Seed Grinder Adjustment Mechanism for Continuous Granulometry Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed grinding apparatuses have limited adjustment capabilities for granulometry, allowing only discrete positions, which restricts the range of granulometry values that can be achieved and does not allow for precise adjustments, especially to compensate for wear or to accommodate different types of coffee beans.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for adjusting the grinding elements of a seed grinding apparatus, featuring a movement member that can be rotated to continuously translate the grinding element along an axis, allowing for precise adjustments in both directions without the need for elastic means, and stabilization means that use friction to maintain the position of the grinding element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a snap-in mechanism with discrete positions is used for adjustment, then the device structure is simple, but the adjustment precision is limited and cannot achieve micrometer-level precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical snap-in adjustment mechanism with a piezoelectric actuator system. The piezoelectric element converts electrical signals into precise mechanical displacements, enabling micrometer-level adjustment precision without complex mechanical components. This substitution of mechanical systems with piezoelectric actuation resolves the contradiction by achieving high precision through an alternative physical mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a piezoelectric element as an intermediary between the control system and the grinding element positioning. This intermediary component translates electrical control signals into precise mechanical movements, serving as a mediator that enables fine adjustment without requiring complex direct mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic means are used to allow upward adjustment, then bidirectional adjustment is possible, but friction influences the adjustment precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces elastic mechanical means with a piezoelectric actuator that can generate forces in both directions. The piezoelectric element can expand and contract controllably, enabling bidirectional adjustment without relying on elastic deformation of mechanical components. This eliminates the friction issues associated with elastic means while maintaining bidirectional capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If discrete adjustment positions are provided, then the adjustment device is simple to operate, but the range of granulometry values is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a piezoelectric actuator controlled by a microprocessor to replace discrete mechanical adjustment positions. The system can be operated through electronic control interfaces or automated programming, which maintains ease of operation while enabling continuous adjustment across a wide range of granulometry values. The microprocessor can store and recall specific settings, preserving operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous variation of the adjustment parameter (distance between grinding elements) through piezoelectric actuation, rather than being limited to discrete positions. This continuous parameter change allows for a wide range of granulometry values while the parameter can be controlled through simple electronic interfaces or automated systems.
4Measurement precision
If multiple adjustment components are used to achieve precise positioning, then adjustment precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical adjustment components with a single piezoelectric actuator. This single component can achieve precise positioning through electrical control without requiring multiple mechanical parts, linkages, or adjustment mechanisms. The piezoelectric element directly converts electrical signals into precise linear displacement, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining high positioning precision.
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
This solution enables continuous and precise adjustments of the grinding element position, allowing for a wide range of granulometry values to be achieved, improving the quality of the ground coffee and accommodating different types of coffee beans, while also compensating for wear over time.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element (42) which transforms electrical energy to mechanical energy in order to move the grinding element (106) so as to allow micrometric adjustments
Implementation Method 2
a friction element (43) which stabilizes the movement member (12) in the desired position
Data Source
AI summary
Device (10) for adjusting a machine (100) for grinding seeds, including a support member (11), a movement member (12) mobile with respect to the support member (11), a displacement member (13), configured to support a grinding element (106) and cooperating with the movement member (12) to translate along an axis (X), and stabilization means (14) configured to contrast, through friction, the movement of the movement member (12).