Coffee Machine Piston Pressing Mechanism to Reduce Powder Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machine systems struggle to efficiently press a dose of ground coffee without scattering, requiring the filter holder cup to be moved and often leading to uneven pressing and aroma alteration.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine device with a lifting mechanism that reversibly activates a piston for pressing the coffee, allowing for uniform pressing without moving the filter holder cup, and an elastic clutch for adjustable pressing force, ensuring the coffee is not rubbed or heated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter holder cup is moved from the ground coffee collection area to the pressing area, then the pressing operation can be performed, but the ground coffee powder scatters outside the filter holder cup
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the collection area and pressing area into a single integrated space. The piston is positioned directly above the filter holder cup in the collection area, eliminating the need to move the cup to a separate pressing area. This integration prevents coffee powder scattering while enabling the pressing operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual tamping is used to press the ground coffee, then the pressing operation can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual mechanical tamping with an automated piston mechanism. The piston is driven by a motor or spring mechanism that automatically performs the pressing operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing the time required for the pressing process.
3Reliability
If the auger continues to rotate after grinding stops to compact coffee powder, then compaction is ensured, but coffee powder accumulates in the interstices between threads and scatters or deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs the pressing action immediately after grinding stops, rather than continuing to rotate the auger. The piston is positioned and activated right after the grinding cycle completes, compacting the coffee powder before it can accumulate in auger threads or deteriorate. This timing optimization prevents both scattering and quality degradation.
4Ease of operation
If fixed pressing force setting is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot be adjusted to different beverage types
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a dynamic pressing force adjustment mechanism that allows the pressing force to be varied according to different beverage types. The system includes adjustable parameters or programmable settings that enable users to select appropriate pressing forces for espresso, coffee, or other beverage preparations, making the system adaptable while maintaining ease of operation through preset options.
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 simplifies and accelerates the coffee pressing process, reduces coffee scattering, ensures uniform pressing, and allows for adjustable brewing parameters without altering the coffee's aroma or amount.
Implementation Method 1
Said pressing force adjustment means comprises an elastic clutch which connects two elements of said pressing mechanism, namely the manual control element and the arch of the cogwheel.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (2) for pressing a dose of ground coffee powder comprises a filter holder cup (3) having a filter (4) for depositing the dose of ground coffee powder, an attaching support (7) in which the cup (3) is separably attached, a grinder (8) for coffee beans comprising a slide (9) for dispensing ground coffee having an outlet (10) positioned above the mouth (5) of the cup (3), a pressing piston (15) for pressing the dose of ground coffee powder present in the filter (4) mounted in the cup (3), and a lifting mechanism for lifting the pressing piston (15) in a position above the outlet (10) of the slide (9).