Coffee Grounds Insert Sealing for Cleaner Pomace Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machine residue collection systems are inefficient in preventing coffee pomace from falling out or being scattered, and fail to completely suppress mold spore and odor spread, leading to frequent and resource-intensive cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A disposable insert with a shape adapted to the collection container and a sealed connection to the pomace discharge nozzle, made from materials like HDPE or polypropylene, ensures complete containment of coffee residue and prevents microbial contamination by forming a frictional seal with the machine's bracket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a disposable insert is used in the collection container, then cleaning frequency is reduced and water consumption decreases, but the insert may not completely prevent pomace from falling out or escaping
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is segmented into a reusable outer container and a disposable inner insert. This segmentation allows the insert to be replaced rather than cleaned, reducing maintenance time while maintaining containment effectiveness through proper design of the insert structure and connection to the dispensing nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
A disposable insert made from inexpensive materials like HDPE or polypropylene is used instead of requiring repeated cleaning of the container. The insert is designed to be economically viable as a single-use component that maintains reliability during its service life, preventing pomace escape while enabling easy replacement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the insert is made from HDPE or polypropylene with sealed connection, then microbial contamination and odor spread are prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A bracket acts as an intermediary component between the dispensing nozzle and the insert. This bracket provides a standardized mounting interface that simplifies the connection structure while enabling sealed connection features. The bracket mediates between the fixed nozzle and the replaceable insert, making the sealing mechanism more manageable and less complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is designed with flexible characteristics that allow it to conform to the collection container shape and form seals. The flexible material properties enable effective sealing against microbial contamination and odor escape without requiring complex rigid sealing mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
3Volume of moving object
If the insert shape is adapted to the collection container, then space utilization is optimized and storage capacity increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insert design uses parameter changes in the form of standardized dimensional ratios and geometric proportions that allow shape adaptation without requiring high manufacturing precision. By defining the insert shape through scalable parameters rather than fixed precise dimensions, the design achieves good space utilization while tolerating normal manufacturing variations.
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 solution effectively prevents coffee residue from falling out and significantly reduces microbial contamination and odor spread, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and minimizing water and cleaning agent usage.
Implementation Method 1
a frictional seal can be established between a circular recess of the device of the insert and the grounds dispensing spout of the machine
Data Source
Figure 1~1b
AI summary
The invention relates to a coffee maker comprising a pomace discharge nozzle and a pomace collection container suitable for receiving disposable inserts, and characterized in that it further comprises a support for connection to a plate-shaped device of a disposable insert, which serves to fasten the insert to the machine and in which a circular recess is formed, the holder being a bracket fastened to the coffee machine and either flexible or pivotable relative to the socket, which comprises a frame for receiving the plate-shaped device of the insert.