Coffee Grinder Load Cell Dosing to Reduce Weight Measurement Error
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coffee grinders lack precision in measuring the weight of ground coffee due to indirect calculation methods, leading to heterogeneity in dosages and potential residue loss during the grinding process.
Innovation Solution
A coffee grinder with a load cell for direct weight measurement at the filter-holder, combined with a switching unit that alternates between weight-based and time-based dosing, using a reliability assessment and firmware for continuous calibration and self-learning adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indirect calculation method based on grinding time is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of coffee dosage weight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the indirect mechanical timing system with a direct electronic weighing system using a load cell. The load cell directly measures the weight of ground coffee delivered to the filter holder, substituting the mechanical grinding-time-based dosage calculation with an electronic weight measurement system, thereby achieving both precision and simplified device architecture.
2Measurement precision
If direct weight measurement at filter-holder is implemented, then measurement precision of coffee dosage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weighing function into a separate, dedicated load cell component that is integrated into the existing filter holder support structure. By taking out the weighing function as an independent element and placing it where the filter holder is already supported, the system achieves direct weight measurement without adding significant structural complexity to the overall device.
3Manufacturing precision
If grinding process is optimized for precise dosing, then manufacturing precision of coffee dosage is improved, but productivity decreases due to extended calibration and measurement time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the load cell continuously monitors the weight of ground coffee during the grinding process. The control unit receives real-time weight data and can adjust the grinding duration dynamically, providing feedback control that ensures precise dosing while optimizing grinding time to maintain high productivity without sacrificing dosage uniformity.
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
Achieves high precision and constancy in coffee dosages, maintaining perfect calibration despite external conditions, with the ability to choose between weight-based and time-based dosing modes for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
a weighing system of the filter-holder with the ground coffee, said weighing system being operatively connected to said fork
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Coffee grinder with weight control device of the dose of ground coffee, of the type comprising an electric motor (3), a grinder group (4) driven by said electric motor (3) and housed inside a grinding chamber (5), a feed hopper (6) for feeding the coffee beans to be ground towards said grinding chamber (5), a delivery channel (7) for delivering the ground coffee towards a support fork (8) of a filter- holder to be loaded with ground coffee, a load cell (16) mechanically connected to said fork (8) and a microprocessor (17) which controls the operation of the motor (3) to determine a desired final dose (Pf) of ground coffee inside said filter-holder. Said microprocessor (17) contains control firmware which, when weighing a new dose of coffee is required by the user, activates a weighing program which provides the following operational steps in succession: a) activating the electric motor (3) to obtain the coffee grinding by the grinder group (4); b) continuously controlling, by said load cell (16), the detected weight (Pr) of ground coffee which, through said delivery channel (7), reaches the filter-holder leaning on said fork (8); c) determining the shutdown of the electric motor (3) when said detected weight (Pr) reaches the value Pr=Pf-A where Δ is a predetermined value corresponding to the weight of ground coffee which reaches the filter-holder during the shutdown transient of the electric motor (3).