Coffee Maker Rotatable Doser for Automated Ground Coffee Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hot beverage makers, such as coffee makers, require users to manually measure and pour ground coffee, which is time-consuming, messy, and prone to errors, leading to variability in brewed beverages.
Innovation Solution
A kitchen appliance with a ground coffee hopper that features a rotatable doser with dosing cavities, a chute system, and sensors to accurately dispense the correct amount of ground coffee into a filter basket based on user input, ensuring quick, easy, and clean operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual measuring and pouring of ground coffee is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The doser mechanism automatically measures and dispenses the correct amount of ground coffee without user intervention. The rotatable doser with dosing cavities self-regulates the coffee quantity, eliminating the need for manual measuring while ensuring precise and consistent dosing for every brew.
Solution Approach 2:
The doser acts as an intermediary between the ground coffee storage and the brewing chamber. It precisely controls the transfer of ground coffee, measuring the exact required amount before dispensing it into the filter basket, thereby ensuring measurement precision without requiring complex user actions.
2Device complexity
If manual measuring and pouring of ground coffee is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated doser mechanism performs the measuring and dispensing function without user intervention, significantly reducing the time and steps required for coffee preparation. Users simply need to load ground coffee into the storage and start the brewing process, thereby improving productivity without requiring complex manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The doser is pre-configured with dosing cavities that contain the exact amount of ground coffee needed for brewing. This preliminary preparation of measured portions allows for rapid dispensing during the brewing process, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual measuring and improving overall productivity.
3Device complexity
If manual measuring and pouring of ground coffee is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The doser mechanism automatically ensures consistent and accurate dosing for every brew cycle without relying on user skill or attention. This self-regulating system eliminates human error in measuring and portioning ground coffee, thereby improving the reliability and consistency of brewing results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor the dosing process to ensure accurate dispensing. The controller receives feedback from sensors detecting the presence and amount of ground coffee, adjusting the doser operation to maintain reliable and precise dosing throughout the brewing cycle.
4Loss of time
If manual measuring and pouring of ground coffee is used, then the ease of operation deteriorates, but the loss of time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated doser performs the time-consuming measuring and dispensing operations automatically, significantly reducing the time required for coffee preparation. Users simply load ground coffee into the storage and initiate the brewing process, eliminating the need for manual measuring steps and reducing overall preparation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing cavities are pre-configured with the exact amount of ground coffee needed, allowing for rapid dispensing during brewing. This preliminary preparation of measured portions eliminates the need for time-consuming manual measuring operations, reducing loss of time while maintaining ease of operation through simple user actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A kitchen appliance for preparing beverage comprises a housing, a basket holder in cooperative engagement with the housing, a filter basket selectively insertable into the basket holder when the basket holder is in an open position, and a ground coffee hopper for holding ground coffee. The hopper is positioned to dispense a desired amount of ground coffee into the filter basket when (i) the hopper is selectively mounted to the housing, (ii) the filter basket is inserted into the basket holder, and (iii) the basket holder is in its closed position. The bottom portion comprises a selectively rotatable doser defining a plurality of dosing cavities. Each dosing cavity is adapted to contain a same, predetermined amount of ground coffee and adapted to dispense the contained ground coffee through a dispensing hole defined in the bottom portion as each dosing cavity is rotated into a position above the dispensing hole.