Bean container of a coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing bean containers in coffee machines suffer from steam leakage into the ground coffee chute after brewing, causing coffee powder to stick to the chute walls and leading to hygiene issues and frequent cleaning needs.
Innovation Solution
A bean container design with a closure element for the bottom outlet of the ground coffee chute, which remains closed when not in use, preventing steam from rising and ensuring the chute remains dry and clean.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bottom outlet of the separate ground coffee chute is left open to allow direct feeding of ground coffee to the brewing chamber, then the ease of operation is improved, but steam escapes upward from the brewing chamber and enters the chute, causing coffee powder to stick to the walls and requiring frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is positioned in advance to cover the bottom outlet before brewing operations begin. When the separate chute is not in use, the outlet is already closed, preventing steam from entering. When needed, the lid is opened to allow ground coffee to be fed through the outlet to the brewing chamber, thus preliminarily preventing the harmful effect while maintaining operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element acts as an intermediary between the bottom outlet and the brewing chamber. It selectively blocks or opens the passage depending on operational needs, mediating between the requirement for direct ground coffee feeding and the need to prevent steam escape and coffee powder sticking.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the bottom outlet of the separate ground coffee chute is covered with a lid, then steam escape is prevented, but the complexity of the device increases due to the additional closure mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is merged with the lid of the separate ground coffee chute, forming an integrated component. This combination eliminates the need for a separate closure mechanism, reducing device complexity while still achieving the function of preventing steam escape when the chute is not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid serves multiple functions: it covers the top opening of the chute for filling ground coffee, and when closed, the closure element on the lid also seals the bottom outlet to prevent steam escape. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bean container (1) of a coffee machine (4) with an integrated and separate chute (5) for ground coffee, which has an outlet (7) in the area of a base. It is essential to the invention that the shaft (5) is covered with a cover (6), the cover (6) having a closure element (8) which closes the outlet (7) when the cover (6) is closed and when the cover (6) is open 6) releases the output (7). This reliably prevents steam from rising up from a brewing chamber into the shaft (5).