Container for collecting coffee grounds and coffee machine comprising such a container

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee ground collection bins are costly due to the need for disposable bags, generate waste, and are complicated to handle during cleaning and replacement.

Innovation Solution

A reusable coffee grounds collection bin with a drawer-like design that simplifies handling and cleaning by allowing easy assembly and disassembly, featuring a gripping area for sliding the collection device between positions, and a pass-through main body for separate cleaning of the main body and collection device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a disposable bag is used inside the collection bin, then the cleanliness of the main body is ensured, but the cost of use increases and waste is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleanliness of main bodyVSAvoidwaste generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the disposable bag with a reusable collection bin that can be emptied and cleaned. The bin is designed to be discarded and replaced only when worn out, rather than after each use. This eliminates continuous waste generation while maintaining hygiene through proper cleaning procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If a disposable bag is used inside the collection bin, then the cleanliness of the main body is ensured, but the operating cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleanliness of main bodyVSAvoidoperating cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If a disposable bag is used inside the collection bin, then the collection bin can be cleaned, but the handling during cleaning and replacement becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidhandling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collection bin is designed as a separate, removable component that can be easily detached from the main coffee machine body. This segmentation allows the bin to be removed as a single unit for emptying and cleaning, eliminating the need to seal and unfold bags, and simplifying the entire maintenance process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If the collection bin is designed as a single integrated unit, then the structure is simple, but the cleaning access to dirtiest areas is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidcleaning access

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4437914B1Container for collecting coffee grounds and coffee machine comprising such a container

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 SEB SA

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AI summary

This coffee grounds collection bin (30) comprises: - a main body (32) defining a main housing (36) including a top opening (46) for accessing the main housing (36), - a collection device (34) adapted to be received in the main housing (36) and comprising a residue collection container (60), the collection device (34) being adapted to be moved relative to the main housing (36) between an assembled position and a disassembled position. According to the invention, the collection device (34) is reusable and is formed by a drawer adapted to slide within the main housing (36) between the assembled and disassembled positions.