Detachable Coffee Bean Container Module for Quick Bean-Type Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machine container modules do not adequately address the ease of switching between different types of coffee beans and the storage of coffee bean containers, leading to inconsistent coffee quality and increased handling complexity.
Innovation Solution
A detachable coffee bean container module with a portioner that allows for easy connection and disconnection, enabling pre-assembled coffee bean delivery to a grinder, with a coupling element that protects the beans during storage and handling, and adjustable grinding settings for optimal aroma development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the container module is designed as a single integrated unit, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but switching between different coffee bean types becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The container module is divided into separable components: the container body holding coffee beans and the lid with coupling elements. This segmentation allows the container to be quickly removed and replaced without replacing the entire module, reducing switching time while keeping the overall structure simple for manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element incorporates a dynamic sealing mechanism that automatically seals the opening when the container is removed from the coffee appliance. This dynamic feature enables quick container replacement while maintaining coffee bean freshness, addressing both manufacturing simplicity and switching speed requirements
2Reliability
If the coffee bean container remains tightly sealed during use, then coffee bean freshness is preserved, but accessing and dosing the coffee beans becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is separated from the container body and functions as an independent component with coupling elements. This segmentation allows the lid to be selectively opened or removed for dosing while the main container remains sealed, preserving freshness while enabling easy access when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the container and lid, providing a sealed connection during storage that can be easily disengaged for dosing. This mediator maintains the seal integrity while facilitating convenient access to coffee beans
3Ease of operation
If the opening of the coffee bean container is left open for dosing, then access to coffee beans is easy, but coffee beans are exposed to air and lose freshness
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates a dynamic sealing mechanism that automatically returns to a sealed position when the container is removed from the coffee appliance or when not in use. This dynamic feature ensures coffee beans remain protected from air exposure while allowing easy access during active dosing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element's sealing mechanism is designed to automatically seal the opening without requiring additional user actions. The system self-protects the coffee beans from air exposure simply by being in its default sealed state, while allowing easy opening when dosing is needed
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a unit which has a container module (M), the container module (M) comprising at least a coffee bean container (10) and a portioning means (2) for metering coffee beans. The container module (M) is designed as a whole to be connected to a coffee device, this connection enabling metered dispensing of coffee beans from the container module (M) into a grinder (4) of the coffee device, and the coffee bean container (10) being closed before the first use and, after being opened, having an opening through which coffee beans enter the portioning means (2). The coffee bean container (10) is coupled to the portioning means (2) so as to be detachable and reconnectable, a coupling element (11) being arranged around the opening, which coupling element is used for connection to the portioning means (2), and the opening being reclosable when the coffee bean container (10) is separated from the portioning means (2). The unit according to the invention allows economical and environmentally conscious handling and consumption of coffee.