Bayonet Coffee Roaster Chamber Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coffee bean roasting apparatuses with fluidized bed technology require frequent greasing and cleaning of the chamber locking mechanism due to high temperatures and dust deposition, making operations inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A bayonet-style chamber locking assembly with a removable fixing device and support system that allows for easy access and maintenance, enabling the chamber to be cleaned and greased outside the apparatus, with a gas-tight sealing mechanism to prevent smoke escape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional clamp mechanism with screwing parts is used for the chamber locking assembly, then the chamber can be securely fastened to the housing, but the screwing parts require frequent greasing and cleaning due to high temperature and dust deposition, making maintenance inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fastening of chamberVSAvoidmaintenance convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical locking mechanism with a bayonet-style insertion system. The chamber locking assembly features a simple insertion and rotation mechanism that eliminates complex screwing parts, thereby removing the need for frequent greasing and cleaning while maintaining secure fastening of the chamber to the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the chamber locking mechanism uses complex screwing parts, then secure connection is achieved, but access to these parts for greasing and cleaning is narrow and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber locking assembly is designed as a segmented system with the chamber locking mechanism separated from the chamber body. The locking assembly includes an insertion portion that fits into the chamber and a separate operation portion that can be accessed from outside the apparatus, allowing maintenance without disassembling the chamber or accessing narrow internal spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If the chamber is tightly connected to the housing during operation, then roasting efficiency is improved, but the chamber must be completely disassembled for cleaning and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroasting efficiencyVSAvoiddismantling time for cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber locking assembly employs a dynamic locking mechanism that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. The bayonet-style insertion and rotation system allows the chamber to be rapidly secured during operation for efficient roasting, and just as rapidly removed for cleaning, eliminating the time-consuming complete disassembly required by traditional fixed connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution simplifies the locking and maintenance process, reducing the need for frequent greasing and cleaning, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by allowing all parts to be easily accessed and maintained without compromising the roasting process.

Implementation Method 1

Another type of apparatus uses fluidized bed technology implementing a hot air fluid bed chamber. Within such a chamber, heated air is forced through a screen or a perforated plate under the coffee beans with sufficient force to lift the beans.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluidized bed: Fluidisation

Implementation Method 2

Heat is transferred to the beans as they tumble and circulate within this fluidized bed.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3920724B1Apparatus for roasting coffee beans
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA
  • EP3920724B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3920724B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3920724B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4C

AI summary

The invention concerns an apparatus (10) for roasting coffee beans comprising : - a housing (4), - a roasting chamber (1), said chamber being removably mounted to the housing (4) and presenting a bottom opening (11) and a top opening (12), - a chamber locking assembly (5) configured to fasten the top opening (12) of the chamber to the housing (4), wherein said chamber locking assembly (5) comprises : - a device (51) for fixing the roasting chamber to the housing in a removable manner, said chamber fixing device and the top opening of the chamber forming a bayonet system and said chamber fixing device being removable from the housing, and - a fixed support device (52) configured for removably supporting the chamber fixing device (51) in the housing.