Adjustable spice mill

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spice mills face difficulties in adjusting grinding fineness due to non-smooth force requirements and visibility issues, making it challenging for users to set the desired grinding level.

Innovation Solution

A spice mill design featuring a rotatable adjusting element with a thread connection to the container, allowing for smooth and precise adjustment of grinding fineness through rotational movement conversion to linear displacement, and incorporating anti-reverse rotation elements for secure fastening and defined grinding positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If circumferential grooves spaced apart in the longitudinal direction are used for adjustment, then specific fineness positions are defined, but the force required to adjust is not smooth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefineness of grindingVSAvoidadjustment force smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical groove engagement system with a thread connection system. Instead of using circumferential grooves spaced apart in the longitudinal direction that require discrete engagement and disengagement, the thread connection provides continuous mechanical coupling between the adjusting element and the rotor. This substitution transforms the adjustment mechanism from a discontinuous groove-based system to a continuous thread-based system, enabling smooth force application during adjustment while maintaining precise fineness control through the thread pitch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If discrete grooves are used for adjustment positions, then predefined fineness levels are achieved, but visibility of current grinding position is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefineness of grindingVSAvoidgrinding position visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates visual indicators (such as colored markings or transparent sections) on the adjusting element or container that allow users to easily see the current grinding position. These visual indicators change or become visible at different rotational positions of the adjusting element, providing immediate feedback about the current fineness setting without requiring the user to disassemble or closely inspect mechanical features like grooves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If a thread connection is used for adjustment, then smooth and precise adjustment is achieved, but anti-reverse rotation elements are needed for secure fastening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment smoothnessVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the thread connection for smooth adjustment with anti-reverse rotation elements (such as ratchet teeth or one-way clamps) into a single integrated adjusting element. This combination allows the adjusting element to rotate freely in the adjustment direction (enabling smooth fineness control) while preventing rotation in the reverse direction (securing the setting against accidental changes). By integrating these two functions into one component rather than separate mechanisms, the patent minimizes overall structural complexity while achieving both smooth adjustment and secure fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simple, user-friendly adjustment of grinding fineness with precise control and secure attachment, ensuring consistent grinding quality without unintentional changes.

Implementation Method 1

the adjusting element comprises a thread with which it can be connected to the container, such that the position of the rotor in the direction of the longitudinal axis can be adjusted by means of a rotation of the adjusting element relative to the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS12471738B2Adjustable spice mill
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 JOMA KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK GMBH
  • US12471738B2 patent drawing
  • US12471738B2 patent drawing
  • US12471738B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A spice mill having a container and having a grinder which includes a stator connected to the container, in which a position of the stator, when connected, is substantially defined in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the grinder relative to the container; an actuator, which has a rotor arranged at least in portions within the stator and is mounted rotatably relative to the stator. The rotor is connected for conjoint rotation to an actuating element and the actuating element is rotatably connected to an adjusting element and is secured in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The adjusting element has a thread by which it can be connected to the container such that the position of the rotor is adjustable in the direction of the longitudinal axis by a rotation of the adjusting element relative to the container.