Coffee Grinder Stop Positions for Absolute Grind Size Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinding devices for coffee machines lack the ability to set an absolute, precise grind size, as adjustments are relative and lost when grinding bodies are removed for maintenance, limiting control over coffee quality and flavor, especially in remote monitoring and adjustment systems.
Innovation Solution
The grinding device features adjustable grinding bodies with stop positions that define a fixed setting range, allowing for absolute control of grind size through stops and a controllable actuator, ensuring consistent settings even after power interruptions, and includes a bayonet connection for easy maintenance and vibration damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the grinding bodies are made adjustable to change grind size, then adaptability is improved, but the setting precision is lost when grinding bodies are removed for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing stop means that pre-establish fixed reference positions (first and second stop positions) for the adjustable grinding body. These stops are built into the device structure beforehand, creating predetermined clearance values that serve as absolute references. When the grinding body is adjusted, it can be positioned at these pre-defined stop locations, ensuring that the setting precision is maintained even after maintenance operations, as the stops provide reproducible reference points that restore the original settings.
2Ease of operation
If the adjustable grinding body can be freely adjusted, then ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of maintaining consistent settings is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing detectable means that detect when the adjustable grinding body reaches the first or second stop positions. This detection system provides feedback information about the position of the grinding body, enabling the system to confirm when a stop position has been reached. This feedback mechanism ensures that the same stop position always corresponds to the same clearance value, maintaining reliability and consistency of settings while allowing easy adjustment through the defined stop positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the grinding device includes adjustment mechanisms, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adjustment system into distinct functional components: the adjustable grinding body, separate first and second stop means providing different reference positions, and detectable means for position detection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining adaptability. The stop means are integrated into the device structure as separate elements rather than complex continuous adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Grinding device, coffee machine and method for adjustment thereof. A grinding device (100) comprises a grinding housing (101) with mutually co-acting grinding bodies (110, 120). A lower of the two grinding bodies (110) is both driven and axially adjustable for the purpose of setting a grind size. An upper grinding body (120) is removable. A grind size of the grinding device can be adjusted in absolute manner between a first extreme position and a second extreme position, corresponding to a fixed setting range between a minimal clearance between the two grinding surfaces and a maximum clearance between the two grinding surfaces. An extreme position of the adjustable grinding body is imposed by a stop which is encountered by the adjusting means in the relevant extreme position. A coffee machine uses the absolute grind size and/or a fine-tuning for an optimal contact time between coffee and through-flowing water.