Threaded Feed-Disc Grater for Constant-Height Food Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graters face issues with varying height due to filling mass, limited size for grating, and risk of contamination during refilling, as well as the inability to store filled graters in a refrigerator.
Innovation Solution
A grater design with a cylindrical or conical container and a rotating driver element with guide elements, featuring a segmented external thread and internal thread for constant height, bayonet lock for secure closure, and a feed disk for controlled grating, allowing larger portions and preventing unintentional opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the grater container is filled with more grating material, then the grating capacity is improved, but the height varies and the grater cannot be stored in a refrigerator
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic plunger mechanism that automatically adjusts its position based on the amount of grating material in the container. The plunger is spring-loaded and moves vertically to maintain constant pressure on the material regardless of fill level, enabling the grater to accommodate varying quantities while maintaining a fixed external height for refrigerator storage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of plunger pressure by using a spring mechanism that automatically adjusts the force applied to the grating material. This allows the system to maintain optimal grating pressure across different fill levels without changing the external dimensions of the grater container
2Ease of operation
If the plunger is pulled out for refilling, then the refilling operation is simplified, but the grating product is exposed and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs the plunger as a nested component that can be partially inserted into the grater container without complete removal. The plunger features a telescopic or sliding design that allows refilling through a reduced opening while keeping the majority of the grating product enclosed and protected from contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a protective cover or shield as an intermediary element that remains in place during refilling operations. This cover creates a barrier between the grating product and the external environment, allowing operators to add material while preventing contamination and accidental contact
3Length of stationary object
If a threaded rod penetrates the center of the grater container, then constant height is achieved, but the size of food that can be grated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the threaded rod mechanism from the central position and relocates it to the periphery or integrates it into the wall structure of the grater container. This removes the central obstruction, allowing large pieces of food to be placed and grated without needing to be pre-comminuted, while still maintaining constant height through the alternative mechanical linkage
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 constant overall height for easy storage in a refrigerator, simplified filling without exposure to the grating product, and secure operation to prevent contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The driver element (122) is provided with a segmented external thread (1210), which engages in a segmented internal thread (123) in the grater container (12), as a result of which the feed disc (121) can be moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the grater (1) in a simple and reliable manner
Implementation Method 2
The grater container (12) can be closed with a lid (11), as a result of which the grater (1) can be secured against unintentional opening
Implementation Method 3
a driver element (122) with a plurality of guide elements (1220) is mounted in the grater container (12) so that it can rotate, wherein the feed disc (121) is movably mounted in the grater container (12) in the direction of the longitudinal axis
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The grater has a grater container (12) closed with a cover (11), and a drive element (122) with guide elements (1220) mounted in the grate container. A feed disk (121) is provided with an external thread (1210) on a mantel surface (1213). The mantel surface is in effective connection with internal threads (123) in the grater container. The feed disk is linearly moved and pressed on a grating product within the grater container. The grating product is guided through the drive element over a grater insert (13) detachably fastened at a grate side in the grater container.