Removable Hopper Grinder Shutter for Safe Bean Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee grinding machines lack efficient mechanisms for controlling the flow of coffee beans from hoppers to the grinder assembly, particularly in terms of ease of use, reliability, and safety, especially when removing and replacing hoppers for cleaning or changing bean types.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a controllable slide gate mechanism operated by a solenoid, with a shutter that is mechanically movable and remains in a normally open position during use, allowing continuous bean flow when the hopper is in place, and automatically closes when removed, along with a magnetic closure system for secure bean flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable hopper design is used to facilitate cleaning and bean type changes, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential accidental bean flow or object entry when hopper is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed to automatically close the bean outlet passage when the hopper is removed, preventing accidental bean flow or object entry before the hopper can be accidentally reattached. This preliminary closing action ensures safety and reliability during the hopper removal operation.
2Reliability
If a complex closure mechanism is added to prevent object entry when hopper is removed, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is designed to automatically close the bean outlet passage through its own mechanical movement when the hopper is removed, without requiring external control systems, sensors, or additional actuating mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains reliability while minimizing device complexity.
3Productivity
If electronic components are used to control bean flow, then productivity is improved through precise control, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical shutter mechanism that automatically controls bean flow based on the physical presence or absence of the hopper. This mechanical substitution maintains precise bean flow control while eliminating electronic components, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
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
This solution enhances the reliability and safety of the grinding process by preventing accidental or intentional objects from entering the grinder, reduces the need for electronic components, and simplifies hopper removal and replacement, ensuring consistent bean flow and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The slide gate is connected to a controllable solenoid which shifts the slide gate from a closed position to an open position
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic closure system for secure bean flow management
Implementation Method 3
hoppers positioned above a grinder assembly for generally providing a gravity feed flow from the hopper into the grinder assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A grinding machine (20) for use in grinding materials, the grinding machine (20) comprising: a grinder assembly (22) for receiving material therein; at least one removable hopper (24) attachable proximate to the grinding assembly (22) for dispensing material to the grinder assembly (22); a passage (22) defined in the hopper being cooperatively placed in communication with the grinding assembly (22) for dispensing material from the hopper (24) to the grinder assembly (22); a displaceable shutter (70) being positionnable in an open position when the hopper (24) is placed on the grinder assembly (22) and being positionnable in a closed position when the hopper (24) is removed from the grinder assembly (22); and a slide gate mechanism (42) including a slide gate (42) and a mover linked to the slide gate for controllably opening and closing passage of material from the hopper (24) to the grinder assembly (22) for grinfind material therein.