Coffee Grinder Weighing System for Precise Dose Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee bean grinding apparatuses face challenges in accurately measuring coffee doses due to issues like humidity, electrostatic interactions, and varying granulometry, leading to inconsistent dosing and increased complexity in structures, which are difficult to adapt for both coffee grinder-dosers and coffee machines.
Innovation Solution
A coffee bean grinding apparatus with a weighing system that includes a support frame, weighing body, and weight detection sensors to measure the weight of the grinding assembly before, during, and after grinding, allowing for precise calculation of the coffee dose dispensed by detecting weight differences, while neglecting any accumulations and static electricity effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a volumetric dosing system is used in a buffer, then the structure is simple, but the dose measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient and uneven filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical volumetric dosing system with an electronic weighing system using load cells and microprocessors. The microprocessor controls the dosing process by monitoring weight measurements, substituting mechanical volume-based dosing with electronic weight-based control to achieve precise dose measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the microprocessor continuously monitors the weight of ground coffee in the buffer and dispensing chamber using load cells. The system adjusts the dosing process based on real-time weight feedback, comparing actual measurements with target values to ensure accurate dosing.
2Device complexity
If on-demand dispensing is used, then the structure is simplified, but the dose consistency deteriorates due to humidity and electrostatic interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple gravity-based on-demand dispensing with an electronically controlled system using load cells and microprocessor. The system monitors weight in real-time and controls the dispensing process electronically, substituting unreliable mechanical gravity-based dispensing with precise electronic control to maintain dose consistency despite humidity and electrostatic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the microprocessor monitors the weight of dispensed coffee continuously and adjusts the dispensing process based on real-time measurements. The system compares actual dispensed weight with the target dose and makes adjustments to ensure consistent dosing regardless of environmental conditions.
3Measurement precision
If load cells are added to existing systems, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the weighing function with the existing dosing system structure. The load cells are integrated into the buffer and dispensing chamber, and the microprocessor combines weight measurement data with the control of the dosing mechanism, merging measurement and control functions into a unified system rather than adding separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor serves multiple functions: it controls the dosing mechanism, monitors weight measurements from load cells, processes the data, and adjusts the dispensing process. This multi-functional component reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control and measurement functions in a single intelligent device.
4Measurement precision
If complex weighing systems are implemented, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service operation where the microprocessor automatically performs all weighing, calculation, and dosing adjustments without requiring user intervention. The system self-calibrates, self-monitors, and self-adjusts the dosing process based on real-time weight measurements, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback control where the microprocessor automatically monitors weight measurements and adjusts the dosing process in real-time without user input. The system continuously compares actual weight with target values and makes automatic adjustments, providing precise measurement and control while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
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 solution provides accurate and consistent measurement of coffee doses, reducing the risk of failures and maintenance costs, and allows adaptation for different grinding setups, ensuring precise weight measurement regardless of granulometry variations.
Implementation Method 1
a weighing body (310) to support the grinding assembly (100) on a support frame (200)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Coffee bean grinding apparatus (1) comprising: a grinding assembly (100) comprising: a storage hopper (10) configured to store coffee beans; a grinding device (20) connected to the storage hopper (10) and comprising grinding means (30) configured to grind coffee beans received from the storage hopper (10) and to dispense ground coffee, a dispensing conduit (40) configured to dispense the ground coffee () from the grinding assembly (100); a support frame (200) coupled to the grinding assembly (100) to support the grinding assembly (100); a weighing apparatus (300) configured to measure the weight of the ground coffee dispensed from the grinding assembly (100) and comprising: a weighing body (310) configured to connect the grinding assembly (100) to the support frame (200) by suspending the grinding assembly (100); weight detection sensors (320) associated to the weighing body (310) and configured to generate measurement signals representative of the weight of the grinding assembly (100) at successive time intervals; an electronic control unit (330) in signal communication with the weight detection sensors (320) for receiving the measurement signals and calculating a weight signal representative of the weight of the ground coffee dispensed from the grinding assembly (100) as a function of the measurement signals received.