Coffee machine with integrated coffee grinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines with integrated grinders are too large for domestic use, posing space constraints in narrow kitchen environments.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine design with a coffee grinding unit and a pressurized hot water generation unit aligned along a longitudinal axis, reducing overall width and facilitating compact positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If coffee grinder and coffee machine are integrated in one device, then functionality is improved, but device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional reconfiguration by aligning the ground coffee dispenser and hot water dispenser along the longitudinal axis (depth direction) rather than placing them side-by-side in the transverse direction. This vertical stacking along the depth dimension reduces the machine's width and overall footprint, making it suitable for domestic kitchen spaces while maintaining both grinding and brewing functionalities in an integrated device.
2Volume of moving object
If ground coffee dispenser and hot water dispenser are aligned along longitudinal axis, then device width is reduced, but internal space arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the integrated device into distinct functional modules: a coffee grinding device with grinding unit and ground coffee dispenser, and a coffee brewing device with pressurized hot water generation unit and hot water dispenser. Each module is independently arranged along the longitudinal axis, allowing for systematic internal space management. This modular segmentation simplifies the internal arrangement complexity by providing clear spatial separation of functions while maintaining the compact longitudinal alignment.
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 compact design allows for easy installation in domestic spaces, enhancing user maneuverability and operational efficiency, while maintaining functionality and reducing logistics complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurised hot water generation unit housed in the main body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A coffee machine is provided with: • a main body (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) between a front portion (3) and a rear portion (4); the front portion (3) being configured to be arranged, in use, proximal to the user operating the machine (1); • a coffee grinding device (7) comprising a grinding unit (10) housed in the main body (2) and a ground coffee dispenser (11); • a coffee brewing device (8) comprising a pressurised hot water generation unit (13) housed in the main body (2) and a hot water dispenser (14); the ground coffee dispenser (11) and the hot water dispenser (14) being substantially aligned along an alignment direction (D) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A).