Coffee Extraction Control Using Grinder Weight Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines and grinding machines lack the capability to set an ideal infusion rate between powder coffee and liquid coffee, as they do not communicate the weight of ground coffee to the coffee machine, leading to inconsistent coffee quality.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with a weighing system for liquid coffee and a connected coffee grinding machine with a weighing system for ground coffee, where the control units communicate to achieve a preset infusion ratio, ensuring high-quality coffee by adjusting the water dispensation based on the ground coffee weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coffee machine uses a fixed water dispensation quantity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coffee quality consistency deteriorates because the infusion rate cannot be optimized based on ground coffee weight
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee machine receives weight information from the coffee grinding machine's weighing system and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the water dispensation quantity. The control unit calculates the optimal infusion rate based on the measured ground coffee weight and controls the water pump to dispense the corresponding amount of water, ensuring consistent coffee quality while maintaining system simplicity through automated feedback control
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating and setting the water dispensation quantity based on the ground coffee weight measured by the integrated weighing system. The control unit autonomously determines the optimal infusion rate and adjusts the water pump parameters without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in optimizing the brewing process
2Measurement precision
If the coffee machine connects to the coffee grinding machine to receive weight information, then the infusion rate precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional communication interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The control units of both the coffee grinding machine and coffee machine are designed with multi-functionality, serving both their primary functions and the additional function of weight information communication. The weighing system in the coffee grinding machine not only measures coffee weight for dosing control but also provides this information to the coffee machine for infusion rate optimization, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication hardware and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control units of the coffee grinding machine and coffee machine are merged into an integrated control system that shares processing capabilities and memory resources. The weight measurement and water dispensation control functions are combined under a unified control architecture, allowing the system to exchange information and coordinate operations without requiring separate complex communication interfaces between independent control units
3Manufacturing precision
If the coffee machine adjusts water dispensation based on ground coffee weight, then the manufacturing precision of coffee extraction is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to automated control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating and setting the water dispensation quantity based on the ground coffee weight measured by the integrated weighing system. The control unit autonomously determines the optimal infusion rate and adjusts the water pump parameters without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in optimizing the brewing process
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the ground coffee weight before the brewing process begins. The control unit uses this pre-measured information to pre-calculate and pre-configure the optimal water dispensation quantity and infusion rate parameters, so that when brewing starts, all parameters are already optimized and ready, maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring extraction precision
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 provides high-quality coffee with a precise and optimal infusion ratio, ensuring consistent coffee quality by accurately measuring and adjusting the liquid coffee dispensation based on the ground coffee weight, enhancing the coffee-making process with automation and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a weighing system to measure the weight of the liquid coffee extracted in a cup
Implementation Method 2
a coffee grinding machine comprising a weighing system to measure the weight of the ground coffee dispensed in a filter-holder
Implementation Method 3
a pump (2) intended to convey the water towards a boiler (3)
Implementation Method 4
a second water duct (5) with a heating resistance (6) in such manner to convey hot water from the boiler (3) towards the dispensing unit (7)
Implementation Method 5
an electrovalve (8) installed at one end of the second water duct (5) and at the inlet of the dispensing unit (7) to enable/disable the passage of hot water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A coffee machine (100) comprises a weighing system to measure the weight (L) of the liquid coffee extracted in a cup (T) and a coffee grinding machine (20) comprising a weight system to measure the weight (W) of the ground coffee dispensed in a filter-holder (9). The coffee machine (100) comprises a control unit (13) provided with a memory, wherein infusion ratios for different types of coffees are saved and the coffee grinding machine (20) comprises a control unit (C) operatively connected to the control unit (13) of the coffee machine to send information about the weight (W) of the ground coffee contained in the filter-holder (9). The control unit (13) of the coffee machine uses the information received from the coffee grinding machine to extract a coffee that satisfies an infusion ratio selected by the operator.