Coffee Grinder-Doser Automatic Actuator for Granulometry Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee grinder-dosers face challenges in accurately adjusting granulometry for various coffee preparations, requiring precise control of grinder distance, which is cumbersome and prone to human error, especially when switching between different coffee types and extraction methods.
Innovation Solution
A coffee grinder-doser with an automatic actuator system using a stepper motor, worm, and toothed wheel transmission allows precise adjustment of grinder distance, combined with encoders and a control unit for automated positioning, enabling accurate granulometry settings without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a screw/nut screw coupling is used to adjust grinder distance, then the structure is simple and robust, but the adjustment accuracy is insufficient and requires multiple 360° rotations for large displacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual screw/nut screw mechanical adjustment system with an automated motor-driven system. A motor (208) coupled to the screw (201) through a gear reduction mechanism automatically positions the grinder (20) at the desired distance from the anvil (22), eliminating manual rotation operations while maintaining positioning accuracy through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gear reduction mechanism as an intermediary between the motor and the screw thread. This gear system (comprising gears 204, 205, 206, 207) acts as a mediator that converts the motor's rotation into precise linear displacement of the grinder, achieving both accuracy and ease of operation through automated control.
2Manufacturing precision
If the thread pitch is reduced to improve positioning accuracy, then the positioning precision increases, but the thread becomes less robust and less resistant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct manual thread engagement system with an automated motor-driven screw mechanism. The motor (208) provides controlled rotational force that can accommodate a coarser, more robust thread pitch while still achieving precise positioning through electronic control and gear reduction, eliminating the need for fine-pitched fragile threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the screw mechanism by introducing a gear reduction system. This allows the use of a screw with larger pitch (coarser threads) that is more robust, while the gear system (gears 204-207) compensates by providing the necessary mechanical advantage to achieve fine positioning adjustments automatically.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of grinder distance is used, then the device structure is simple, but the usability is heavily affected when switching between different coffee types and extraction methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual adjustment operations with an automated motor-driven system controlled by a control unit (203). The motor (208) automatically positions the grinder (20) for different coffee preparations based on commands from the control unit, enabling seamless transitions between different coffee types and extraction methods without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of the grinder position automatically. When a different coffee preparation type is selected, the control unit (203) automatically commands the motor (208) to adjust the grinder distance, allowing the system to serve itself without requiring operator knowledge or manual adjustment for each coffee type.
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 system ensures accurate and ergonomic adjustment of granulometry for different coffee preparations, reducing human error and allowing seamless transitions between various coffee types and extraction methods, enhancing usability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A coffee grinder-doser with an automatic actuator system using a stepper motor, worm, and toothed wheel transmission allows precise adjustment of grinder distance
Implementation Method 2
worm, and toothed wheel transmission allows precise adjustment of grinder distance
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee grinder-doser including a grinder-doser body, an electric motor, at least one driven grinder operatively connected to the electric motor, at least one fixed grinder, operatively separate from the electric motor, the driven and fixed grinders having respective teeth mutually facing and spaced from each other with respect to an adjustment direction X-X, where at least one out of the driven and fixed grinders is movable with respect to the other along the adjustment direction X-X, where the grinder-doser includes an automatic actuator operatively connected by transmission means to the driven grinder and/or fixed grinder so as to adjust and modify the mutual distance between the teeth thereof along the adjustment direction X-X.