Coffee Grinder Force-Controlled Grinding for Rapid Fineness Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee grinders in coffee machines struggle with determining a precise zero point for setting the minimum fineness of coffee powder, leading to fluctuating extraction times due to factors like thermal expansion and grinding disc wear, requiring lengthy adjustment cycles and limiting the ability to adjust grinding for different coffee types.
Innovation Solution
A grinder with two grinding disc carriers and a force-generating device that applies an adjustable force to press the grinding tools together, allowing for rapid, product-specific adjustment of the grinding degree, even under varying conditions, and includes a force-generating device that can be actuated by a servomotor or other mechanisms to ensure consistent grinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If geometry-based adjustment methods are used to change the grinding degree, then the grinding fineness can be adjusted, but the adjustment precision is limited and requires lengthy adjustment cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical geometry-based adjustment system with a force-controlled system. Instead of physically moving grinding discs to change the gap geometry, the invention applies controlled forces to press the grinding tools together, enabling precise and rapid adjustment of grinding fineness through force modulation rather than mechanical repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from geometric positioning (distance between grinding discs) to force application (pressing force between grinding tools). This parameter transformation allows for continuous, precise, and rapid adjustment of grinding degree by varying the applied force, eliminating the need for time-consuming mechanical repositioning.
2Reliability
If conventional grinding systems are used, then the structure is simple, but they cannot compensate for thermal expansion and grinding disc wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors grinding performance and adjusts the applied force accordingly. This feedback mechanism compensates for thermal expansion and grinding disc wear by detecting changes in grinding characteristics and automatically adjusting the pressing force to maintain consistent grinding fineness, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static geometric adjustment system to a dynamic force-controlled system. The grinding degree is no longer fixed by mechanical positioning but is dynamically adjusted through variable force application, allowing the system to adapt in real-time to thermal expansion and wear conditions, thereby maintaining grinding consistency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple grinders are used for different coffee types, then each coffee type can be optimized, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single grinder universal by enabling it to adapt to different coffee types through force control. Instead of requiring separate grinders for different coffee types, the invention allows one grinder to perform multiple functions by adjusting the applied force according to the specific requirements of different coffee types, thereby achieving versatility without increasing the number of devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables a single grinder to dynamically adapt to different coffee types by varying the pressing force. This dynamic adjustment capability allows one grinder to replace multiple specialized grinders, as the force can be optimized for different coffee types (e.g., espresso vs. filter coffee) without changing the physical grinding mechanism.
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 quick and precise adjustment of grinding fineness for different coffee types, reducing the need for multiple grinders and maintaining consistent extraction quality by compensating for thermal expansion and wear, thus enhancing the reproducibility and efficiency of coffee preparation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force-generating device (15) for applying an adjustable force F to a first grinding tool (2) or a second grinding tool (8), which is transmitted to the coffee beans (5), wherein the force F is directed in such a way that it presses the respective grinding tool (2; 8) to which the force F is applied in the direction of the respective other grinding tool (8; 2)
Implementation Method 2
A force-generating device that can be actuated by a servomotor or other mechanisms to ensure consistent grinding
Data Source
AI summary
A grinder for grinding coffee beans having a first grinding tool and a second grinding tool forming a grinding nip, and the second grinding tool being rotatable relative to the first grinding tool. The grinder has at least one force generation device for applying a selectable force F to a first grinding tool or a second grinding tool, which force can be transmitted to the coffee beans. A coffee machine having such a grinder and a method for preparing coffee using said type of coffee machine and said type of grinder.