Coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines are inefficient in collecting wastes such as chaff and fine powder generated during the grinding of coffee beans.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine equipped with a grinder, a separation unit to separate waste from coffee beans, and a reservoir unit with an inner case body that allows air flow to facilitate the collection of waste, utilizing a suction unit to capture and store the waste efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple grinder structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but waste collection efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the inner case body is placed inside the outer case body, forming a reservoir unit with multiple chambers. The inner case body contains the grinding mechanism while the outer case body provides waste collection space, allowing the system to collect waste efficiently without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir unit is segmented into multiple functional zones: the inner case body for grinding, the outer case body for waste storage, and the circumferential wall space for air flow circulation. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system.
2Device complexity
If waste is not separated effectively, then device complexity is reduced, but coffee quality deteriorates due to interference from chaff and fine powder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using air flow to transport waste particles from the grinding area through the circumferential wall space to the outer case body. The suction unit creates negative pressure that draws chaff and fine powder away from the ground coffee, achieving effective separation without complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential wall of the inner case body is designed with specific properties to facilitate waste separation. The wall creates a controlled air flow path that selectively transports lightweight waste particles while allowing ground coffee to remain in the inner case body, applying different flow characteristics to different regions of the reservoir unit.
3Ease of operation
If a transparent portion is added to the case body, then ease of operation is improved for monitoring waste collection, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transparency (optical property) to specific portions of the case body to enable visual monitoring of waste collection. The transparent portion allows users to observe the accumulation of waste in the outer case body without opening the device, providing feedback on the operation status while maintaining a simple structural design.
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
The coffee machine effectively collects and stores chaff and fine powder, improving waste management and maintaining coffee quality by preventing these materials from interfering with the brewing process.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow containing the waste enters inside the circumferential wall
Implementation Method 2
an air flow is suctioned by the suction unit and rises
Implementation Method 3
the waste falls by an own weight thereof inside the circumferential wall
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee machine includes a grinder for grinding coffee beans, and collects wastes such as chaff and fine powder. The coffee machine includes a grinder to grind coffee beans; a separation unit to separate a waste from coffee beans; and a reservoir unit to store the waste separated from the coffee beans in the separation unit. The reservoir unit includes an outer case body and an inner case body inside the outer case body, and the inner case body has, in a circumferential wall thereof, an opening connected to the inside of the outer case body.