Coffee grounds stirring device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coffee machines have inefficiencies in brewing due to uneven exposure of coffee grounds to water, as the grounds remain stationary during the brewing process, leading to reduced quality and efficiency, and previous attempts to agitate the grounds require purchasing a new coffee maker, which is not practical for most consumers.
Innovation Solution
A coffee grounds stirring device with a stirring assembly that includes a motor-driven blade system, a sensor to detect liquid, and a control circuit to intermittently rotate the blades within a mesh-lined basket, allowing for even distribution of coffee grounds during brewing without modifying the existing coffee maker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If coffee grounds remain stationary during brewing, then the coffee maker structure is simple, but brewing efficiency and quality are reduced due to uneven water exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stationary coffee grounds into a moving state through the stirring blade. The blade rotates to continuously agitate and redistribute the coffee grounds during brewing, ensuring uniform water exposure. This dynamic movement directly addresses the brewing efficiency problem while maintaining compatibility with existing coffee maker structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirring mechanism operates through periodic action, where the blade rotates at intervals during the brewing process rather than continuously. The control system activates the stirrer at specific stages (e.g., after water injection, during brewing), providing periodic agitation that maintains brewing efficiency without requiring constant operation, thus balancing performance with energy consumption.
2Productivity
If a new coffee maker with stirring capability is purchased, then brewing quality improves, but the cost and complexity of replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring device is designed with universality to be compatible with multiple types of existing coffee makers. It can be attached to various basket sizes and configurations, allowing a single device to improve brewing quality across different coffee maker models. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for consumers to purchase a completely new coffee maker, addressing the cost and complexity concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirring blade and control components are nested within the coffee basket structure. The motor housing, stirring blade, and sensor assembly are compactly arranged to fit inside the existing coffee basket, allowing the device to be integrated into the current coffee maker without requiring external modifications or replacement of the entire machine.
3Productivity
If stirring mechanism is added to existing coffee maker, then brewing efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stirring function is extracted as a separate, modular component that can be independently attached to the coffee basket. The motor, blade, and control circuitry form a self-contained stirring assembly that is added to the existing coffee maker rather than being integrated into the main body. This extraction approach improves brewing efficiency while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit acts as an intermediary between the sensor (which detects brewing stage) and the motor (which drives the stirring blade). This intermediary component coordinates the stirring operation based on brewing conditions, enabling automated control without requiring complex user input or manual operation, thus improving efficiency while keeping the control structure manageable.
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 device enhances brewing efficiency and quality by ensuring all coffee grounds are evenly exposed to water, improving the extraction process without the need for a new coffee machine, as it fits within the existing basket and operates with standard brewing procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, and at least one blade operatively coupled to the motor such that the motor drives the at least one blade to rotate above the basket floor
Implementation Method 2
a sensor coupled to the funnel and proximate to the small opening. The sensor is in electrical communication with the control circuit and is configured to detect a liquid proximate the small opening
Implementation Method 3
The control circuit is configured to drive the at least one blade with the motor in response to the sensor detecting liquid proximate the small opening
Implementation Method 4
As the water passes through the coffee grounds, it picks up some of the oils, flavors, and solids from the coffee grounds before dripping into a coffee pot or other vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee grounds stirring device comprising a stirring basket and a stirring assembly is disclosed. The stirring basket comprises a basket rim, a side wall, and a basket floor, and is releasably coupled to the stirring assembly. The stirring assembly is contained within the stirring basket and comprises a motor, at least one blade, a control circuit, and a sensor. The sensor is configured to detect a liquid inside the coffee grounds stirring device. The at least one blade is operatively coupled to the motor such that the control circuit drives the at least one blade with the motor to rotate above the basket floor in response to the sensor detecting liquid inside the coffee grounds stirring device. The coffee grounds stirring device may be sized to be entirely contained within a coffee basket from a 12-cup-capacity coffee maker. The at least one blade may be driven to rotate intermittently.