Bean grinding apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bean grinding apparatuses face issues with grind flow path design, static charge on fine grounds, and inefficient burr alignment, leading to inconsistent grind quality and static-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A bean grinding apparatus with a vertically oriented grind flow path, a rotating grounds directing element with angled fingers, and a wooden grounds collector platform to reduce static charge, along with an adjustable outer burr mechanism and a motor-driven shaft system for precise burr alignment and grind control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the grind flow path is not vertical and grounds can collect in certain areas, then the apparatus structure can be simpler, but grind quality becomes inconsistent and grounds are trapped
Solution Approach 1:
The grind flow path is segmented into distinct zones: a vertical grind chamber for consistent grinding, a transition zone with directing elements, and a collection zone. This segmentation ensures grounds flow vertically through the grind chamber while preventing accumulation in specific areas, resolving the contradiction between flow path simplicity and grind quality consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the grind flow path, making it substantially vertical rather than horizontal or angled. This dimensional change allows grounds to fall directly downward by gravity, preventing accumulation in lateral areas and ensuring consistent grind quality without requiring complex flow control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outer burr is fixed in position, then the apparatus structure can be simpler, but grind settings cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The outer burr is designed with dynamic positioning capability through a adjustment mechanism that allows it to move axially relative to the inner burr. This dynamic adjustment enables variable grind settings by changing the gap between burrs, while the mechanism itself remains relatively simple, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism changes the critical parameter of burr spacing (axial distance between inner and outer burrs) to achieve different grind settings. By providing controlled variability in this single parameter, the patent achieves grind setting adaptability without requiring complex multi-parameter control systems.
3Productivity
If a grounds directing element is added to sweep grounds into a flow path, then grounds flow improves, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The grounds directing element is designed to utilize the natural rotational motion of the burrs and gravity to sweep grounds into the flow path. The directing element's fingers or blades passively guide grounds as they naturally fall and rotate, rather than requiring active power input. This self-service approach improves grounds flow efficiency while adding minimal structural complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the inner burr is driven from below, then motor placement is optimized, but alignment precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
A precision bearing or alignment intermediary component is introduced between the motor-driven shaft and the inner burr. This intermediary element maintains precise rotational alignment of the inner burr while allowing the motor to be positioned optimally below the burrs for ease of manufacture and motor mounting.
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
The apparatus ensures consistent grind quality, minimizes static charge, and allows for precise adjustment of grind settings, resulting in improved performance and reduced static-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating grounds directing element with angled fingers, wherein the fingers sweep the bean grounds radially away from the burrs
Implementation Method 2
a wooden grounds collector platform to reduce static charge
Implementation Method 3
an inner grinding burr carried on a shaft which is journaled in a bearing to define a rotational axis; a drive mechanism for the inner burr via the shaft
Implementation Method 4
a vertically oriented grind flow path, free from any areas where the grounds can collect and be trapped
Data Source
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AI summary
A bean grinding apparatus (1) comprising an inner grinding burr (3); a complementary outer grinding burr (4); a shaft (5) carrying the inner burr (3); a bearing (6) journaling the shaft (5) for rotation about a rotational axis (A); an outer burr support (8) which supports the outer burr (4), wherein the support (8) defines a recess (7) within which the outer burr (4) is located; wherein the bearing (6) is arranged concentrically with respect to the recess (7), such that the inner burr (3) is located concentrically with respect to the outer burr (4).