Automatic coffee machine equipped with an improved grinding cake recovery tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic coffee machines suffer from coffee pucks stacking against the sides of the collection container, leading to inefficient use of space and frequent alerts for emptying, as the counting system is set lower to prevent overflow.
Innovation Solution
A rotating flap in the coffee machine directs coffee pucks away from the sides and towards the center, optimizing distribution within the container, and a bin full alert system counts pucks to optimize emptying frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the predetermined quantity in the counting system is set higher to reduce emptying frequency, then productivity improves, but coffee pucks may overflow beyond the container rim
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the distribution problem by using a deflecting flap that redirects coffee pucks from a horizontal accumulation pattern to a vertical distribution pattern. The flap causes pucks to be deposited at different locations and orientations, utilizing the third dimension (height/depth) to prevent edge overflow while increasing storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflecting flap acts as an intermediary element between the container opening and the coffee pucks. It mediates the interaction by redirecting the pucks' trajectory, preventing direct contact with the container edges and distributing them more effectively within the available space.
2Quantity of substance
If coffee pucks are allowed to accumulate on top of each other, then the container holds more pucks, but they reach the edge before the alarm reaches the predetermined number
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting flap utilizes vertical redirection to distribute pucks in three-dimensional space rather than allowing them to stack only horizontally. This dimensional change enables increased quantity storage without reaching the harmful edge overflow condition.
3Reliability
If the counting system is set with a lower predetermined quantity to prevent overflow, then reliability improves, but the user must empty the container more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing vertical redistribution through the deflecting flap, the system increases the effective storage capacity in the vertical dimension, allowing the counting system to be set higher without risking overflow, thus reducing emptying frequency while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflecting flap as an intermediary enables the system to safely accommodate a higher predetermined quantity by mediating the distribution of pucks, preventing direct edge contact and allowing the counting system to be optimized for higher thresholds.
4Volume of stationary object
If coffee pucks are directed towards the center of the container, then space utilization improves, but the distribution pattern becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting flap serves as a simple intermediary mechanism that achieves complex distribution patterns. Rather than requiring sophisticated control systems or multiple components, the single flap element efficiently redirects pucks to optimize container capacity utilization.
Data Source
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AI summary
- The invention relates to an automatic coffee machine (1) comprising an infusion device (10), a ground coffee puck ejection device (20), a container (30) for collecting several ground coffee pucks, and a frame (6) comprising a housing (7) for receiving said container (30), said container (30) being movable between an inserted position and an extracted position. - According to the invention, said container (30) has a flap (34) movable in rotation between a collection position in which the flap (34) is arranged within the container (30) and deflects the ground coffee pucks towards the center of the container (30) when the container (30) is in the inserted position, and an ejection position in which the flap (34) is arranged outside the container (30) when the container (30) is in the extracted position to empty the ground coffee pucks from the container (30).