Coffee grinder, coffee machine and method for grinding coffee in a coffee grinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee grinders face issues such as large size, high power consumption, inefficiency, and operational delays due to clogged coffee grounds, particularly when using AC or conventional DC motors, and require significant adaptation when motor specifications change.
Innovation Solution
A coffee grinder with a two-part housing and a brushless DC motor positioned within the lower part, allowing for a compact design, adjustable grind size, and controlled speed, along with a reversible connection for flexible outlet positioning, and a control unit for managing blockages and grind settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If AC motors are used to power coffee grinders, then the motors can be directly powered by mains without strain on power supply, but the motors require significantly larger size and generate high heat and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the AC motor with a DC motor, substituting one electrical system for another. The DC motor is driven by a power supply circuit that converts mains power to appropriate DC voltage, eliminating the need for a large AC motor while maintaining direct mains power compatibility. This substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving power supply compatibility through a different electrical approach that allows for compact motor dimensions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If AC motors are used in coffee grinders, then direct mains power connection is enabled, but the motors generate high degree of heat and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the AC motor with a DC motor system that includes a power supply circuit. This substitution eliminates the high heat generation problem inherent in AC motors while maintaining the ability to connect directly to mains power. The DC motor's efficiency and lower heat output resolve the contradiction between power supply compatibility and heat generation.
3Force
If conventional DC motors are used, then high starting torque is achieved, but the power supply must be correspondingly large to deliver high starting currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by implementing a power supply circuit that dynamically adjusts voltage and current parameters. The circuit includes a microcontroller that monitors motor current and adjusts power delivery accordingly, enabling high starting torque when needed while reducing power supply size through intelligent parameter control rather than requiring a constantly oversized power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using a microcontroller-based power supply circuit that dynamically adjusts its output parameters based on real-time motor requirements. The system transitions between different power delivery states, providing high current during startup for high torque, then reducing current during normal operation, thereby eliminating the need for a continuously large power supply while maintaining high starting torque capability.
4Force
If conventional DC motors operate with very high starting currents under overload, then high torque is maintained, but the lifespan of the motors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through a microcontroller that continuously monitors motor current, temperature, and operational parameters. When overload conditions are detected, the control system adjusts power delivery to maintain necessary torque while preventing excessive current that would reduce motor lifespan. This closed-loop feedback resolves the contradiction by intelligently balancing torque requirements with motor protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating protective control logic that anticipates overload conditions and takes preventive action. The microcontroller monitors trends in current and temperature, and before damage occurs, it adjusts power delivery or triggers protective measures, thereby cushioning the motor against conditions that would reduce lifespan while still allowing necessary overload operation.
5Force
If conventional DC motors are used, then high starting torque is achieved, but speed stability is poor and speed is load-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through a microcontroller that continuously monitors motor speed and adjusts power delivery to maintain constant speed despite load variations. The control system measures actual speed and compensates for load-dependent speed changes by adjusting voltage or current, thereby achieving both high starting torque and excellent speed stability that conventional DC motors lack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using a microcontroller-based control system that dynamically adjusts motor parameters in real-time. The system adapts power delivery based on instantaneous load conditions, maintaining optimal speed while preserving high starting torque capability. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction between torque and speed stability inherent in conventional DC motors.
6Ease of manufacture
If third-party motors are sourced for coffee grinders, then manufacturing flexibility is reduced, but the grinder housing must be adapted when motor specifications change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized motor mounting interface and housing structure that can accommodate different motor specifications without requiring housing modifications. The power supply circuit is designed with universal compatibility, allowing the same housing to work with various DC motor types and sizes. This universal design resolves the contradiction by enabling manufacturing flexibility while eliminating the need for housing adaptations when motor specifications change.
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 durable, high-quality ground coffee with minimal power consumption, reduced noise, and consistent dispensing capacity, while minimizing operational delays and installation space, and enhances flexibility for manufacturers.
Implementation Method 1
a second, lower, rotating grinding disc (6) connected to an output shaft of the housingless DC motor, wherein the housingless DC motor comprises a stator (8) and a rotor (9), the rotor (9) being connected to the second grinding disc (6)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coffee grinder, a coffee machine and a method for grinding coffee in a coffee grinder. The coffee grinder is characterised in that it has a two-part housing and thus ensures maximum stability of the coffee grinder while requiring minimal installation space. The coffee grinder also has a DC motor. This motor enables the coffee grinder to provide ground coffee over a maximum life and without lengthy operational delays (e.g. caused by clogged coffee grounds) in the smallest possible installation space. The coffee grinder can be used in a coffee machine. In addition, the coffee grinder or coffee machine can be used in a method for grinding coffee, the coffee machine and the method providing the same advantages.