Coffee machine comprising a device for transferring coffee grounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machine grind transfer devices are prone to clogging due to humidity and require complex mechanisms, which complicates the design and increases the risk of inconsistent coffee dosage.
Innovation Solution
A simple grind transfer device with an inclined wall that directs coffee grounds towards the infusion zone, automatically seals to prevent clogging, and includes a cleaning mechanism to maintain hygiene, allowing for precise dosage and reduced machine size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex cleaning mechanism is added to prevent clogging, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the natural movement of coffee grounds during the dosing operation to automatically clean the dispensing orifice. The grounds flow through the orifice and clear any potential blockages, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the cleaning function from dedicated cleaning mechanisms and extracts it to be performed by the coffee grounds themselves during the normal dosing process. This removes the complexity of cleaning devices while maintaining their preventive function.
2Reliability
If humidity control measures are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the storage tank from the humid environment by separating it from the infusion zone. The tank is positioned in a dry area while only the necessary dispensing components extend into the infusion zone, eliminating the need for complex humidity control systems in the storage area.
3Device complexity
If a simple transfer device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical dosing mechanisms with a gravity-based flow control system. The dispensing orifice and chute geometry are designed to provide consistent dosage through gravitational flow, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining precision through carefully designed flow characteristics.
4Productivity
If the storage tank is positioned above the infusion zone, then productivity is improved, but the risk of humidity rise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the storage tank from the humid infusion zone environment while maintaining its elevated position for gravity-fed transfer. The tank is positioned in a dry area above the infusion zone, connected only by a minimal dispensing pathway, thus maintaining productivity while eliminating humidity exposure to the stored coffee grounds.
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 ensures efficient and clog-free transfer of coffee grounds, maintaining hygiene and ensuring consistent coffee dosage, while simplifying the design and reducing the risk of humidity-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
The inclined wall is configured to be positioned under the orifice and to direct towards the infusion zone the grounds passing through this orifice
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a coffee machine (1) comprising an infusion zone (7), a storage container (5) for ground coffee arranged above said infusion zone, and a device for transferring the coffee grounds from the storage container to the infusion zone via an aperture. The transfer device comprises a member for opening and closing said aperture, which can move between an open position and a closed position. The aperture opening and closing member comprises an open portion that has an inclined wall (20) configured, when in the open position, to be positioned beneath the aperture and to direct the coffee grounds that pass through said aperture towards the infusion zone, and configured to be offset from said aperture when in the closed position. The transfer device also comprises a cleaning member (33) for said inclined wall when moving from the open position into the closed position and vice versa.