Device and method for grinding plant material in grains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for grinding plant material in grains, such as coffee, fail to produce a uniform and homogeneous mixture of different coffee varieties, requiring manual intervention and causing time and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple hoppers, load cells, and a controlled grinding process that ensures precise dosing and mixing of different coffee varieties, using a method that includes weighing, dosing, and grinding mechanisms to fill a filter-holder optimally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coffee varieties are ground and mixed in the same filter-holder, then a blend of ground coffee can be obtained, but the mixture is not uniform and homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the filter-holder into multiple compartments, each dedicated to grinding a specific coffee variety. This segmentation allows each coffee type to be ground separately in its own compartment, ensuring uniform and homogeneous grinding for each variety while maintaining the ability to process multiple varieties simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is used to fill and mix coffee in the filter-holder, then different coffee types can be processed, but significant time and operational complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is equipped with automatic dosing mechanisms that automatically measure and dispense the correct amount of each coffee variety into its designated compartment. The system also automatically grinds each coffee type to the required consistency and transfers the ground coffee to the filter-holder without manual intervention, significantly reducing the time and complexity of the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions by pre-dosing the coffee grounds into the filter-holder compartments before the actual brewing process. The system automatically prepares and positions the correct amount of each coffee variety in advance, eliminating the need for manual filling and mixing during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is used to mix different coffee varieties, then blending can be achieved, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device maintains separate grinding compartments for each coffee variety, avoiding the need for complex manual mixing mechanisms. Each compartment independently grinds and prepares its designated coffee type, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the ability to create custom blends.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses periodic dosing and grinding cycles for each coffee variety, with automated timing and sequencing. This periodic action allows the system to systematically process multiple coffee types in a coordinated manner, reducing operational complexity while achieving consistent blending results.
Data Source
AI summary
A device (10) is described, for grinding plant material in grains comprising: a containing hopper (11), configured to contain the plant material in grains to be ground and comprising a dragging mechanism to withdraw the plant material in grains from the hopper (11) and pour it into a containing tank (14); a load cell (13), to weigh a preset amount of plant material in grains in the containing tank (14); a collecting tank (16), comprising dragging means (26) to receive the plant material in grains or to allow the direct insertion into the device (10) of plant material in grains; a grinding chamber (17), comprising grinding means configured to receive the plant material in grains supplied by the dragging means (26) and grind it.