Grinder, coffee machine and method for grinding coffee beans

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coffee grinders face challenges in precisely setting the grinding degree due to manufacturing inaccuracies and compensating for factors like thermal expansion and wear, leading to fluctuating coffee quality and lengthy adjustment cycles.

Innovation Solution

A grinder design that incorporates a force generation device to adjust the grinding tools' position, allowing for a product-specific optimal grinding degree, which remains constant under varying conditions, by applying an adjustable force to the grinding tools during operation, enabling quick changes between coffee types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If geometry-based adjustment methods are used to change grinding degree, then grinding degree can be adjusted, but manufacturing inaccuracies and thermal expansion cause fluctuating coffee quality and require lengthy adjustment cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrinding degree setting precisionVSAvoidcoffee quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional geometry-based mechanical adjustment system with a force-controlled system. Instead of relying on precise mechanical positioning of grinding discs, the invention applies controlled forces to press the grinding discs together, allowing the grinding degree to be determined by the applied force rather than by mechanical gap positioning. This substitution eliminates the problems of manufacturing inaccuracies and thermal expansion effects in the mechanical adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from geometric positioning (disc distance) to force application. By controlling the force pressed by the grinding disc against the coffee beans, the system achieves precise and repeatable grinding degree settings. This parameter change allows for compensation of manufacturing tolerances and environmental factors through force control, improving both precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple grinders are used to handle different coffee types, then coffee quality can be optimized for each type, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoffee type adaptabilityVSAvoidnumber of grinders

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to a single grinder system, allowing it to adapt to different coffee types through variable force control. The grinding degree can be dynamically changed by adjusting the applied force, enabling one grinder to perform the function of multiple fixed-setting grinders. This dynamic control provides versatility without increasing the number of physical grinding units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If conventional grinding systems are used, then simple structure is maintained, but adjustment cycles are lengthy and productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidadjustment cycle time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing manual geometry-based adjustment with automated force control, the system enables rapid adjustment between different coffee types. The force-controlled mechanism allows for quick reconfiguration without the time-consuming mechanical positioning and calibration required by conventional systems, significantly reducing adjustment cycle time and improving productivity.

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

This solution allows for precise and rapid adjustment of the grinding degree, reducing the need for multiple grinders in automatic coffee machines and maintaining consistent coffee quality by compensating for manufacturing tolerances and environmental factors.

Implementation Method 1

at least one force generation device (15) for applying a force F, which is transmitted to the coffee beans (5), to the first grinding tool (2) or the second grinding tool (8)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12082743B2Grinder, coffee machine and method for grinding coffee beans

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 MELITTA PROFESSIONAL COFFEE SOLUTIONS GMBH & CO

AI summary

The invention relates to a grinder for grinding coffee beans. The grinder has a first grinding tool and a second grinding tool which form a grinding gap and are rotatable relative to each other to grind coffee beans in the gap. A force generation device is arranged for applying a force, which is adjustable during operation, to one or both of the first grinding tool and second grinding tool, which force is transferrable to the coffee beans. The invention also relates to a method for grinding coffee beans with the grinder for preparing a hot beverage.