Coffee Grinder with Dual-Ring Adjustment for Consistent Granulometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coffee grinders lack consistency in granulometry due to varying coffee bean weight and require manual or electric adjustments calibrated for specific types of coffee, leading to uneven results and increased running costs from overheating.
Innovation Solution
A device with a vertical inlet hopper and separate outlet connected by a horizontal seat with a shaft, featuring a first and second grinder for micro- and macro-adjustments, allowing for consistent granulometry across different coffee types and reducing overheating through a screw-feeder shaft with brushes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single adjustment ring is used to vary grain size, then the device is simple to operate, but the granulometry cannot be optimized for different types of coffee beans
Solution Approach 1:
The single adjustment ring is divided into two separate adjustment rings: a first ring for macro-adjustment and a second ring for micro-adjustment. This segmentation allows independent control of different granulometry parameters, enabling optimization for various coffee types (espresso, crema, regular, Turkish) without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is made dynamically adjustable with two independent rings that can be modified during operation. The first ring provides coarse adjustment for different coffee categories, while the second ring allows fine-tuning, creating a flexible system that adapts to different brewing requirements.
2Productivity
If the grinders are turned continuously to grind coffee beans, then the grinding process is efficient, but overheating occurs requiring liquid cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous grinding, the system uses periodic action where coffee beans are fed through a screw mechanism that intermittently brings beans into contact with the rotating grinders. This periodic contact allows cooling periods between grinding cycles, preventing overheating while maintaining adequate productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
A screw-feeder mechanism acts as an intermediary between the hopper and grinders, controlling the feed rate and contact time. This intermediary component regulates the grinding process to prevent excessive heat generation while maintaining efficient coffee bean processing.
3Productivity
If the hopper is filled with coffee beans, then the grinder operates continuously, but the weight of coffee influences granulometry causing uneven results
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is segmented into two independent rings that allow precise control of grinder gap and contact pressure. This segmentation enables compensation for weight variations in the hopper, maintaining consistent granulometry whether the hopper is full or partially filled.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic change of grinding parameters through the two adjustment rings. The first ring adjusts the base gap distance, while the second ring fine-tunes the contact pressure, enabling optimization of granulometry parameters regardless of coffee bean weight variations in the hopper.
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 device achieves even and constant granulometry, maintains organoleptic qualities, and reduces production and maintenance costs by allowing precise adjustments and preventing overheating.
Implementation Method 1
a screw-feeder shaft with brushes
Data Source
AI summary
A device for grinding coffee beans includes a body provided with a vertical hopper for the entry of the coffee beans and a separate vertical outlet for the ground coffee, which are mutually connected by way of a horizontal seat within which a shaft is associated axially and rotatably. A first grinder is keyed to the shaft and interacts with a facing second grinder. These grinders cooperate with elements adapted to allow a first, micro-adjustment and a second, macro-adjustment of the grinding as a function of the type of coffee beans selected.