Bean grinding component with self-cleaning for coffee machine and use method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines are noisy, produce uneven grinds, require high-cost sealing motors that are prone to blocking, and have inconvenient cleaning mechanisms for the grinding knife set.
Innovation Solution
A bean grinding component with self-cleaning capabilities for coffee machines, featuring a conical grinding disk and center, a water tank, and a water outlet sprinkler that allows for automatic cleaning during brewing by using hot water to wash the grinding piece and storage tank, eliminating the need for additional sealing motors and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing motor is added to isolate vapor from the grinding knife set, then the reliability of the grinding mechanism is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing motor and baffle mechanism from the system entirely. Instead of using a motor-driven baffle to isolate vapor, the invention allows vapor to freely access the grinding knife set, eliminating the complex sealing mechanism while accepting that some vapor exposure occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a simpler, more replaceable grinding knife set design that doesn't require expensive sealing motors. The grinding components can be easily replaced when worn or contaminated, rather than investing in complex protective mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a sealing motor with baffle is used to prevent vapor entry, then the grinding knife set is protected from damage, but the ease of operation for cleaning is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the sealing motor and baffle assembly, the patent eliminates the barriers to cleaning. The grinding knife set becomes directly accessible without needing to disassemble protective mechanisms, significantly improving maintenance convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the grinding knife set to be easily removable and replaceable from the start, anticipating future cleaning and maintenance needs. This preliminary design decision allows for quick changes without complex disassembly procedures.
3Device complexity
If a blade type bean grinding mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of grind uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from blade-type grinding to a burr mill mechanism with two grinding wheels having curved, toothed surfaces. This spherical/curved geometry provides more consistent grinding contact and produces more uniform coffee powder particles while maintaining relative mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The grinding mechanism uses two different grinding wheel materials or surface treatments that work together to achieve superior grind uniformity. The interaction between the two curved grinding surfaces creates more consistent particle size distribution compared to single-blade mechanisms.
4Reliability
If a sealing motor is added to isolate vapor, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of time for cleaning and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
By completely removing the sealing motor and baffle system, the patent eliminates the time-consuming disassembly and reassembly operations required for maintenance. The grinding components become directly accessible for quick cleaning or replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates maintenance needs by making the grinding knife set easily removable from the outset, allowing for rapid changes without the time-consuming process of disassembling protective 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
The solution reduces noise, improves grind consistency, lowers costs by eliminating the need for additional sealing motors, and facilitates convenient cleaning of the grinding component, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
using hot water to wash the grinding piece and storage tank
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a bean grinding component with self-cleaning for a coffee machine and a use method thereof. The bean grinding component comprises a main component which comprises a shell, a base and a water tank; the base is fixed to the bottom of the shell, and the water tank is arranged at one side of the shell; and a grinding component which is arranged in the shell and comprises an inner housing, a storage tank, a grinding piece, a driving piece, a water outlet sprinkler, a funnel and a filter screen; the inner housing is fixed in the shell, the storage tank is arranged in the inner housing, and the grinding piece is arranged in the storage tank.