Coffee Grinder Ring-Nut Repositioning for Consistent Grind Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee grinders lack a reliable and durable system for repositioning the reference point that defines the optimal distance between grinding tools, leading to variable particle size distribution due to factors like oxidation, temperature, humidity, and wear, making it difficult to maintain consistent grind quality.
Innovation Solution
A coffee grinder-doser system with a repositionable ring-nut mechanism, featuring a graduated ring and locking cover, allows for precise adjustment and locking of the distance between grinding tools, using a rototranslation mechanism that integrates a reference index for angular position, preventing accidental removal and ensuring consistent grind quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adhesive labels are used to mark the reference position, then the reference point can be repositioned, but the solution is of limited duration and may be lost when shifted
Solution Approach 1:
The reference marking system transitions from static adhesive labels to a dynamic mechanical indexing system where the ring nut and cover can be rotated and repositioned to any angular position, allowing the reference point to be dynamically adjusted and securely locked in place
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces adhesive chemical bonding with a mechanical locking system consisting of a ring nut with indexing markings and a cover that can be rotated to any position and secured, eliminating the reliability issues of adhesive degradation
2Measurement precision
If a fixed index integral with the movement member is used, then the reference position is marked, but the working position cannot be marked at will
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms from a fixed, static index to a dynamic, rotatable indexing system where the ring nut can be positioned at any angular orientation and locked, enabling flexible repositioning while maintaining precise reference marking capability
3Reliability
If the ring nut and cover system is used, then the reference position can be repositioned and locked, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the adjustment mechanism into separable functional components: the ring nut with indexing markings and the cover with locking capability, allowing independent manufacturing and assembly while maintaining overall system reliability
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 fast, reliable, and lasting repositioning of the adjustment reference, maintaining precision and preventing accidental removal, thus ensuring consistent grind quality and adaptability to changing conditions without the limitations of adhesive or magnetic solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the distance between the mills that grind the beans is adjusted by means of a screw/nut screw coupling that puts one of the two mills in position with respect to the other
Implementation Method 2
locking cover, allows for precise adjustment and locking of the distance between grinding tools
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee grinder-doser includes a grinder-doser body enclosing a grinding chamber which houses first and second mills configured and mutually positioned to grind coffee beans into powder. An external ring-nut which is gripped and rotated by an operator integrally connects to the first mill. A nut screw with a longitudinal axis, inside the grinding chamber, is engaged with an external thread of the ring-nut to translate the first mill along the longitudinal axis. The ring-nut includes a ring-nut body and indices defining the angular position thereof. The grinder-doser body includes a fixed reference for the indices. The ring-nut is associated with a graduated ring having the indices, and a cover at least partially removable to lock the graduated ring between the cover and the ring-nut. The cover is fixed to the ring-nut body by a partially removable couple for adjusting and locking the angular position of the graduated ring.