfaces, while still allowing for easy assembly without press fits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3964295B3Mincer
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 LUMBECK & WOLTER
  • EP3964295B3 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a meat grinder with cutting elements and a feed screw 10 rotatably mounted in a housing, which is connected to a blade pin 20. The blade pin 20 is advantageously connectable and can also be easily detached (Fig. 1).