Automated french press.
This was a group project with the goal to design and build an automated French press machine as part of a course focusing on mechatronics, mechanics, and electronics. The machine is designed to simplify the French press brewing process, automating tasks like coffee dosing, water filling, and pressing. The French press remains stationary while the machine rotates through three stations: coffee dispensing, hot water dispensing, and pressing. The primary goal was not to create a product that solves a specific problem but rather to develop and refine the skills required to design and build a complex machine.
My role: I designed, 3d-printed and lasercut all the parts and mechanisms. This required a lot of testing and prototyping. I also collaborated with a group member to wire the elecronics and write the code using Arduino IDE.
Mechanics
Designed and optimized moving parts.
Lasercutting
Created precise structural components.
3d printing
Modelled and prototyped custom parts.
Physical prototype
Built and tested functional models.
Electronics
Integrated motors, sensors, relays and LEDs.
Coding
Programmed Arduino for input and automation.
Designed from scratch.
All mechanisms were designed from scratch to create a cohesive product with a consistent design language. The goal was to make the machine compact, functional, and visually clean, ensuring all parts worked seamlessly together.
Coffe dispenser
The coffee dispenser is driven by a geared motor, rotating a wheel to release precise amounts of coffee. Adjustments were made during the design process to reduce friction and improve reliability, including spacing modifications and optimizing the storage capacity.
Rotating mechanism
The rotating mechanism moves the top part of the machine to three different positions: coffee dispenser, hot water filling, and pressing station, while keeping the French press stationary. A gear system drives the rotation, and stabilizing plates were added during testing to fix some lifting issues.
Lifting arm
The lifting arm is basically a linear actuator using a z-rod motor from an old 3d printer. It raises and lowers the French press lid during the brewing process. It also includes a locking feature (compliant mechanism) to hold the lid securely during pressing.
Electronics and code
Arduino Uno
The machine is mainly driven by 3 stepper motors together with some sensors and an Arduino Uno. The heater element is salvaged from an old coffee maker and connected to a relay to control it.
Animation made in blender
As a finishing touch, I used Blender to create a teaser animation, highlighting the machine's key features and mechanisms. This animation showcases how the components work together.
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