Coffee grounds collector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee ground collectors often trap coffee grounds due to surface roughness and static charge, leading to waste and inconsistent brewing, as they do not provide a smooth flow path for grounds and are affected by electrostatic charges.

Innovation Solution

A coffee grounds collector with a smooth, concave inner surface (Ra < 0.8 μm) and a magnetic coupling system for stability, combined with a measurement device for precise coffee weight, ensuring efficient and uniform coffee filling in brewing machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the inner surface of the collector is made smooth (low Ra), then grounds flow freely and static charge is minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounds flow efficiencyVSAvoidsurface roughness control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a quantitative parameter threshold (Ra < 0.8 μm) for surface roughness to ensure optimal grounds flow and minimize static charge accumulation. This parameter change transforms a qualitative requirement into a measurable and controllable manufacturing specification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the collector has a concave surface design, then grounds are directed toward the center and flow path is optimized, but surface area for grounds collection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounds flow directionalityVSAvoidinner surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a concave curved surface design in the lower portion of the collector to direct grounds toward the central discharge point. This curvature creates a natural flow path that eliminates dead zones and ensures complete grounds evacuation, overcoming the limitation of reduced collection area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If magnetic coupling is added for stability, then collector positioning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollector stabilityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling mechanisms with a magnetic field-based coupling system. Magnets embedded in the collector base provide stable attachment to the grinding chamber without requiring mechanical fasteners, springs, or latches, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 smooth surface minimizes static charge and waste, while the magnetic coupling and measurement device ensure consistent coffee weight and quality, enhancing brewing efficiency and reducing waste.

Implementation Method 1

surface roughness and static charge, leading to waste and inconsistent brewing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

magnetic coupling system for stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20230301463A1Coffee grounds collector

Publication Date: 2023.09.28 NICHOLSON DESIGN CONSULTANTS

AI summary

The present invention relates to a collector for ground beans, for example a collector for coffee grounds and a grounds collection and measurement device for use in a bean grinding apparatus, for example a coffee grinder.