Coffee Machine Filter Holder with Automatic Capacity Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of domestic coffee machines often make mistakes when selecting interchangeable filters with different capacities, leading to incorrect coffee dosing and low-quality brewed coffee due to the need for manual recognition and selection.
Innovation Solution
A device with an electronic controller and automatic recognition means, such as a probe and microswitch, that distinguishes between filters with different capacities, allowing for automatic programming and dispensing of the correct coffee dose without the need for multiple filter holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If multiple filter holders with different capacities are used to enable automatic recognition, then the automation and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single filter holder is designed to accommodate multiple filter types (single dose and double dose) through a universal engagement mechanism. The filter holder cup can receive both 50ml and 100ml filters using the same engagement features, eliminating the need for separate dedicated filter holders for each filter type.
Solution Approach 2:
A probe is introduced as an intermediary sensing element that detects the presence and type of filter in the filter holder. The probe engages with specific features on different filter types (such as the flange configuration) to automatically identify whether a single or double dose filter is present, enabling automatic recognition without requiring multiple filter holders.
2Device complexity
If users manually select and visually distinguish between filters, then the device complexity is reduced, but user errors increase and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter holder system performs self-service by automatically detecting and identifying the filter type through the probe mechanism. The system autonomously determines whether a single or double dose filter is present and programs the appropriate dispensing parameters without requiring user intervention or visual inspection, thereby eliminating user errors while maintaining simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If interchangeable filters with different capacities are used in a single filter holder, then the ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring filter type increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different local features are incorporated into the filter designs to enable detection. Specifically, the flange configuration differs between filter types: single dose filters have a flange with specific engagement features while double dose filters have a different flange configuration. The probe is positioned to detect these local quality differences, making filter type identification straightforward despite using a single universal filter holder.
Data Source
AI summary
The device for processing loose coffee comprises an electronic controller, a support, at least one first filter holder that is engageable with the support, at least one first filter, wherein the first filter holder comprises a cup where the first filter is housed, wherein the cup has at least two wings engaging the first filter holder with the support, means for the automatic recognition of the first filter being provided positioned in the first filter holder engaged with the support, the recognition means being connected to the electronic controller to program an operation with at least one parameter depending on the first recognized filter.