Filter-Holder Identification System for Accurate Coffee Dose Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines face issues with accurately filling filter-holders with the correct dose and grind size of coffee, leading to potential errors and increased complexity and costs due to the need for identification units on both grinding and dispensing devices, which can malfunction under high temperatures and frequent use.
Innovation Solution
A system where filter-holders are provided with identification elements that allow users to visually recognize and select the correct dose and grind size, eliminating the need for recognition units on grinding and dispensing devices, enabling versatile use across multiple units and reducing the risk of errors and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If identification units are installed on both grinding devices and dispensing units to recognize filter-holder codes, then the system can accurately identify and deliver the correct coffee blend and dose, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the identification unit from the grinding device and dispensing unit, extracting the recognition function from the automated systems. Instead, filter-holders are manually identified by operators using visual codes (colored rings, numbers, or symbols) on the filter-holder body, eliminating complex automated recognition hardware while maintaining accurate identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter-holders carry their own identification information (codes, colors, or symbols) that directly indicate the required coffee blend and dose. The operator reads this information and manually selects the appropriate grinding device and dispensing unit, making the system self-identifying without requiring active recognition units on the equipment.
2Reliability
If multiple identification units are deployed across grinding and dispensing units, then filter-holder recognition can be performed, but the risk of malfunction increases under high temperatures and frequent use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex, and fragile electronic identification units with simple, durable, passive visual identification elements (colored rings, printed numbers, or symbols) on the filter-holders. These visual elements are heat-resistant, require no power, and cannot malfunction under high temperatures or frequent use, significantly improving reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated recognition units are used to identify filter-holders, then dosing accuracy can be maintained, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using expensive automated optical or RFID recognition systems, the patent uses simple visual copies of identification information (colored rings, printed numbers, or symbols) directly on the filter-holder body. These visual codes are inexpensive to manufacture and can be easily read by operators, maintaining dosing accuracy while dramatically reducing system cost.
4Reliability
If the system requires recognition by multiple units (grinder and dispensing unit), then the correct beverage can be prepared, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter-holders are pre-marked with identification information (codes, colors, or symbols) that indicate the required coffee blend and dose before being placed in the system. This preliminary encoding allows the operator to quickly identify and select the correct filter-holder without requiring sequential recognition by multiple automated units, reducing operation time while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (100) for dispensing a beverage, preferably espresso coffee, is described, comprising: - at least one machine (1) for dispensing the beverage, comprising at least one dispensing unit (2.1, 2.2, 2.3), preferably a plurality of dispensing units, each comprising at least one control element for controlling the dispense of the beverage (10a, 10a', 10b, 10b', 10c, 10c') according to a predefined dispensing program; - at least one grinding device (20, 120), preferably a plurality of grinding devices, each comprising at least one container (21, 121) for an ingredient to be ground for preparing the beverage, at least one adjustable millstone (22, 122) for grinding said ingredient and forming a ground ingredient, at least one delivering unit (23, 123) for delivering a dose of ground ingredient in at least one filter-holder (50a, 50b, 50c), at least one selection element (25a, 25b, 25c, 125a, 125b, 125c) for selecting a predetermined dose of ground ingredient to be delivered in the filter-holder, - at least one filter-holder (50a, 50b, 50c), preferably a plurality of filter-holders, each filter-holder being provided with at least one identification element (55a, 55b, 55c), wherein said identification element (55a, 55b, 55c) is indicative of the predetermined dose of ground ingredient; wherein said at least one selection element (25a, 25b, 25c, 125a, 125b, 125c) of the at least one grinding device (20, 120) is associated with a respective filter-holder (50a, 50b, 50c) and is configured to be operated, in use, by a user depending on the identification element (55a, 55b, 55c) of the filter- holder inside which delivering the ground ingredient.