Dosing device for a filter holder of an espresso coffee machine and dosing method implemented with such a device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dosing devices for espresso coffee machines are limited in precision, requiring doses to be multiples of a basic volume, leading to inaccuracies in dispensing non-standard coffee quantities, and suffer from construction challenges and organoleptic quality loss due to continuous coffee replenishment, as well as lengthy grinding times for 'on demand' dosing.
Innovation Solution
A dosing device integrated with a coffee bean grinder featuring a carousel structure with multiple compartments and an electronic control unit, allowing for precise dosing based on grinding time or weight, enabling quick dispensing of specific coffee doses directly into the filter holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a star-shaped volumetric member is used for dosing ground coffee, then the device can dispense predetermined doses, but the doses must be multiples of a basic volume unit, limiting precision for non-standard quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing device is segmented into multiple independent compartments (at least two compartments) within the carousel body, each capable of holding different quantities of ground coffee. This segmentation allows the device to dispense various non-multiple doses by selecting appropriate compartments, resolving the contradiction between dosing precision and dose quantity flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel body is designed to be rotatable, dynamically positioning different compartments at the discharge location based on the selected beverage type. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the device to adapt to different dosing requirements while maintaining precise dispensing capability.
2Measurement precision
If the star member space between walls is reduced to contain smaller doses, then minimum dose precision improves, but the number of lever operations required increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
Ground coffee is pre-dosed into multiple compartments of the carousel body in advance, with each compartment containing a specific quantity appropriate for different beverage types. This preliminary action eliminates the need for multiple lever operations during service, as the selected compartment is simply rotated into position and dispensed, thereby improving dosing speed while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If ground coffee is stored in large quantities in the receptacle, then the star member operates more precisely, but the organoleptic characteristics of the coffee are lost over time
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is segmented into multiple separate compartments, each containing a smaller quantity of ground coffee. This segmentation allows individual compartments to be used and replenished independently, ensuring that coffee in each compartment remains fresh for longer periods while maintaining sufficient quantity for precise dosing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Compartments are pre-filled with ground coffee in advance but sealed or covered when not in use. This preliminary preparation allows the system to maintain precision dosing capability while minimizing the exposure time of ground coffee to air, thereby preserving organoleptic characteristics.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If 'on demand' grinding and dosing is implemented, then organoleptic characteristics are preserved, but the time required to complete the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
Ground coffee is pre-ground and pre-dosed into multiple compartments of the carousel body in advance, preserving organoleptic characteristics by minimizing storage time in bulk form. During service, the pre-prepared compartments are simply rotated into position and dispensed, dramatically reducing the time required compared to on-demand grinding while maintaining coffee quality.
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
Enables precise and rapid dispensing of various coffee doses, eliminating waiting times and preserving organoleptic qualities by pre-preparing doses within the device, accommodating different beverage needs and adjusting to client flow.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic control unit (ECU) determines the operating time of the grinder (7) as a function of the selected type of beverage
Implementation Method 2
a discharge conduit of ground coffee coming from said grinder
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Dosing device for dispensing predetermined doses of ground coffee into a filter holder of an espresso coffee machine. The dosing device is comprised of a carousel body (13) formed by a plurality of compartments (17, A, B, C, D, E, F), wherein the volume of each compartment is at least equal to a respective predetermined dose of ground coffee. Each compartment (17) is provided with a top with a relative opening (25, a, b, c, d, e, f) and a bottom, the latter being provided with members (29, 30, 31, 33) for determining the opening and closing thereof. The carousel body (13) is displaceable between a first position (27) in which the open top (25) of one of the compartments (17) is positioned at said opening (12) of the discharge conduit (11) of ground coffee and a second position (14) in which the bottom of one of the compartments (17) is positioned above the station (14) where the filter holder (15) is located. A motor means (20, 21, 22) is provided to carry out the displacements of said body (13) and a motor means (36, 38, 39) for actuating the members (29, 30, 31, 33) for opening and closing the bottom of the compartment when the compartment is in the position above the station (14) of the filter holder. Through the dosing device according to the invention, it is possible to prepare a plurality of doses of ground coffee, different from each other, adapted for the preparation of respective different types of beverage, within the respective containment compartments (17, A, B, C, D, E, F), select the dose relating to the type of beverage required, select the relevant compartment that contains it, move the compartment containing the selected dose from the position held at the time of its selection, moving it to the station (14) of the filter holder, dispense the selected dose into the filter holder by unloading it from the compartment that contains it.