Coffee Machine Dose Control Using Infusion Chamber Actuator Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines face challenges in accurately and consistently dosing coffee powder due to factors like grinder adjustment, coffee bean type, power supply, wear, and environmental conditions, leading to inconsistent beverage quality and potential machine malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that adjust the coffee powder dose by controlling an electrical parameter of the infusion chamber actuator, such as absorbed current, to maintain a predetermined quantity, allowing for automatic correction of errors and user-adjustable settings within limits, ensuring consistent coffee dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the quantity of coffee is determined by the number of revolutions of the grinder, then the measurement is simple and reliable with inexpensive sensors, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to influence from grinder adjustment, coffee bean type, power supply voltage, wear, and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual coffee powder quantity is measured by a sensor (preferably capacitive) and compared with the target quantity. The system automatically adjusts the grinder operation in subsequent cycles to correct any deviations, creating a closed-loop control system that compensates for variations in grinder adjustment, bean type, power supply, and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical dosing method (based on grinder revolutions) with an electromechanical system that uses electrical sensors (capacitive or other types) to measure coffee powder quantity. This substitution enables more precise measurement by detecting electrical properties of the coffee powder rather than relying solely on mechanical rotation counts.
2Measurement precision
If complex sensors and devices are used to determine coffee powder quantity, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs capacitive sensors or other electrical sensing devices that measure coffee powder quantity through electrical field interactions rather than complex mechanical measurement systems. This approach achieves high measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, as electrical sensors can be integrated into the existing grinder and dosing mechanism without requiring additional complex mechanical components.
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
This solution provides a more accurate and stable coffee powder dosage, preventing machine overloading and ensuring consistent beverage quality by automatically adjusting the coffee quantity based on real-time parameters, thereby maintaining optimal machine operation.
Implementation Method 1
detecting at least one operating parameter of the electric actuator during at least a part of the step of closing the infusion chamber and compressing the coffee powder in the infusion chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The method for adjusting the quantity of coffee comprises the steps of: dispensing a predetermined quantity of coffee powder into an infusion chamber (36); by means of an electric actuator (19), closing said infusion chamber compressing the coffee powder in the infusion chamber. The method also provides for detection of at least one parameter of the electric actuator during at least a part of the step to close the infusion chamber and compress the coffee powder; and setting of the quantity of coffee powder dispensed in a subsequent dispensing cycle as a function of said parameter.