Coffee Grinder Elastomeric Membrane for Noise and Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic coffee machines are excessively noisy due to the grinding of coffee beans, which causes vibrations and sound amplification through empty spaces in the machine, and existing anti-vibration solutions are cumbersome, costly, and compromise coffee bean quality and cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine design featuring a shaped elastomeric membrane for sound insulation positioned between the hopper and grinder, which fills empty spaces and acts as a physical barrier to vibrations and noise, while also providing thermal insulation and maintaining coffee bean quality through gaskets and conduits that seal and direct coffee powder and steam effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple separate anti-vibration elements are used to reduce noise, then vibration isolation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate anti-vibration elements (dampening elements at support points, gaskets between hopper and grinder, acoustic insulation panels above grinder, and flexible conduits) into a single integrated elastomeric membrane that performs all vibration isolation and acoustic insulation functions simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric membrane serves multiple functions: it acts as a vibration isolator at support points, provides acoustic insulation above and around the grinder, seals the compartment, and allows passage of coffee powder through integrated conduits. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple separate anti-vibration elements are used, then vibration isolation is improved, but assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple vibration isolation and sealing functions into a single elastomeric membrane component that can be installed as one piece between the hopper and grinder assembly, dramatically reducing assembly time and manufacturing complexity compared to installing multiple separate dampening elements, gaskets, and panels
3Strength
If rigid components are used for structural support, then structural integrity is maintained, but noise amplification occurs due to empty spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible elastomeric membrane to fill empty spaces in the compartment above and around the grinder. This flexible film absorbs sound waves and prevents resonance in empty spaces, thereby reducing noise amplification while maintaining the structural integrity of the rigid housing
4Object-affected harmful factors
If separate anti-vibration elements are used, then vibration isolation is improved, but heat and steam from the brewing unit reach the hopper, compromising coffee bean quality
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric membrane integrates vibration isolation and thermal protection functions. The same membrane that isolates vibrations also acts as a thermal barrier, preventing heat and steam from the brewing unit from reaching the coffee beans in the hopper, thereby preserving coffee bean quality
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 significantly reduces noise propagation, preserves coffee bean quality, and enhances internal cleanliness by using a single, multifunctional elastomeric membrane that simplifies assembly and soundproofing, while maintaining the organoleptic properties of the coffee beans.
Implementation Method 1
a shaped elastomeric membrane for sound insulation positioned in said compartment and extending below said hopper to interrupt the continuity of the empty space present inside said compartment
Implementation Method 2
the use of distinct and separate anti-vibration elements allows not only the propagation of vibrations but also the heat produced by the grinder and the steam produced by the brewing unit to reach the hopper of coffee beans heating it
Data Source
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AI summary
The coffee machine (1) comprises a brewing unit, a hopper (2) for containing a plurality of coffee beans, a grinder (3) for grinding coffee beans, a frame (4) comprising a compartment (5), the compartment (5) has a zone for housing the hopper (2), a zone for housing the grinder (3) and a zone for housing the brewing unit, and a shaped elastomeric membrane (6) for sound insulation positioned in the compartment (5) and extending below said hopper (2) to fill the empty space present in said compartment (5).