Coffee Grinder Dose Calibration Using Automatic Weighing Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for adjusting the dose weight in grams in coffee grinder-dosers are inadequate for professional use, as they are slow, imprecise, and require manual operations, and existing automatic solutions are prone to errors due to vibration interference and high sensitivity requirements.
Innovation Solution
An automatic calibration process for electronic grinder-doser apparatuses with an electronic weighing device directly connected to the logic control unit, which periodically checks and recalculates grinding times to achieve precise dose weight in grams, comprising phases of start, sampling, processing, and self-adjustment, allowing for frequent and accurate adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment methods are used for dose weight calibration, then the system is simple to operate, but the calibration is slow and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automatic electronic calibration system that uses a weighing device connected to a logic control unit. The system automatically performs multiple weighings, calculates compensation values, and adjusts grinding times without manual intervention, thereby achieving both high precision and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system performs self-calibration automatically. The logic control unit executes the calibration process autonomously by controlling the grinder, weighing the output, calculating compensation values, and adjusting parameters without requiring continuous manual operation, enabling the system to calibrate itself efficiently.
2Measurement precision
If high-sensitivity weighing devices are used to detect small weight variations, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to vibration interference and requires complex error compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs multiple periodic weighings (at least three weighings) during the calibration process. By repeating the measurement multiple times and calculating the average or median value, the system reduces the impact of vibration-induced errors and other random variations, thereby improving measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighing device provides continuous feedback to the logic control unit during the calibration process. The system uses this feedback to calculate compensation values and adjust grinding times iteratively, allowing it to compensate for vibration interference and other disturbances in real-time.
3Measurement precision
If frequent calibration is performed to maintain consistent coffee quality, then dose weight precision is maintained, but operational time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic electronic calibration system replaces slow manual calibration procedures, enabling frequent calibration without significant loss of operational time. The automated process quickly performs weighings, calculations, and adjustments, maintaining dose precision while minimizing interruption to coffee production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration in advance or during idle periods between coffee preparation tasks. By proactively maintaining calibration rather than waiting for drift to occur, the system ensures consistent dose weight without requiring frequent interruptions to the main operational workflow.
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 professional operators to easily and quickly calibrate grinder-dosers to achieve precise dose weight in grams, reducing human error and maintaining consistent coffee quality by compensating for variables affecting dispensing.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic weighing device (210) with a load cell (211)
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic calibration process for electronic grinder-doser apparatuses of coffee in beans provided with an electronic weighing device directly connected to the logic control unit of the apparatus, wherein the grinding times necessary for obtaining the requested dose weight in grams of ground coffee are pre-set, the process being aimed at periodically checking the quantity of coffee actually ground, re-calculating and re-setting the grinding times in the logic unit. The process particularly comprises a first phase (Phase A) of start, a second phase (Phase B) of sampling by multiple short and long detections, a third phase (Phase C) of processing by compensation calculation and a fourth phase (Phase D) of self-adjustment, the second, third and fourth phases (Phases B-D) being totally automatic, that is to say, being sequentially carried out by the electronic grinder-doser apparatus as automatic procedures by the logic control unit.