Apparatus for the proportioned feed of coffee beans

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee bean proportioning apparatuses lack precision and reliability in producing consistent mixtures of coffee powder, especially for personalized recipes, due to variability in coffee bean weight and flow control.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a separator proportioner unit, an incremental weighing unit, and a control card that measures and weighs coffee beans individually, allowing for precise regulation of coffee bean flow to achieve consistent proportions, using a method that involves incremental weighing and control card calculations to ensure accurate weight delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If coil-type feed systems with electric motors are used to proportion coffee beans, then the apparatus can feed multiple types of coffee beans, but the precision of quantity proportioning deteriorates due to indirect control through number of revs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to feed multiple coffee bean typesVSAvoidprecision of coffee bean quantity proportioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical coil-type feed systems controlled by electric motors with a belt conveyor system. This substitution allows for direct visual and electronic monitoring of coffee bean quantity, eliminating the indirect control through motor revs and significantly improving measurement precision while maintaining the ability to handle multiple coffee bean types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the actual quantity of coffee beans fed is monitored and compared with the target quantity. The system adjusts the feeding process based on this feedback, ensuring precise proportioning. This is achieved through the belt conveyor system that allows real-time observation and measurement of the coffee beans being fed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If indirect control through number of revs of coil-type feed systems is used, then the apparatus can operate with simple control, but the reliability of producing consistent coffee mixtures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of control systemVSAvoidreliability of producing consistent coffee mixtures

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the unreliable mechanical coil-type feed systems with a belt conveyor system that provides direct and observable control. This substitution maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving reliability, as the belt conveyor allows for consistent and repeatable feeding of coffee beans based on direct measurement rather than indirect motor rev control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows the operator to directly observe and verify the quantity of coffee beans being fed through the belt conveyor, enabling self-monitoring and adjustment. This self-service approach ensures that the feeding process remains simple to operate while achieving high reliability through direct visual confirmation and measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If variability in coffee bean weight is not compensated, then the apparatus operates with simple feeding mechanism, but the manufacturing precision of coffee powder mixtures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of feeding mechanismVSAvoidprecision of coffee powder mixture proportions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system that measures the actual weight or quantity of coffee beans fed and compares it with the target value. Based on this feedback, the system adjusts subsequent feeding to compensate for variations in individual coffee bean weights. This maintains relatively simple feeding mechanics while achieving high manufacturing precision through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces simple but imprecise mechanical feeding with a belt conveyor system that enables direct measurement and electronic control. This substitution allows the system to detect and compensate for coffee bean weight variations while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10973371B2Apparatus for the proportioned feed of coffee beans

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 ILLYCAFFE S P A CON UNICO SOCIO

AI summary

Apparatus for the proportioned feed of coffee beans includes a separator proportioner unit configured to measure out the coffee beans in individual measures; an incremental weighing unit configured to weigh a quantity of coffee beans proportioned by the separator proportioner unit; and a control card configured to receive a weight signal from the incremental weighing unit and calculate the weight of the proportioned coffee beans.