Dual-Grinder Coffee Bean Feed Control for Heat-Safe Grinding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The taste of coffee beverages can be affected by the state of grinding coffee beans in existing coffee machines, as ground beans may stay in the grinder for an unnecessarily long time, leading to adverse effects from heat exposure.
Innovation Solution
A coffee machine with a second grinder that controls the input amount of coffee beans to prevent them from staying for too long, including the option to control the input based on the type and roasting degree of the beans, and featuring a first grinder and supply device to manage the grinding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If coffee beans are continuously supplied to the grinder, then the grinder operates continuously and productivity is improved, but ground beans stay in the grinder for an unnecessarily long time and are adversely affected by heat
Solution Approach 1:
The grinder's operation is made dynamic by switching between continuous operation mode and stopped operation mode based on real-time monitoring of ground bean accumulation. The control unit dynamically adjusts the grinder's operational state to balance productivity with quality, stopping the grinder when ground beans reach a predetermined amount to prevent excessive heat exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
A weighing unit provides continuous feedback on the amount of ground beans in the grinder. The control unit receives this feedback and automatically controls the grinder's operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that prevents ground beans from staying in the grinder too long while maintaining efficient operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the grinder is stopped frequently to remove ground beans, then heat exposure is reduced, but productivity decreases due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing unit continuously monitors ground bean accumulation and provides feedback to the control unit, which automatically manages grinder operation. This automated feedback system optimizes the balance between stopping frequency and productivity by only stopping when necessary, eliminating manual intervention and minimizing interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-control through the weighing unit and control unit, which automatically detect when ground beans reach the predetermined amount and trigger grinder stoppage without human intervention. This self-service approach maximizes productivity by reducing manual operations while maintaining quality standards.
3Device complexity
If a single grinder is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control grinding state and prevent heat exposure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding function is segmented into two independent grinders: a first grinder for initial grinding and a second grinder for final grinding. This segmentation allows the first grinder to operate continuously while the second grinder is stopped when not needed, preventing heat exposure in the second grinder while maintaining overall productivity and adding only moderate system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee machine provided with a second grinder for grinding coffee beans, and provides a coffee machine that is controlled in consideration of a state for grinding coffee beans in the grinder. A coffee machine including a second grinder for grinding coffee beans, in which an input amount of coffee beans to be put into the second grinder is controlled.