Rotating Coffee Grinder Flow Channel to Prevent Fine Particle Sticking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee preparation devices face issues with coffee particles smaller than 150 microns sticking to surfaces and accumulating around dispensing openings, leading to clogging and aroma loss, and the use of vibration mechanisms reduces the lifespan of mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A coffee grinder with a flow channel connected to a motion control motor that rotates in opposite radial directions to prevent sticking, combined with a control unit to adjust movement speed, frequency, and acceleration, and an outlet cleaner to maintain the flow channel's cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If coffee particles are ground to a size of 75-125 microns to achieve desired taste and consistency, then the coffee quality is improved, but the particles tend to stick to each other and to the surface over which they are being carried
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibration elements (such as eccentric cams, unbalanced rotors, or piezoelectric actuators) to the flow channel or container walls to generate mechanical vibrations that prevent coffee particles from adhering to surfaces. The vibration frequency and amplitude are controlled to be sufficient to disrupt particle-surface adhesion forces while maintaining particle flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic vibration or oscillation of the flow channel or container at specific frequencies to create cyclic disturbances that prevent particle accumulation. This periodic action ensures that particles are continuously loosened and redistributed, preventing sticking throughout the delivery path.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If vibration elements are attached to the container or flow channel to prevent particle sticking, then particle flow is improved, but the mechanical components are damaged in the medium and long term and the usage lives of the devices are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical vibration motors with alternative actuation methods such as piezoelectric elements, electromagnetic actuators, or acoustic resonance systems. These alternatives generate the necessary vibrations with less mechanical wear and tear on the system components, thereby extending device lifespan while maintaining particle flow prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the vibration parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) to the minimum effective levels required to prevent particle sticking. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves particle flow prevention with reduced mechanical stress on components, thereby improving reliability and extending usage life.
3Productivity
If the flow channel is vibrated continuously to prevent particle sticking, then particle flow is maintained, but the mechanical components suffer damage and device lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs intermittent or periodic vibration instead of continuous vibration, activating the vibration elements only during critical phases of particle flow or when sticking is detected. This reduces the cumulative mechanical stress on components while maintaining adequate particle flow prevention during operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensors (such as flow sensors, pressure sensors, or optical detectors) that monitor particle flow conditions and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the vibration elements are activated only when and where needed to prevent sticking, minimizing unnecessary mechanical operation and extending device lifespan.
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
Prevents particle sticking and clogging, extends the lifespan of coffee preparation devices by eliminating the need for uncontrolled vibration, and ensures consistent coffee quality and aroma preservation.
Implementation Method 1
a motion control motor that successively moves said flow channel at the inlet axis in opposite radial directions in a suitable amount and frequency in order to prevent the sticking of the ground coffee particles located in the flow channel, to said flow channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1.A~1.B
Figure 1.C
AI summary
The invention is a coffee grinder, comprising at least a flow channel (30) that directs the ground coffee particles conveyed from the outlet (23) of the grinder in order to transfer them to a container (M), and its inlet (31) positioned such that right below the grinder outlet (23) and connected to the grinder such that it can rotate according to the channel inlet axis (X) that passes through the center of said inlet, and a motion control motor (40) that successively moves said flow channel (30) at the inlet axis (X) in opposite radial directions (R) in a suitable amount and frequency in order to prevent the sticking of the ground coffee particles located in the flow channel (30), to said flow channel (30). and a coffee machine having such a coffee grinder.