Coffee Grinder Duct Flow Regulation for Anti-Agglomeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee grinders face issues with the formation of agglomerates and electrostatic charges during high-rate grinding, leading to uneven powder flow, accumulation, and overheating, which affect the quality of ground coffee and the operation of the grinder.
Innovation Solution
A coffee grinder device with a conformational element in the ducts that regulates the outflow of coffee powder through a complex, variable-section path and includes a mechanical member with elastic properties for partial occlusion and vibration control, combined with a weighing mechanism to ensure precise dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-rate grinding is performed, then productivity is improved, but agglomerate formation and electrostatic charges increase
Solution Approach 1:
A flow regulation element is introduced as an intermediary component in the duct between the grinding chamber and collection tank. This element mediates the coffee powder flow by creating a complex variable-section path that reduces flow velocity and prevents agglomerate formation, allowing high-rate grinding to continue without the harmful effects of rapid direct discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The flow regulation element employs curved, variable-section pathways instead of straight linear channels. The complex curved path lengthens the discharge route and creates gradual direction changes that reduce turbulence and electrostatic charge accumulation, enabling high productivity while minimizing agglomerate formation
2Productivity
If high-rate grinding is performed, then productivity is improved, but powder accumulation in ducts occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulation element acts as an intermediary that controls and distributes powder flow evenly through its variable-section design, preventing localized accumulation in the duct while maintaining high overall discharge rates. The element's complex geometry ensures continuous flow without dead zones where powder could accumulate
Solution Approach 2:
The flow regulation element creates dynamically varying flow conditions through its variable cross-section along the duct path. The changing section area optimizes flow velocity at different points, preventing stagnation and accumulation while maintaining high productivity during intensive operation
3Device complexity
If simple duct configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but agglomerate formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulation element is designed as a universal component that integrates multiple functions: it regulates flow rate, prevents agglomerate formation, reduces electrostatic charges, and guides powder to the collection tank. This single multi-functional element achieves complex flow control without requiring multiple separate components, maintaining relatively simple device configuration
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 effectively reduces agglomerate formation and electrostatic issues, ensuring a consistent and precise coffee powder flow, improving the quality and longevity of the coffee grinder.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical member for controlling the flow of powders, having a shape compatible with the web surface of the grinding chamber and of a shape compatible with the element for regulating the flow of powder, equipped with a specific degree of elasticity
Implementation Method 2
act on the dynamics of the moving powder flow, being able to limit the flow rate more or less partially as a function of the dynamic behavior of said powder
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for processing coffee beans comprising at least one primary tank, at least one mixing chamber comprising one or more rotating bodies for the reduction of grains and consequent production of coffee powder, one or more outlet ports connected to one or more ducts for the discharge of said powder from the grinding chamber, said ducts having an element for regulating the outflow of said coffee powder having specific conformation and elasticity so as to prevent the formation of lumps in the ground coffee and such as to prevent the accumulation of ground coffee powders along the exit path from the grinding chamber to the external ducts.