Spice Grinder Blocking Element to Prevent Rotor Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceramic grinding mechanisms in spice mills are prone to manufacturing variations, leading to rotor detachment and reduced functionality due to narrowed grinding gaps, which can render the mechanism unusable.
Innovation Solution
A frictional connection between the rotor and connecting element, combined with a locking element that prevents excessive displacement of the rotor, maintaining a functional grinding gap despite manufacturing variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the grinder operates continuously without interruption, then productivity is improved, but foreign objects may enter the grinding chamber and cause damage or contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking element is introduced as an intermediary component between the hopper and grinding chamber. This element selectively allows ground material to pass through while blocking foreign objects, enabling continuous operation without contamination risk
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a blocking element is added to prevent foreign objects, then harmful factors are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is divided into multiple segments that can rotate independently around the hopper outlet. This segmentation allows the blocking element to flexibly adapt to different foreign object sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is designed to rotate dynamically in response to foreign objects rather than being a fixed structure. This dynamic approach allows automatic blocking action without requiring complex control systems or multiple stationary components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the blocking element rotates to block foreign objects, then harmful factors are prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element utilizes the weight and impact of falling foreign objects to drive its own rotation. The foreign objects themselves provide the energy needed to activate the blocking mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources or motors
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a grinder (1) for a spice mill (31), in particular a hand-operated spice mill, having an inlet side (10) for the entry of unground grinding stock and an outlet side (11) for the exit of ground grinding stock, comprising: - a rotor (3), - a stator (2) interacting with the rotor (3) and - a housing (14) at least partially surrounding the rotor (3) and/or the stator (2). The housing (14) comprises a stator housing part (15), which is substantially rotationally fixedly connected to the stator (2), and a rotor housing part (16) which is rotatable relative to the stator housing part (15) and is substantially rotationally fixedly connected to the rotor (3) via a connecting element (19). The connecting element (19) is at least partially received in a recess (20) in the rotor (3), and the connecting element (19) and the rotor (3) are frictionally connected. The housing (14) has, on a side of the rotor (3) facing the inlet side (10), a blocking element (25) which blocks displacement of the rotor (3) in the direction of the inlet side (10).