Hot beverage device with a grinding degree adjustment device, method for operating the hot beverage device, use of the grinding degree adjustment device and computer program product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot beverage preparation devices, particularly coffee machines, face challenges in simplifying construction and operation, especially regarding the grinder's mechanical stress and precision during grinding processes, which can lead to reduced lifespan and accuracy due to plastic creep and residual bean residues.
Innovation Solution
An electrically controllable grinding adjustment device and control unit allow for adjusting the grinder's grind size during operation, including idling and stress relief mechanisms to prevent plastic deformation, thus ensuring gentle operation and extended lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the grinder is operated at high precision during grinding, then grinding quality is improved, but mechanical stress and plastic creep increase reducing lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic stress relief cycles where the grinder is automatically adjusted to a coarser setting at predetermined intervals during operation. This periodic action reduces accumulated mechanical stress and plastic creep in the grinder components, allowing the system to maintain high grinding precision over extended periods while preventing degradation from continuous high-stress operation.
2Ease of operation
If the grinding adjustment device is operated during grinding process, then operation gentleness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically manages the stress relief process by independently determining when adjustment is needed and executing the coarse adjustment without requiring manual user intervention. The system monitors its own operational state and autonomously performs maintenance adjustments, reducing the complexity of user interaction while maintaining gentle operation during the actual grinding process.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If automatic stress relief adjustment is implemented, then grinder longevity is improved, but grind size consistency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the grinder setting based on operational needs. During normal operation, the grinder maintains a fine setting for consistent grinding. At predetermined intervals, it automatically transitions to a coarser setting for stress relief, then returns to the fine setting. This dynamic adjustment strategy balances longevity requirements with grind size consistency, ensuring quality is maintained during active grinding while preventing degradation over time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hot beverage preparation device for carrying out various preparation processes, comprising at least one grinding mechanism (1) for material to be ground, a device (2) for adjusting the grind of the at least one grinding mechanism ("grind adjustment device"), and a control device (4) for controlling the preparation processes, is further developed by an electrically controllable embodiment of the grind adjustment device (2) and by a design and configuration of the control unit (4) and the grind adjustment device (2) for operating the grind adjustment device (2) at least also during a grinding process. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a hot beverage preparation device, the use of the grind adjustment device of the hot beverage preparation device for adjusting the grinding mechanism, and a computer program for carrying out the method.