Coffee grinder-dispenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee grinder-dispensers require laborious operations to return grinding wheels to their correct adjustment after cleaning, disrupting the previously set grinding degree.
Innovation Solution
A coffee grinder-dispenser design where the fixed grinding wheel can be removed for cleaning without altering the driven grinding wheel's position, maintaining the pre-set adjustment through a threaded coupling system and axial constraint, allowing easy cleaning without affecting the grinding degree.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the threaded coupling arrangement is used to enable continuous adjustment of grinding degree, then the grinding wheel can undergo axial approach and withdrawal movement, but the cleaning operation becomes lengthy and laborious requiring return to correct adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding wheel assembly is segmented into a movable grinding wheel (28) and a fixed grinding wheel (40). The movable grinding wheel can be independently removed from the housing (35) while the fixed grinding wheel remains in place, allowing cleaning without disturbing the adjustment setting of the movable grinding wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable grinding wheel (28) is pre-positioned at the desired grinding degree before cleaning. This preliminary positioning is maintained because the adjustment mechanism (threaded coupling 46, 48) remains undisturbed during cleaning, eliminating the need to re-adjust after cleaning.
2Ease of operation
If both grinding wheels are movable to enable cleaning, then cleaning access is improved, but the adjustment setting is disturbed and requires reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the grinding wheel assembly into two distinct segments: a movable grinding wheel (28) that can be removed for cleaning, and a fixed grinding wheel (40) that remains stationary. This segmentation allows cleaning access while preserving the adjustment setting of the movable wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable grinding wheel (28) is extracted from the housing (35) for cleaning purposes. This extraction allows direct access to the grinding chamber for cleaning without affecting the fixed grinding wheel or the adjustment mechanism, thereby maintaining the preset adjustment setting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the threaded ring nut is used to adjust the position of the upper grinding wheel carrier, then continuous adjustment is achieved, but the cleaning process becomes complex requiring disengagement and re-engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding wheel system is segmented into removable and fixed components. The movable grinding wheel (28) can be independently removed from the housing (35) without affecting the adjustment mechanism (threaded coupling 46, 48), simplifying the cleaning process while preserving continuous adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The desired grinding adjustment is established beforehand using the threaded coupling (46, 48) before cleaning. This preliminary adjustment is maintained during cleaning because the adjustment mechanism remains undisturbed, reducing cleaning process complexity.
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 efficient and comfortable cleaning of the grinding chamber without disturbing the pre-set grinding degree, simplifying the process and maintaining the previous adjustment setting.
Implementation Method 1
continuous adjustment of the degree of grinding is achieved by the threaded coupling arrangement, which enables that grinding wheel movable axially to the motor-rotated grinding wheel to undergo axial approach and withdrawal movement
Implementation Method 2
The sleeve 32 lowerly presents a gear wheel 34 with which a worm 38 cooperates
Implementation Method 3
The sleeve 32 lowerly presents a gear wheel 34 with which a worm 38 cooperates
Implementation Method 4
The pulley 14 is connected via a belt 16 to a driven wheel 18 of diameter greater than the diameter of the pulley 14
Implementation Method 5
The shaft 26 is guided axially by ball bearings 30 inserted into a sleeve 32 on which the driven grinding wheel 28 rests
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A coffee grinder-dispenser consisting of a support base containing a grinding chamber, said base housing: - an electric motor (8), to the shaft (10) of which a second shaft (26) is rotoidally constrained but axially free, for rotating the driven grinding wheel (28), - a sleeve (32) within which said second shaft (26) rotates freely but is axially restrained, said sleeve (32) having its threaded lateral surface (46) cooperating with a threaded portion (48) rigid with the base, said driven grinding wheel being axially constrained to said sleeve (32), - a fixed grinding wheel (40) facing said driven grinding wheel (28) in the interior of the grinding chamber (36), said fixed grinding wheel being fixed in a determined position to the base frame in a non removable manner, characterised by comprising means (34, 38) for axially rotating said sleeve (32).