Coffee Grinder Burr Spacing Control for Reproducible Grind Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic coffee machines with adjustable grinders lack precision and reproducibility in adjusting coffee bean grind sizes, making it difficult for users to consistently prepare desired coffee drinks.
Innovation Solution
An automatic coffee machine with a grinder featuring two grinding wheels and an adjustment device using a reversible motor and transmission system to adjust spacing between the wheels, allowing for precise control of multiple positions, including very fine, fine, medium, and coarse grind settings, with an electronic control unit to manage motor power and position the grinding wheels accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional adjustment devices with reference stops and sensors are used, then the grinder can be adjusted to different positions, but the precision and reproducibility of the adjustment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment devices with reference stops and sensors with an electronic control system. The management module controls the reversible motor based on user-selected grind settings, eliminating mechanical reference stops and sensor-based positioning. This electronic control approach provides more precise and reproducible adjustment of the grinding wheel spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multiple discrete spacing positions (very fine, fine, medium, coarse grind settings) by controlling the motor to position the movable grinding wheel at specific distances from the fixed wheel. The management module varies the spacing parameter based on the selected grind setting, providing precise and reproducible adjustment across different operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple intermediate positions are added for precise adjustment, then the versatility of the grinder is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple grinding positions (very fine, fine, medium, coarse) using a single reversible motor and transmission system controlled by a management module. Rather than adding separate mechanical adjustment mechanisms for each position, the system uses one multi-functional actuator controlled electronically, reducing overall device complexity while providing versatile adjustment options.
Solution Approach 2:
The management module automatically controls the motor positioning and spacing adjustment based on the selected grind setting. The system self-regulates the grinding wheel spacing without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, simplifying the device while providing multiple precise positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the grinding wheel travels the full distance between extreme positions, then all grind sizes can be achieved, but the adjustment time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The management module pre-positions the movable grinding wheel near the target position before making the final precise adjustment. When a grind setting is selected, the system moves the wheel to the appropriate intermediate position rather than traveling the full distance between extreme positions, reducing adjustment time while maintaining the ability to achieve all required grind sizes.
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
Enables precise and reproducible adjustment of coffee grind sizes, allowing users to consistently prepare their preferred coffee drinks by minimizing the total travel time of the grinding wheel and ensuring precise positioning based on determined movement times.
Implementation Method 1
which comprises a reversible motor and a transmission system configured to translate one of the grinding wheels in one direction or the other under the action of the motor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic coffee machine comprising a grinder (5) having two burrs (6, 7), one of which is rotatable relative to the other, a spacing adjustment device (11) comprising a reversible motor, and a transmission system (13) configured to move one (7) of the burrs in either direction under the action of the motor from a lower stop position corresponding to the minimum burr spacing to an upper stop position corresponding to the maximum burr spacing. The adjustment device is configured to set the burr spacing to at least two intermediate positions, said adjustment device comprising a control module configured to power the motor until it reaches one of the lower or upper stop positions and then to power the motor for a predetermined time to reach one of the two intermediate positions selected by the user.