Coffee grinding machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coffee grinding machines with instantaneous dosing and no storage face issues such as ground coffee adhering to tunnel walls, leading to contamination, inconsistent dosing, frequent cleaning needs, and electrostatic charges causing stagnation and wastage, due to the presence of a connecting tunnel and lack of precise volume control.
Innovation Solution
A coffee grinding machine design without a connecting tunnel, featuring a flexible electric system to reduce electrostatic charges and an anti-static ring with discrete elements to direct ground coffee centrally, along with programmable motor revolutions for precise dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connecting tunnel is used to convey ground coffee from the grinding chamber to the output duct, then the ground coffee can be transported, but the ground coffee adheres to the tunnel walls causing contamination, inconsistent dosing, and obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the connecting tunnel entirely from the system. Instead of transporting ground coffee through a tunnel, the ground coffee falls directly from the grinding chamber into the dosing chamber through gravity, eliminating the source of adhesion and contamination problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an anti-static ring as an intermediary component between the grinding chamber and dosing chamber. This ring neutralizes electrostatic charges that would otherwise cause coffee particles to adhere to surfaces, ensuring smooth flow and consistent dosing
2Device complexity
If the tunnel cross-section and length are not optimized, then the tunnel structure is simpler, but the ground coffee density becomes inconsistent resulting in discontinuous dosing
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the tunnel entirely, the patent eliminates the need to optimize its cross-section and length for consistent coffee flow. The direct gravity-fed path ensures uniform dosing without requiring precise dimensional control of a tunnel structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates electronic control systems with sensors that monitor the grinding process and provide feedback to adjust motor speed and dosing parameters in real-time, ensuring precise and consistent dosing regardless of variations in coffee characteristics
3Device complexity
If electrostatic charges are not reduced, then the system is simpler, but ground coffee powder adheres to output duct walls causing stagnation and wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-static ring acts as an intermediary that neutralizes electrostatic charges generated during grinding. By introducing this component, the patent prevents coffee particles from adhering to surfaces, ensuring complete transfer to the dosing chamber and minimizing wastage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical solutions for preventing adhesion (such as heated or coated surfaces) with an electrostatic neutralization system using the anti-static ring, which more effectively addresses the root cause of adhesion
4Loss of time
If the tunnel is not cleaned frequently, then maintenance time is reduced, but accumulated ground coffee deteriorates and contaminates fresh coffee
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating the tunnel, the patent removes the primary area where coffee accumulates and deteriorates. The direct path from grinder to dosing chamber prevents stagnation, eliminating the need for frequent cleaning and preventing contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The system design ensures that ground coffee flows continuously and completely from the grinding chamber to the dosing chamber without stagnation. This self-cleaning effect prevents accumulation and deterioration, reducing maintenance requirements
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
This design minimizes coffee adhesion and wastage, ensures consistent dosing, reduces cleaning frequency, and maintains coffee quality by eliminating tunnel obstructions and electrostatic issues, with all ground coffee reaching the dispensing chamber efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
application of a greater energy (for example rotating the grinders more rapidly) creates a greater friction and this produces a greater electrostatic charge. This ionization condition causes the ground coffee powder to adhere to the walls of the output duct
Data Source
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AI summary
A coffee grinding machine (1) comprising a first burr (3) and a second burr (4) is described, wherein at least one of the first burr and the second burr is rotatable about an axis of rotation (Y-Y), wherein said burrs are mutually cooperating to grind coffee, wherein said machine comprises a motor which rotates at least one of the burrs with respect to the other, wherein the axis of rotation (X-X) of the said motor does not coincide with the axis of rotation of the burrs so that the coffee which is ground by the grinders is directed to an output of a conveyor cone (5) for use thereof.