Coffee Grounds Extractor Blade for Spill-Free Filter Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for removing coffee grounds from espresso machine filters are manual, time-consuming, and prone to spills, leading to hygiene issues and insect attraction due to incomplete containment.
Innovation Solution
An automatic extraction device with a motor-driven blade system that breaks up coffee grounds, compatible with various filter sizes, and can be easily integrated into catering environments, featuring a tubular frame, low-voltage motor, and contact-activated mechanism for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual extraction of coffee grounds is used, then operatives can remove filters from machines, but the process is time-consuming and causes spillage leading to hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction device is self-activating through contact sensors that detect when a filter is placed in the correct position, automatically starting the extraction process without requiring manual intervention from operatives
Solution Approach 2:
The blade extracts coffee grounds from the filter by breaking them up and forcing them through the filter base into the collection drawer, separating the grounds from the filter in a controlled manner that prevents spillage
2Extent of automation
If manual downward-striking movements are used to extract grounds, then coffee grounds can be removed from filters, but the process is extremely impractical for high-volume coffee preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical striking action is replaced with an automated motor-driven blade system that rotates at controlled speeds to break up and extract coffee grounds efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The blade performs preliminary breaking up of coffee grounds while they are still in the filter, preparing them for complete extraction into the collection drawer before the filter is removed
3Ease of operation
If collection drawer is left open during extraction, then grounds can be deposited, but spillage occurs creating dirt and hygiene problems
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible bag is used to line the collection drawer, containing the coffee grounds during deposition and preventing them from spilling onto the surrounding surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bag acts as an intermediary between the extraction process and the collection drawer, receiving the broken-up grounds and containing them to prevent contamination of the environment
4Productivity
If coffee grounds are not properly enclosed in a bag, then extraction can proceed, but insects are attracted to the grounds in the collection drawer
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible bag completely encloses the coffee grounds in the collection drawer, creating a barrier that prevents insects from accessing and being attracted to the grounds while allowing the extraction process to continue efficiently
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
Significantly reduces manual effort and spillage, ensuring efficient and hygienic coffee ground extraction, suitable for both public and private catering, and can be adapted to different coffee machine setups.
Implementation Method 1
a blade for breaking up the grounds
Data Source
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AI summary
An extractor device for coffee grounds that substantially consists of a tubular frame (10), inside which is a casing (11) fixed to the frame (10) and comprising a gear motor (12) preferably the low- voltage type, the lower part of the tubular frame (10) being open to allow the possibility of attaching a container bag (13) to collect the coffee grounds from above, the motor (12), positioned inside the casing (11) whose upper part terminates with a conical shape (H'), comprising a shaft (14) attached to the extraction device (15) which substantially consists of a blade (16) with two or more sectors.