Adjustable Spice Grinder Neck Teeth for Discrete Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spice grinders have limitations in adjusting the grinding gap width, which restricts the ability to grind spices and herbs to varying levels of fineness, and often require complex mechanisms for adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An injection-molded spice grinder design featuring a fixed component with internal grinding teeth and a rotatable component with adjustable positioning, utilizing a spiral surface and detents to vary the grinding gap width, allowing for adjustable grinding from fine to coarse powder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed grinding gap is used in simple grinders, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different grinding fineness levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic grinding gap adjustment mechanism where the rotatable component can be positioned at multiple discrete angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) relative to the fixed component. Each position corresponds to a specific grinding gap width, allowing the user to switch between fine and coarse grinding by simply rotating the component to the desired position, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable grinding gap mechanism is added to achieve variable grinding fineness, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the grinding mechanism into two distinct components: a fixed component with stationary grinding teeth and a rotatable component with adjustable grinding teeth. This segmentation allows the adjustable component to be independently positioned at discrete angles, providing multiple grinding gap widths without requiring a complex continuous adjustment mechanism. Each segment (component) has a specific function, simplifying the overall structure while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable component is designed to rotate relative to the fixed component, with specific angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) corresponding to different grinding gap widths. This dynamic positioning capability allows the user to adjust the grinding fineness by simply rotating the component to the desired position, providing adaptability without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple discrete positions for grinding gap width are provided, then the manufacturing precision for consistent grinding results is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the rotatable component can be accurately positioned at multiple discrete angular positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°). Each position corresponds to a specific grinding gap width, ensuring consistent grinding results for that particular fineness level. The discrete nature of the positions provides manufacturing precision while keeping the adjustment mechanism simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The grinding mechanism is segmented into fixed and rotatable components, with the rotatable component designed to occupy specific angular positions. This segmentation allows for precise control of the grinding gap at each position, ensuring consistent grinding results. The discrete positions are built into the structure, providing precision without requiring complex adjustment or locking mechanisms.
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 the grinding gap width, enhancing the versatility of the spice grinder to handle different spice and herb textures effectively, improving the grinding process by allowing for multiple discrete positions of the grinding gap.
Implementation Method 1
a ring having a spiral surface which co-operates with a spiral surface on the fixed component whereby rotation of the ring with respect to the fixed component displaces the ring axially with respect to the fixed component
Data Source
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AI summary
An injection moulded preform is disclosed which is then blown to form a bottle (16) for containing spices and other material which is ground before use. The preform is moulded with teeth (18, 20) which are on the inside of the part of the preform which constitutes the neck. A rotatable structure which fits onto the bottle has a core which fits into the neck. The core has external teeth which co-operate with the teeth (18, 20) of the preform to define a grinding gap.