Coffee Machine Rotatable Dosing Tank for Complete Ground Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing automatic coffee machines have a complex procedure for inserting a dose of coffee grounds into the infusion chamber, requiring multiple steps and risk of grounds remaining in the dosing reservoir if not fully rotated, leading to inefficient and potentially incomplete coffee preparation.
Innovation Solution
An automatic coffee machine design where the dosing tank is maneuvered between loading and unloading positions through a simple rotation, with a V-shaped bottom and a curved wall directing grounds into the infusion chamber, and a system to maintain the tank in the unloading position, ensuring easy and complete transfer of grounds, and a control circuit for safety and operation management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the dosing tank is extracted in translation along the rotation axis and manually rotated, then the user can load and unload ground coffee, but the operation procedure becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional loading/unloading sequence by allowing the dosing tank to be loaded in the unloading position (where it is already accessible) and then automatically transferred to the brewing chamber, eliminating the need for separate extraction and rotation steps. This reversal of the operational sequence simplifies user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing tank is designed to be self-loading through the opening in the side wall, eliminating the need for manual opening and closing operations. The tank automatically positions itself for loading and then self-transfers the ground coffee to the brewing chamber through rotation, reducing user intervention to a simple turning motion.
2Reliability
If the dosing tank is not fully turned at the end of the cycle, then ground coffee remains in the dosing tank, but the transfer to brewing chamber becomes incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a detection device that monitors the rotational position of the dosing tank and provides feedback to the control circuit. When the tank reaches the correct unloading position, the system detects this and can either automatically stop rotation or activate a reminder signal, ensuring complete transfer of ground coffee and preventing residual coffee from remaining in the tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring of the dosing tank rotation with an automated detection system using sensors and control circuits. This mechanical-to-electronic substitution ensures precise detection of the tank's rotational position, guaranteeing complete coffee transfer without relying on user memory or attention.
3Ease of operation
If a simple rotation movement is used for dosing tank operation, then ease of operation is improved, but additional structural elements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the dosing tank structure itself: the opening in the side wall serves both as a loading aperture and as a positioning feature; the rotation mechanism integrates the transfer function; and the detection system combines position sensing with control signaling. This functional merging reduces the need for separate components while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Simplifies the process of inserting coffee grounds, ensures complete transfer to the infusion chamber, and enhances user safety by automating the dosing process, making coffee preparation more efficient and ergonomic.
Implementation Method 1
a dosing tank (21) which is rotatable about an axis Δ parallel to said at least one side wall between a loading position in which a dose of ground coffee can be deposited in said dosing tank and a unloading position in which the dose of ground coffee is transferred by gravity to the infusion chamber (12)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic coffee machine (1) comprising a frame (5) having at least one side wall (9a) and a brewing chamber (12) having a top opening (13) for receiving ground coffee from a bean grinder (50) or a ground coffee dispensing device (20), said dispensing device (20) being arranged on at least one side wall (9a) and comprising a dosing reservoir (21), rotatable about an axis Δ between a loading position in which a dose of ground coffee can be deposited into said dosing reservoir (21) and an unloading position in which the ground coffee is transferred by gravity to the brewing chamber (12). According to the invention, the axis Δ is parallel to at least one side wall (9a).