Coffee Grinder-Doser Automatic Calibration for Precise Dose Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for adjusting the dose weight in grams in coffee grinder-dosers are unsuitable 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, making it difficult to achieve precise weight variations in espresso coffee preparation.
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 the grinding times to achieve the desired dose weight in grams, comprising phases of start, sampling, processing, and self-adjustment, allowing for precise and frequent adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of grinding time is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the calibration is slow and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of grinding time with an automatic electronic control system. The microprocessor-based controller automatically adjusts the motor drive circuit based on weight sensor feedback, eliminating manual intervention and achieving both high precision and efficiency in calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where weight sensors continuously measure the actual coffee dose and feed this information back to the microprocessor. The controller then automatically adjusts the grinding time based on this feedback, enabling precise and rapid calibration without manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If high-sensitivity weighing device is used to detect weight variations, then the measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to vibration interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary stabilization mechanism between the grinding motor and the weighing sensor. The motor is driven during grinding operations, while the weighing sensor operates independently on a separate platform. The system sequentially switches between grinding and weighing modes, isolating the sensitive weighing operation from vibration interference while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by alternating between grinding phases and weighing phases. The motor operates periodically to grind coffee, then stops completely during weighing operations. This periodic on-off cycle allows the high-sensitivity weighing device to function accurately without continuous vibration interference, maintaining both precision and reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If frequent calibration is performed to maintain coffee quality, then the consistency is improved, but the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service calibration where the system automatically performs calibration operations without requiring user intervention. The microprocessor-controlled system autonomously adjusts grinding parameters based on weight sensor feedback, allowing frequent calibration to maintain coffee quality consistency while keeping the operation simple for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent automatically changes operational parameters (grinding time, motor speed) based on real-time weight measurements. The microprocessor adjusts these parameters dynamically during calibration, enabling frequent recalibration to maintain consistent coffee quality without requiring complex manual adjustments by the operator.
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 enables professional operators to calibrate grinding times frequently and accurately, maintaining consistent coffee quality by reducing manual interventions and human errors, ensuring precise dose weight in grams despite variations in coffee quality, machine wear, and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic weighing device (210) with a load cell (211)
Data Source
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AI summary
Automatic calibration process (10) for electronic grinder-doser apparatuses (20) of coffee in beans provided with an electronic weighing device (210-2) directly connected to the logic control unit (203) of the apparatus, wherein the grinding times necessary for obtaining the requested dose weight in grams of ground coffee are pre-set, said process being aimed at periodically checking the quantity of coffee actually ground, re-calculating and re-setting the grinding times in said logic unit. Said process (10) 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, said 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 (20) as automatic procedures by the logic control unit (203).