Coffee Bean Cartridge Dosing and Grinding in a Compact Brewer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee beverage systems are cumbersome, difficult to assemble, and lack versatility in preparing coffee beverages of varying strengths, with inefficient coffee bean supply mechanisms that do not allow for easy control or cost-effective production.
Innovation Solution
A compact coffee beverage system featuring a removable coffee bean packaging cartridge with a built-in grinder and metering chamber, allowing for precise dosing and grinding of coffee beans, and a second dosing device for independent coffee bean supply, enabling users to choose the coffee strength and quantity for each serving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a separate bottom plate and grinder are provided, then the system can function properly, but the height of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom portion of the metering chamber is integrated with the grinder by making the bottom portion rotatable around a vertical axis. This merging of functions reduces the overall system height while maintaining both metering and grinding capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom portion serves dual functions: it forms part of the metering chamber structure and simultaneously acts as the grinder component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate bottom plate, reducing system height.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coffee beans are supplied independently from the brewing apparatus, then user control over coffee strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides two dosing devices: one integrated with the brewing apparatus and another independent dosing device. This allows users to choose between automated brewing with controlled dosing or manual preparation with independent dosing control, enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic selection between different operating modes: using the integrated dosing device for automated brewing or the independent dosing device for manual preparation, enabling users to adapt the system to their preferred coffee strength and preparation method.
3Volume of moving object
If the metering chamber is completely separate from the grinder, then assembly is simpler, but the system height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom portion of the metering chamber is made rotatable and integrated with the grinder mechanism. This merging reduces vertical space requirements while the modular cartridge design maintains ease of assembly and replacement.
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 system provides a versatile, compact, and cost-effective means to prepare coffee beverages of varying strengths by allowing users to control the coffee bean supply and grinding process, ensuring efficient use of coffee beans and easy operation.
Implementation Method 1
The bottom portion is arranged in the coffee apparatus for rotating around an axis extending in a vertical direction. Upon activation of the grinder the bottom portion is rotating around the vertical axis for transporting the coffee beans from the metering chamber into the grinder and for grinding the coffee beans.
Implementation Method 2
a grinder for grinding coffee beans which have entered the coffee apparatus via the entrance opening
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee beverage system is described including a coffee bean packaging cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus. The packaging cartridge includes a container holding coffee beans and transportation component for transporting coffee beans towards an exit opening of the cartridge. The coffee apparatus comprises a grinder for grinding the coffee beans from the cartridge and a brewing device for brewing coffee from ground coffee obtained by the grinder. A metering chamber holds a predetermined amount of coffee beans and comprises a bottom portion which forms a part of the grinder, said bottom portion rotates around an axis extending in a vertical direction. A second coffee bean packaging cartridge includes a second dosing device separate from the first dosing device for preparing and/or supplying a dose of coffee beans to the entrance opening of the coffee brewing apparatus independent of the coffee brewing apparatus.