Coffee Filter Holder RFID Identification for Grinder Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current filter holder devices for ground coffee require manual adaptation of coffee grinders and beverage preparation machines, leading to increased time and reliability issues due to operator errors, and existing detection systems are limited by proximity constraints and design complexities.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency identification (RFID) system using a radio tag positioned on the filter holder device, allowing for contactless identification and easy adaptation, combined with presence detection at the machine mouth to generate operating control signals, enabling efficient and reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual adaptation of coffee grinders and beverage preparation machines is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and reliability worsens due to operator errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual adaptation mechanismVSAvoiddrink preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adaptation with an automated RFID-based detection system. The reader device automatically identifies the filter holder type through radio frequency communication, eliminating the need for manual selection and configuration by the operator, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and productivity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service automation where the machine automatically detects the filter holder type and configures itself without human intervention. The RFID tag on the filter holder provides identification data that the reader uses to automatically adjust brewing parameters, eliminating operator error and improving both productivity and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If Hall effect magnetic sensors are used for detection, then measurement precision is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability worsens due to proximity constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter holder identification accuracyVSAvoidreading system design constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces contact-based Hall effect magnetic sensors with contactless RFID technology. The RFID system uses electromagnetic fields for communication, eliminating the need for precise mechanical positioning and proximity alignment, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining identification accuracy

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

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tag acts as an intermediary carrier of identification information. Instead of requiring direct sensor-to-component contact, the tag stores and transmits filter holder type data wirelessly, simplifying the reading system design and removing proximity constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If radio frequency identification system is used, then adaptability increases and ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of detectable filter holder typesVSAvoidRFID system components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID system provides universal identification capability that can handle multiple filter holder types through a single standardized interface. The RFID tags can be programmed with different identification codes, allowing the same reader device to accommodate various filter holder configurations without requiring multiple specialized sensors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses programmable RFID tags that can store different identification parameters for various filter holder types. By changing the data stored in the RFID tag rather than changing the physical detection hardware, the system achieves high adaptability with minimal additional complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The RFID system enables flexible identification of various filter holder devices, reduces operator errors, and simplifies design by allowing greater flexibility in device types and machine compatibility, ensuring smooth operation and preventing unsuitable device usage.

Implementation Method 1

A radio frequency identification (RFID) system using a radio tag positioned on the filter holder device, allowing for contactless identification

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification (RFID): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2429356B1Filter holder
Publication Date: 2014.07.09 LEVI SS
  • EP2429356B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2429356B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter holder (1) for coffee grinding, comprising a handle (3), a filter-carrying cup (2), and identification means, said device being characterised in that the identification means comprise a radio label. The invention can be applied to coffee grinders and to machines used to prepare coffee drinks.