Method for the instantaneous self-calibration of the dose for a coffee grinder-doser apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grinder-doser apparatuses for coffee beans in professional settings face challenges in achieving precise and automatic calibration of grinding times, leading to inconsistent coffee doses due to variations in granulometry, machine wear, and environmental conditions, resulting in inefficient and inaccurate dosing processes.
Innovation Solution
A method for instantaneous self-calibration that includes setting nominal dose weights, tolerance, and reliability ranges, with automatic control and recalculation of grinding times using electronic weighing means and a granulometry adjusting mechanism, allowing continuous and autonomous calibration during operation, reducing operator intervention and waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional grinder-doser apparatuses use fixed grinding times set during initial configuration, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the dosing precision deteriorates due to variations in granulometry, machine wear, and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback by continuously monitoring the actual weight of dispensed coffee doses using an integrated weighing means and comparing it against the desired dose weight. The control logic unit processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts the grinding time parameters to compensate for variations in granulometry, machine wear, and environmental conditions, thereby maintaining precise dosing without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The grinder-doser apparatus performs self-calibration automatically by using its own weighing means to measure dispensed doses and its own control logic unit to recalculate and adjust grinding times. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external calibration equipment and manual operator intervention, achieving precise dosing while keeping the device relatively simple in operation
2Productivity
If manual calibration methods are used with periodic operator intervention, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to service interruptions and the reliability worsens due to inconsistent calibration frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous calibration by automatically measuring the weight of each dispensed dose and immediately using this information to adjust subsequent grinding times. This continuous calibration process eliminates service interruptions and maintains consistent dosing precision throughout operation, significantly improving productivity while requiring minimal operator intervention beyond initial setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with an automated electronic system that uses an integrated weighing means and control logic unit to automatically measure doses and adjust grinding parameters. This substitution of manual mechanical calibration with automated electronic control dramatically increases both productivity and the extent of automation
3Measurement precision
If external weighing devices are used for calibration, then the measurement precision may be improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation worsens due to additional manual sampling and weighing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the weighing function directly into the grinder-doser apparatus by integrating a weighing means within the device itself. This integration allows the system to automatically measure the weight of dispensed doses without requiring separate external weighing devices, manual sampling operations, or additional equipment, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation
4Manufacturing precision
If grinding times are not adjusted for granulometry variations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates as out-of-tolerance doses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the weighing means to detect variations in dosing caused by granulometry changes. The control logic unit processes this feedback and automatically recalculates grinding times to compensate for these variations, ensuring consistent dosing precision without requiring complex predictive models or pre-programmed adjustments for different coffee types
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the grinding time parameter based on actual measurements of dispensed dose weights. When granulometry variations cause doses to fall outside tolerance ranges, the control logic unit automatically adjusts the grinding time parameter to bring subsequent doses back within specification, maintaining manufacturing precision through real-time parameter adaptation
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 method ensures continuous operation with correct grinding times, reduces out-of-tolerance doses, and maintains coffee quality by automatically adapting to granulometry variations, minimizing waste and labor costs while enhancing precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
said weighing means being suitable for measuring the weight of actually dispensed doses
Data Source
AI summary
Method for the instantaneous self-calibration of the dose of coffee, for a grinder-doser apparatus with electronic control provided with a weighing means and with a granulometry adjusting means with a warning microswitch. The method provides: a first setting of the nominal dose with temporary grinding times; a second setting of the tolerance and reliability ranges of the dispensed doses, for the purpose of recalculation; the automatic control of the weight of each actually dispensed dose; the automatic recalculation of the grinding times according to an ordinary calculation logic, when one detects three consecutive out-of-tolerance doses all within the positive or negative reliability range, or according to a forced calculation logic when the microswitch detects a granulometry variation; automatic calibration of the apparatus according to the recalculated times.