Motorized Eccentric Coffee Grinder for Precise Grind Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee grinders in automatic machines lack precise control and automation for adjusting the degree of grinding, leading to inconsistent coffee quality and requiring manual handling.

Innovation Solution

A coffee grinder design featuring two grinding discs with a non-rotatable upper disc adjusted by an eccentric shaft, driven by an electric motor, allowing for continuous regulation of grinding degree and integration into a closed control system for automated operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual adjustment of grinding disc distance is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability of grinding degree setting deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidgrinding degree precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated eccentric shaft mechanism driven by an electric motor. The eccentric shaft converts rotational motion into precise axial displacement of the upper grinding disc, eliminating manual handling while achieving accurate and repeatable grinding degree control through motorized actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from manual position setting to motorized rotation angle control of the eccentric shaft. By controlling the rotation angle and position of the eccentric shaft, the axial distance between grinding discs is precisely regulated, enabling accurate and consistent grinding degree adjustment without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If manual handling for adjustment is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment mechanism simplicityVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service operation through automated control. The electric motor automatically adjusts the grinding degree based on pre-set parameters or control signals, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically positioning the grinding discs at the correct distance without requiring user handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes manual mechanical adjustment with an electrically driven eccentric shaft mechanism. The motor automatically controls the axial position of the upper grinding disc through the eccentric shaft's rotational movement, replacing manual operation with automated electrical-mechanical control for improved ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If automated control is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex manual control operations with a relatively simple electric motor and eccentric shaft mechanism. The automated control is achieved through a straightforward conversion of rotational motion to axial displacement, avoiding the need for complex control systems while still providing automated functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes in the eccentric shaft's rotational position to control the axial distance between grinding discs. This simple parameter transformation (rotation angle to linear displacement) enables automated control with minimal system complexity, as the eccentric shaft's geometry directly translates rotational input into precise positional output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If precise grinding degree control is achieved, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrinding degree control accuracyVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves precise grinding degree control through parameter changes in the eccentric shaft's rotational position. The eccentric geometry naturally converts small angular variations into precise axial displacements, providing high control accuracy without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple control components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex precision adjustment mechanisms with a simple electric motor and eccentric shaft system. The automated motorized control of the eccentric shaft provides precise and repeatable positioning of the grinding discs, achieving high manufacturing precision through automated electrical control rather than complex mechanical adjustment devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures consistent coffee quality with precise and automated adjustment of grinding, reducing manual intervention and enabling easy integration into existing machines or standalone use.

Implementation Method 1

the upper grinding disk (4) can be adjusted relative to the lower grinding disk (5) in the direction of the axis of rotation by means of an eccentric shaft (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP2810592B1Coffee-mill in particular for an automatic coffee machine
Publication Date: 2016.06.29 STEINER WEGGIS AG
  • EP2810592B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2810592B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a coffee grinder comprising two grinding discs (4, 5) that can be rotated in opposite directions, the axial distance between which defines the degree of grinding of the coffee powder produced. The grinding discs (4, 5) are mounted one over the other within a grinder body (1), the lower grinding disc (5) being rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation (6), while the upper grinding disc (4) can be adjusted non-rotatably and by an eccentric shaft (13) relative to the lower grinding disc (5) in the direction of the vertical axis of rotation (6). By rotating the eccentric shaft (13) with a motorised drive (17) the space between the grinding discs can be changed infinitely. This enables infinite regulation of the degree of grinding when preparing the coffee.