Coffee machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines with grinding mechanisms face issues of ground bean accumulation on chute inner walls, leading to increased size and cost due to dedicated vibration mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine design featuring a pivotable hammer with a striking member and a holding member, utilizing elastic force to prevent bean accumulation by striking the chute, which also functions to hold a cup, reducing the need for separate components and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a dedicated mechanism that continuously strikes the chute by driving a motor is provided to prevent ground beans from accumulating, then the accumulation of ground beans on the chute inner wall is reduced, but the size of the coffee machine is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cup holding function and the chute striking function into a single hammer component. The hammer includes a holding member with cup-receiving grooves and a striking member integrated at the same component, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall machine size.
Solution Approach 2:
The hammer is designed as a multi-functional component that can both hold the cup securely through its holding member and strike the chute through its striking member to prevent ground bean accumulation. This universal design allows one component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate mechanisms.
2Productivity
If a dedicated mechanism that continuously strikes the chute by driving a motor is provided to prevent ground beans from accumulating, then the discharge of ground beans is improved, but the cost of the coffee machine is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cup holding mechanism and the chute striking mechanism into a single hammer component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining both cup holding capability and ground bean discharge efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The hammer is designed to be manually operated by the user, eliminating the need for a motor-driven automatic striking mechanism. The user pulls the operation portion to strike the chute when needed, providing a simple, low-cost solution that maintains productivity without requiring expensive automated components.
3Reliability
If the second holding member is disposed at a position where a distance from the first holding member is smaller than a thickness of a peripheral wall of the cup, then the cup is securely held, but the space for striking the chute is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hammer is divided into distinct functional segments: the holding member with first and second holding members for secure cup gripping, and the striking member positioned at a different location for chute striking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without interfering with the other, despite the compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to resolve the conflict between compact cup holding and adequate striking travel. The striking member is positioned to strike the chute from a direction and position that does not require excessive linear travel distance, leveraging spatial optimization in multiple dimensions to maintain both reliability and functionality.
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 allows for compact and cost-effective prevention of ground bean accumulation on chute inner walls, improving operability and reducing machine size and cost by integrating the hammer's functions for both striking and holding.
Implementation Method 1
the hammer includes a striking member that abuts against the chute by an elastic force in an initial state
Implementation Method 2
An elastic force imparting member (for example, a spring member) that imparts the elastic force may be provided
Implementation Method 3
the striking member applies an impact to the chute when the hammer returns from the striking preparation state to the initial state by the elastic force
Implementation Method 4
a dedicated mechanism that continuously strikes a chute by driving a motor is provided to prevent ground beans from accumulating on an inner peripheral wall of the chute due to vibration when the chute is struck
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coffee machine equipped with a grinder that grinds coffee beans, and a mechanism that reduces ground beans on an inner peripheral wall of a chute. A hammer includes a striking member that abuts against a chute by an elastic force in an initial state, and a second holding member that sandwiches and holds a cup with the first holding member by the elastic force, and enters a striking preparation state in which the striking member is temporarily separated from the chute by pivoting from the initial state, the second holding member is disposed at a position where a distance from the first holding member is smaller than a thickness of an peripheral wall of the cup in the initial state, and the striking member applies an impact to the chute when the hammer returns from the striking preparation state to the initial state by the elastic force.