System, package, apparatus and method for dosing coffee beans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee makers suffer from flavor and aroma loss due to prolonged exposure of coffee beans to air, and residual coffee particles from previous grinding runs can contaminate new beans, affecting the taste of freshly ground coffee.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a coffee bean package with airtight or vacuum-sealed packaging and an integrated dosing mechanism that allows for direct supply of coffee beans to a grinder, ensuring minimal exposure to air and preventing residual coffee particles from mixing with new beans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If coffee beans are stored in a coffee bean holder for a long time before grinding, then the coffee maker is ready for use, but flavor and aroma are lost due to prolonged exposure to air
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee bean package is divided into multiple sealed compartments, each containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans. This segmentation allows individual portions to be sealed separately, minimizing exposure to air while maintaining extended storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Coffee beans are pre-dosed and sealed in individual compartments before use. This preliminary action of portioning and sealing preserves flavor and aroma by limiting air exposure from the beginning of storage.
2Productivity
If a large amount of coffee beans is placed in the coffee bean holder, then fewer refills are needed, but residual coffee particles from previous grinding runs contaminate new beans
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing mechanism extracts a precise amount of coffee beans from the sealed compartment and delivers it directly to the grinder. This extraction process separates the used beans from the remaining sealed portions, preventing residual particles from contaminating fresh coffee beans.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the sealed coffee bean compartment and the grinder. It ensures complete removal of ground coffee residues and prevents direct contact between residual particles and new coffee beans, eliminating cross-contamination.
3Ease of operation
If the coffee bean package is opened frequently for dosing, then coffee beans can be supplied to the grinder, but flavor and aroma are lost due to repeated air exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee supply is segmented into multiple sealed compartments, each containing a predetermined dose. This allows the system to access individual portions without opening the main package, maintaining seal integrity and preventing flavor loss while enabling convenient dosing.
Solution Approach 2:
Coffee beans are pre-portioned into sealed compartments before use. This preliminary dosing and sealing action eliminates the need for repeated opening and closing operations, preserving flavor and aroma while maintaining ease of operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If unground coffee beans are packaged in airtight packages, then flavor and aroma are preserved, but the package cannot be easily refilled or changed
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee package is segmented into multiple sealed compartments that can be individually accessed. This segmentation maintains airtight sealing for flavor preservation while allowing the system to progress through different compartments or be replaced entirely, providing adaptability for different coffee types.
Solution Approach 2:
The package design allows used compartments to be discarded and new sealed compartments to be introduced. This enables easy changing of coffee bean types while maintaining airtight sealing throughout the process, combining preservation with versatility.
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 system preserves the flavor and aroma of coffee beans by minimizing exposure to air and ensures each grinding run uses only freshly ground, uncontaminated coffee, allowing for efficient and convenient changes in coffee bean types.
Implementation Method 1
A system that includes a coffee bean package with airtight or vacuum-sealed packaging
Implementation Method 2
A system that includes a coffee bean package with airtight or vacuum-sealed packaging
Data Source
AI summary
A system for dosing coffee beans, comprising a coffee bean package provided with walls enclosing an inner space for coffee beans, a coffee bean outlet for delivering coffee beans, and a coupling part for coupling and uncoupling the coffee bean package with an apparatus that is provided with a coffee bean grinder, and an at least partly movably arranged coffee bean receiving device for supplying coffee beans from the coffee bean package to the grinder, which coffee bean receiving device is provided with a dosing space for being capable of containing a predetermined dose of coffee beans, wherein the coffee bean package prior to use in itself is closed off such that exposure of the coffee beans to ambient air is prevented, and the coffee bean receiving device is arranged to be guided through the coffee bean outlet into the inner space of the coffee bean package for letting coffee beans from the coffee bean package into the dosing space, and to guide the dosing space through the coffee bean outlet out of the inner space of the coffee bean package for supplying the dose of coffee beans from the dosing space to the grinder.