Foodstuff grinding device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Keurig machines are costly per cup, limit coffee bean selection, and generate recycling waste due to the difficulty of filling reusable K-cup filters with freshly ground coffee beans, necessitating an efficient coffee bean grinding solution.
Innovation Solution
A foodstuff grinding device with a main grinding body, conical sections, and adjustable burr grinder mechanism that allows for easy grinding and dispensing of coffee beans into refillable filters, featuring a rechargeable battery and twist-lock attachments for convenient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If reusable K-cup filters are used, then waste is reduced and cost per cup decreases, but the difficulty of filling them with freshly ground coffee beans increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grinding mechanism and the K-cup filling mechanism into a single integrated device. The grinder is positioned directly above the K-cup holder, allowing ground coffee to be deposited directly into the filter without manual transfer. This merging of functions eliminates the manual filling step while maintaining waste reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a small hopper or chamber that temporarily holds ground coffee before it is deposited into the K-cup. This intermediary allows the grinding and filling operations to be decoupled slightly, making the filling process easier while still maintaining the overall automated flow from grinding to dispensing.
2Ease of operation
If a grinding device is added to enable fresh grinding for reusable filters, then ease of filling improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding device is segmented into compact, modular components including a small hopper, burr grinder mechanism, and direct deposition chamber. Each component is miniaturized and positioned to fit within a compact footprint, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the essential grinding and filling functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal functionality by integrating multiple operations (grinding, dosing, and filling) into a single unit that can work with standard K-cup filters. The grinder mechanism can adjust grind size to accommodate different coffee types and preferences, making the device adaptable to various user needs without requiring multiple separate devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If grind adjustment mechanism is included, then coffee preparation versatility improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grind adjustment mechanism uses a simple dynamic system where an adjustable burr or screen allows users to change grind size by rotating or sliding a component. This dynamic adjustment is achieved through basic mechanical movements rather than complex electronic controls, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining versatility for different coffee preparation needs.
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, cost-effective grinding of coffee beans for reusable filters, reducing waste and improving coffee preparation convenience by allowing easy adjustment of grind coarseness and fineness, thus addressing the limitations of Keurig machines.
Implementation Method 1
a hopper in environmental communication with a first conical section on an interior of the main grinding body for directing the unground foodstuffs towards a grind adjustment mechanism
Implementation Method 2
main grinding body producing a plurality of ground foodstuffs from a plurality of unground foodstuffs
Data Source
AI summary
A foodstuff grinding device is a portable grinding apparatus for coffee beans, herbs, spices, marijuana, and the like. The device takes a form of a cylindrical shape. The bottom portion of the device includes a rechargeable battery that operates an internal electric motor via a control switch. The upper portion of the invention includes a compartment with lid that holds the material to be ground. The bottom of this compartment is provided with multi-blade grinding mechanism that is operated by the motor. In the instance where coffee beans are ground, the top of the unit mates with a Keurig® K-cup reusable coffee filters to allow for easy refilling of such devices. It is also provided with a clip to attach to the side of most Keurig® models.