Coffee Machine Ground Transfer Device with Inclined Wall Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines with ground coffee transfer devices face issues with moisture fouling and inefficient coffee metering, leading to potential clogging and inconsistent brewing.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine design featuring a transfer device with an inclined wall that opens and closes to direct ground coffee towards the brewing area, incorporating a cleaning mechanism to prevent fouling and ensure precise coffee transfer, utilizing a rack and pinion system and a motor-driven disk for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a ground coffee storage reservoir and transfer device are implemented, then coffee preparation efficiency is improved by avoiding manual package removal, but moisture fouling and clogging issues arise in the transfer mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a dispensing aperture for coffee release, an inclined wall for directing grounds, and a cleaning mechanism with scraper. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while being independently maintainable, resolving the reliability issue by enabling targeted cleaning of the aperture and inclined wall to prevent moisture fouling and clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism is designed to be automatically actuated by the pressure piston during its normal operation cycle. As the piston moves between brewing positions, it automatically triggers the scraper to clean the inclined wall and aperture, eliminating the need for separate manual cleaning operations. This self-service approach maintains reliability by continuously preventing moisture fouling without adding operational complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the storage reservoir is positioned directly above the brewing area, then the machine dimensions are reduced, but moisture can more easily rise to the reservoir causing fouling
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of moisture rising to the reservoir is extracted and addressed by introducing a dedicated cleaning mechanism that actively removes moisture and coffee residue from the dispensing aperture and inclined wall. The scraper element specifically targets and removes the moisture-fouling issue at its source, allowing the reservoir to be positioned directly above the brewing area without compromising against fouling.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism performs preliminary action by continuously preventing moisture accumulation on the inclined wall and aperture before it can rise to the reservoir. The scraper is positioned to intercept and remove moisture and coffee residue during each operational cycle, proactively preventing the fouling problem rather than reacting to it after occurrence.
3Reliability
If a cleaning mechanism is added to prevent fouling, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism is merged with the existing pressure piston system. The scraper is positioned to be automatically actuated by the piston's movement during normal brewing operations, combining the cleaning function with the existing mechanical cycle. This integration avoids adding separate motors or control systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving reliable self-cleaning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure piston serves multiple functions: it performs the primary coffee compaction and brewing function, and simultaneously acts as the actuating mechanism for the cleaning scraper. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cleaning motors or actuators, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through continuous cleaning operation.
4Measurement precision
If an inclined wall is used to direct coffee grounds, then metering precision is improved, but the aperture opening and closing mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture control system uses dynamic movement of the opening and closing member rather than complex mechanical linkages. The member moves between open and closed positions in response to brewing cycle signals, with the inclined wall passively directing grounds during the open phase. This dynamic approach simplifies the control mechanism while maintaining precise metering through the geometric design of the inclined wall and aperture positioning.
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 prevents moisture from rising to the storage reservoir, ensures consistent coffee metering, and reduces the machine's dimensions by allowing the storage reservoir to be positioned directly above the brewing area, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
an inclined wall, configured, when in the open position, to be positioned below the aperture and to direct towards the brewing area the ground coffee that passes through this aperture
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a rack and pinion system and a motor-driven disk for efficient operation
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee machine includes an infusion zone, a storage container for ground coffee arranged above the infusion zone, and a device for transferring the coffee grounds from the storage container to the infusion zone via an aperture. The transfer device includes a member for opening and closing the aperture, which can move between an open position and a closed position. The aperture opening and closing member includes an open portion that has an inclined wall configured, when in the open position, to be positioned beneath the aperture and to direct the coffee grounds that pass through said aperture towards the infusion zone, and configured to be offset from the aperture when in the closed position. The transfer device also includes a cleaning member for the inclined wall when moving from the open position into the closed position and vice versa.