Spice Grinder Aperture Shutter for Precise Particle Size Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spice grinders lack an effective mechanism for adjusting the fineness of ground spices, as the current methods for adjusting the grinding gap are either cumbersome or do not provide sufficient control over the particle size.

Innovation Solution

A spice grinder design featuring a static component attached to a container, a rotatable component with interlocking teeth for grinding, and a displaceable shutter mechanism that adjusts the aperture size for varying the particle size of the ground spices, allowing for precise control over the grinding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the grinding gap is adjusted by axially displacing the first and second components, then the degree of spice grinding can be adjusted, but the structure becomes complex and the adjustment mechanism is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of grinding degreeVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the adjustment function into two independent parts: the grinding gap adjustment is achieved by the conical second component's axial movement, while the particle size control is achieved by the shutter's rotational movement. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be simple and dedicated to one function, avoiding the need for a complex combined adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter is designed to be rotatable about the axis of the grinder, allowing dynamic adjustment of the aperture size without requiring axial displacement or complex mechanical linkages. This dynamic rotational adjustment simplifies the overall structure while maintaining versatility in controlling particle size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the aperture size is increased to allow more ground spice to pass through, then the productivity increases, but the particle size control precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput of ground spiceVSAvoidprecision of particle size control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter's inner edge features alternating straight portions and arcuate portions that create recesses between the straight portions. This local variation in geometry allows different regions of the aperture to have different functions: the straight portions provide stable particle size control while the recesses allow for increased throughput by creating larger opening areas in specific locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

By rotating the shutter to different angular positions, the effective aperture size and shape can be continuously changed. This allows the user to optimize between productivity (larger effective opening) and particle size control precision (smaller, more restricted opening) depending on the grinding requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If a shutter mechanism is added to control aperture size, then the particle size control improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of particle size controlVSAvoidcomplexity of shutter mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter is integrated into the existing grinder structure, with the tab extending through a slot in the first component for easy manual operation. The shutter's rotation axis coincides with the grinder's central axis, merging the particle size control function with the existing structural framework rather than adding a separate complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter is designed to be manually operable through simple rotation, with the tab providing a convenient grip point. The mechanism is self-contained and does not require external actuators, motors, or complex linkages, allowing the user to easily adjust particle size control without adding operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 precise adjustment of spice fineness through the shutter mechanism, allowing users to easily change the aperture sizes, thereby improving the control over the grinding process and ensuring consistent results.

Implementation Method 1

grinding takes place in the gap between the teeth of the first and second components upon the second component being rotated with respect to the first component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentUS8038087B2Spice grinders

Publication Date: 2011.10.18 DELBRIDGE PATRICK JOHN

AI summary

A spice grinder includes a first component (12) that can be secured to the neck of a spice container, and a second component (14) that is mounted on the first component (12) for rotation with respect thereto. The first and second components (12,14) including grinding teeth (24,58) between which spice corns are ground when the second component (14) is rotated on the first component (12). Passageways are provided between the first and second components through which spice ground by the teeth emerges from the grinding gap between the teeth, and a movable shutter (16) is provided for varying the degree to which the corns are ground by varying the sizes of the passageways.