Coffee Grinder Filter Detection Using Electrical Contact Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee grinder machines face issues with delicate and prone-to-damage sensors for detecting the filter holder, which are sensitive to dirt and expensive, leading to unreliable operation and potential coffee waste due to incorrect grinding timing or initiation.

Innovation Solution

A normally open switch system with electrically conductive half-supports that close when the filter or filter holder comes into contact, allowing for reliable detection and operation of the coffee grinder, even with non-metallic filter holders, and providing a time threshold to prevent accidental start or stop of the grinding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If delicate sensors (microswitch, inductive sensor, load cell) are used to detect filter holder presence, then detection capability is achieved, but reliability and robustness deteriorate due to breakage risk and sensitivity to dirt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system reliabilityVSAvoidsensor delicacy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces delicate electronic sensors (microswitches, inductive sensors, load cells) with a simple electrical contact system using conductive supports. The filter holder itself acts as the detection element by completing an electrical circuit when placed on the supports, eliminating the need for fragile sensing components while maintaining reliable detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If inductive sensor is used for contact-free detection, then operational simplicity is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates for steel filter holders and reading range is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact-free detectionVSAvoidfilter holder detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electrical conductive supports as intermediaries between the filter holder and the detection system. These supports create direct electrical contact with the filter holder (or filter), providing a reliable detection mechanism that works regardless of the filter holder material, unlike inductive sensors that have reduced effectiveness with steel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If mechanical microswitch or load cell is used for detection, then detection function is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to sensitivity to collision and abrupt movements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection functionVSAvoidoperator tolerance to collision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simple, robust electrical contacts and conductive supports that are inherently resistant to damage from collision and abrupt movements. These components are far more durable than delicate microswitches or load cells, tolerating the harsh operational environment including water washing and accidental impacts without failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If inductive sensor is used for detection, then contact-free operation is achieved, but cost increases and sensitivity to dirt worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact-free operationVSAvoiddirt sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the inductive sensor with a direct electrical contact system using conductive supports. This mechanical contact approach is inherently resistant to dirt and coffee powder contamination, unlike inductive sensors whose reading capability deteriorates in dirty environments. The system is also significantly more cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a robust and reliable detection system that ensures accurate and consistent operation of the coffee grinder, preventing coffee waste and improving bartender efficiency by ensuring proper grinding timing and initiation.

Implementation Method 1

a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are configured to support the filter and/or the filter holder so as to close the switch by means of an electrical contact between said contacts and said filter and/or filter holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical contact: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20230284834A1Coffee grinder with device for filter holder or filter detection and method for detecting a filter holder or filter

Publication Date: 2023.09.14 LA MARZOCCO

AI summary

It is disclosed a coffee grinder machine comprising: a machine body with a motor and grinding members for grinding coffee beans; and a device for detecting the presence of a filter and/or a filter holder in a set position suitable for receiving ground coffee, wherein the detecting device comprises a normally-open switch comprising a first half-support for the filter and/or the filter holder and a second half-support for the filter and/or filter holder, and wherein the switch is configured to close when the filter and/or filter holder is in electrical contact with said first half-support and with said second half-support.