Grinder-Doser Sliding Block Design for Complete Coffee Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grinder-dosers require multiple grinders and compacting members to achieve varying particle sizes and doses for different coffee types, leading to increased costs and incomplete dispensing, especially in single-shot modes, where partial coffee remains due to inefficient cleaning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A grinder-doser with a sliding block and compacting member featuring interchangeable openings and a flexible closure element that adjusts based on coffee thrust, allowing uniform grinding and dispensing of different coffee types using the same device in both classical and single-shot modes, ensuring complete dispensing without the need for multiple grinders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a compacting member is used to provide uniform outflow of ground coffee, then the flow uniformity is improved, but the grinding chamber and downstream conduits cannot be completely emptied
Solution Approach 1:
The compacting member is made movable along the conduit axis instead of being fixed. It can be positioned in different locations to either compact the coffee flow for uniformity or allow complete dispensing by moving to permit full emptying of the chamber and conduits.
Solution Approach 2:
The compacting member is divided into a compacting portion and a tail portion. The tail portion can be positioned downstream to facilitate complete emptying of the conduit, while the compacting portion maintains flow uniformity during dispensing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple grinders and compacting members are used to achieve varying particle sizes and doses for different coffee types, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compacting member can be moved to different positions along the conduit axis to adapt to different coffee types and dosing requirements. This dynamic positioning allows a single grinder to serve multiple functions that previously required multiple grinders.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable compacting member serves multiple functions: it compacts coffee for uniform flow, controls dosing amounts, and enables complete emptying of the system. This multi-functional component replaces the need for multiple specialized grinders and compacting members.
3Loss of substance
If the grinding time is increased to ensure complete dispensing in classical mode, then the complete dispensing is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable compacting member can be dynamically positioned during or after grinding to facilitate complete dispensing without requiring extended grinding time. This mechanical intervention ensures complete coffee discharge while maintaining efficient grinding duration.
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 and uniform dispensing of coffee with varying particle sizes and doses using the same device, reducing costs and improving cleaning efficiency by ensuring complete coffee discharge in both operating modes.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible closure element (511) arranged in the first opening (51) and reversibly closing the first opening (51) as a function of a thrust exerted by the coffee
Data Source
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AI summary
A grinder-doser (1) comprises grinding members (2), which are configured to receive and grind coffee beans and deliver ground coffee into a dispensing conduit (21); a compacting member (3) comprising a dispensing opening (31) aligned with the dispensing conduit (21) for receiving the ground coffee from the dispensing conduit (21); a slide guide (4); a sliding block (5) comprising first (51) and second (52) openings and being adapted to slide along the slide guide (4) for selectively superimposing the first (51) and second (52) openings to the dispensing opening (31) allowing the ground coffee to move from the dispensing conduit (21) to the dispensing opening (31) via the first opening (51) or the second opening (52), the first opening (51) is reversibly closed by a closure element (511), the closure element (511) allows the ground coffee to move from the dispensing conduit (21) to the dispensing opening (31) as a thrust limit value exerted by the ground coffee on the closure element (511) is exceeded.