Filter Holder Diametral Magnet Identification for Coffee Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter holders for coffee machines require multiple magnets to distinguish between different types, which is inefficient and costly, as they need to be positioned in specific configurations to be recognized by magnetic sensors.
Innovation Solution
A filter holder using a diametral magnet with N-S poles aligned along its diameter, allowing recognition by a magnetic sensor through varying orientations, enabling identification and control of coffee machine and grinder operations with a single magnet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple magnets are used on the filter holder to distinguish between different types, then the coffee machine can recognize different filter holder types, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of magnetic field orientation rather than using multiple magnets. By rotating a single diametral magnet to different angular positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°), the system encodes multiple filter holder types. This transforms the recognition system from a multi-magnet spatial arrangement to a single-magnet angular parameter variation, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
A single diametral magnet performs multiple functions: it serves as both the identification element and the type-discrimination mechanism. The magnet's ability to be oriented at different angles allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple magnets, achieving multi-functionality with a single element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple magnets are positioned in specific configurations, then different filter holder types can be identified, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the type-discrimination function from a multi-magnet system and concentrates it into a single diametral magnet. By removing the need for multiple magnets and their complex spatial arrangements, the manufacturing process is simplified to installing just one magnet per filter holder, significantly easing production and assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If magnets are placed near each other with opposite polarities, then filter holder types can be distinguished, but the magnetic fields counteract and create unreadable signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the magnetic field configuration by using a single diametral magnet with its poles aligned along a diameter rather than using symmetric opposite-polarity magnets. This asymmetric single-magnet configuration avoids the counteracting field problem while still providing sufficient variation for type recognition through angular orientation.
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 efficient identification and control of coffee machine and grinder operations using a single magnet, reducing complexity and cost while allowing for different beverage preparations and coffee grinding settings.
Implementation Method 1
a first diametral magnet (20) having a determined magnetic orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis (Y-Y) of the filter holder (10) itself. The filter holder (10) is configured to interact with a magnetic sensor (30) placed aboard a coffee machine or aboard a grinder. The value of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor (30) can depend on the orientation of the diametral magnet (20, 20') placed aboard the filter holder (10) with respect to a longitudinal axis (Y-Y) of the filter holder (10) itself
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention concerns filter holder for coffee machines comprising a substantially cylindrical body, inside which a perforated filter (14) is provided, the cylindrical body forming a cup-shaped container (12) for containing coffee powder, the filter holder (10) further comprising identification means for identifying the type of filter holder (10), characterized in that said identification means for identifying the type of filter holder (10) comprise at least one diametral magnet whose diametral orientation can be detected outside the filter holder (10). The invention further concerns a coffee machine and a grinder for coffee beans usable with the filter holder (10).