Grinding and extraction apparatus for coffee beans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fully automatic coffee machines compromise on quality and convenience due to fixed grind size settings and lack of user adjustment based on different coffee beans, requiring specific skills for optimal beverage preparation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a grinding and extraction apparatus with AI-driven communication between devices to adjust parameters based on previous phase outputs, using accessory-devices for flexible preparation without single serve packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fully automatic machines are used to simplify extraction steps, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to fixed grind size settings that cannot be adjusted for different coffee beans
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding device incorporates an adjustable grinding mechanism that can dynamically change grind size settings. The system transitions from fixed static settings to dynamic adjustability, allowing the grind size to be modified based on different coffee bean types and beverage requirements while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing adjustment of grinding parameters (grind size, grinding time, quantity) according to different coffee beans and beverage types. This resolves the contradiction by making the previously fixed parameters variable, thus maintaining both ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
2Device complexity
If fixed grind size settings are used in automatic machines, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as the same grind size must be used for all beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding device is designed with multi-functionality to handle different coffee beans and produce different grind sizes for various beverage types. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions (espresso, filter coffee, Turkish coffee, etc.) without requiring separate specialized equipment, thus maintaining simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic adjustability to the grinding mechanism, enabling it to adapt to different requirements. This transforms the device from a static single-purpose tool to a dynamic multi-purpose system, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual tamping and grinding are required to maintain quality, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as specific skills are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the machine automatically performs grinding, dosing, and extraction functions. The automated control system maintains manufacturing precision by precisely controlling grinding parameters and extraction conditions, while eliminating the need for manual tamping and grinding skills, thus improving ease of operation without sacrificing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical operations (hand tamping, hand grinding) with automated mechanical systems. The grinding device and extraction apparatus use controlled mechanical mechanisms to achieve consistent, high-quality results without requiring operator skill, resolving the contradiction between quality and ease of operation.
4Manufacturing precision
If the grinder is adjustable to get the right grind size, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements parameter change capability through a control unit that manages grinding parameters. Rather than complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, the system uses programmable parameters stored in memory, allowing precise grind size control through software control rather than complex hardware, thus maintaining precision while limiting complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a grinding and extraction apparatus for roasted coffee beans comprising a grinding device (60) and an associated extraction device (70); the grinding device (60) comprising one or more housings for receiving one or more beans containers (10, 20) with roasted coffee beans of the same or different types; the grinding device (60) comprising a reader (62) to obtain the information of the product parameters of the roasted coffee beans of the one or more beans containers (10, 20); the grinding device (60) further comprising a control unit configured to adapt the grinding size and the quantity of roasted coffee beans for obtaining a certain coffee blend from each beans container to be grinded according to these product parameters and/or according to a recipes database (64) comprising the beverage information associated to the beverage to be prepared; the grinding device (60) further comprising an encoder (62) to encode the beverage information on programmable identification means (65) on a product holder (61) in the grinding device (60), to where the grinded coffee is sent; the extraction device (70) being configured for receiving the product holder (61) and comprising reading means (72) to identify the beverage information in the said product holder identification means (65), the extraction device (70) further comprising a control unit to extract the beverage according to the beverage information retrieved and/or from the beverage information retrieved from a beverage database in this control unit. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for grinding roasted coffee beans and preparing a beverage from them using a grinding and extraction apparatus as the one described, and also refers to the use of a grinding and extraction apparatus as the one described for delivering a certain beverage from roasted coffee beans.