Coffee grinding machine with filter-holder detection system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee grinding machines lack an effective system to detect and distinguish different types of filter-holders, leading to difficulties in measuring the correct dose of ground coffee for optimal liquid coffee extraction.
Innovation Solution
A coffee grinding machine equipped with an inductive or magnetic sensor system that detects the type of filter-holder by sensing the beaks' alignment and position, allowing for accurate dosing without modifying traditional filter-holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If an optical sensor is used to detect filter-holder type, then detection capability is provided, but incorrect detection occurs when beaks are misaligned with the sensor axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point optical detection approach to a multi-point inductive detection array arranged in a circular pattern. This dimensional change from linear to radial arrangement allows detection of filter-holder presence regardless of rotational orientation, eliminating the alignment problem inherent in optical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical sensor system with an inductive sensor array. This substitution eliminates the line-of-sight requirement of optical detection by using electromagnetic field interaction, which can detect metallic beaks from multiple angular positions simultaneously through the cup bottom.
2Device complexity
If traditional filter-holders are used without modifications, then simplicity is maintained, but detection of filter-holder type becomes unreliable with optical sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection with inductive detection that senses metallic beaks through the cup bottom. This allows traditional filter-holders without optical markers or additional elements to be detected reliably, as the inductive sensors detect the metallic beaks' position and orientation through electromagnetic field interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup bottom acts as an intermediary medium that allows inductive sensor signals to pass through and interact with the metallic beaks. This intermediary enables detection without direct line-of-sight contact, maintaining filter-holder simplicity while achieving reliable detection.
3Reliability
If multiple sensor positions are used to detect all filter-holder orientations, then detection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal detection system where the circular array of inductive sensors can detect any filter-holder type and orientation using the same sensor elements. Each sensor in the array serves multiple functions by detecting different angular positions, eliminating the need for separate detection systems for different orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges sensors in a circular pattern around the cup axis, adding angular dimensionality to the detection system. This radial arrangement allows a compact multi-sensor configuration that covers all possible filter-holder orientations without requiring linear expansion of the sensor 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
Enables reliable and efficient detection of filter-holder types, ensuring correct dosing and quality of liquid coffee extraction without requiring additional elements on the filter-holders, improving user experience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A coffee grinding machine equipped with an inductive or magnetic sensor system that detects the type of filter-holder by sensing the beaks' alignment and position
Implementation Method 2
A coffee grinding machine equipped with an inductive or magnetic sensor system that detects the type of filter-holder by sensing the beaks' alignment and position
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
A coffee grinding machine (100) comprises: a hopper or container suitable for containing coffee beans, a grinding unit for grinding the coffee beans in such a way to obtain ground coffee, a delivery conduit (102) to deliver ground coffee, different types of filter-holders (1; 201; 301), a support unit (103) disposed under the delivery conduit (102) to support one of said filter-holders, and a detection unit (4) disposed under said support unit (103) and configured in such a way to detect the type of filter-holder supported by said support unit (103).