Automatic coffee machine with grinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic coffee machines lack versatility in grinding and powder collection, limiting their use to only brewing coffee and not allowing for the collection of ground coffee outside the machine for alternative preparations.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable chute mechanism that allows ground coffee to be collected outside the coffee machine, enabling the use of the grinder for various materials and beverages, along with a detachable grinder module and sensor system for safe operation and additional functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the chute is fixed in position to transfer ground coffee to the brewing unit, then the brewing function is reliable and simple, but the machine lacks versatility for alternative coffee preparations
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is designed to be rotatable between a first working position for transferring ground coffee to the brewing unit and a second working position for directing ground coffee outside the machine. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the same chute structure to serve multiple functions: standard brewing operation and alternative coffee preparations (such as Turkish coffee), thereby improving versatility without requiring entirely separate systems for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the grinder is built-in and fixed, then the machine structure is compact and simple, but the grinder cannot be used independently for other materials
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding mechanism is designed as a detachable module that can be separated from the main coffee machine body. This segmentation allows the grinder to function independently for grinding various materials beyond coffee beans, while still maintaining its integrated function when attached to the machine. The detachable design enables versatile usage without requiring a completely separate standalone grinder, balancing independence with structural integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the chute is made rotatable to enable multiple functions, then versatility is improved, but the risk of powder blocking and operational errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor system is implemented to detect the position of the chute and the presence of the grinding mechanism. The control unit receives signals from these sensors and manages the operation accordingly - for example, preventing operation when the chute is in the wrong position or when the grinder is not properly attached. This feedback mechanism ensures that the rotatable chute and detachable grinder are used correctly, maintaining reliability despite the added versatility.
4Ease of operation
If manual operation is required for chute rotation, then the structure remains simple, but user convenience and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of rotating the chute and attaching/detaching the grinder is replaced with automated electromagnetic actuators. These actuators are controlled by the control unit based on sensor input, enabling automatic positioning of the chute and automatic engagement/disengagement of the grinder module. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with automated electromechanical systems significantly improves ease of operation, allowing users to simply press buttons while the system handles the complex movements and positioning automatically.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic coffee machine (10) comprising a coffee beans chamber (11) for receiving coffee beans, a grinder (12) for grinding the coffee beans, a chute (13) with a chute outlet (14) for transferring a ground coffee from the grinder (12) to the brewing unit in a first working position, wherein the chute (13) is rotatable between the first working position and at least a second working position in which the chute (13) transfers the ground coffee outside the coffee machine (10). The present invention enables a coffee machine with a removable grinder which enables to use the grinder for different purposes. Thanks to the movable chute the ground coffee can be collected outside the coffee machine. The coffee machine enables the consumer to use the device not only for brewing coffee but also for grinding diverse kind of materials.