CO2 Sensor Assembly for Fresh Roasted Coffee Degassing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outgassing arrangements for freshly roasted coffee lack precision and consistency in monitoring CO2 levels, leading to variations in coffee quality due to environmental factors and complex empirical value determination, which results in inefficient packaging and potential bursting of coffee containers.
Innovation Solution
A CO2 sensor arrangement with an analysis lance extending into the container, connected via a suction line to a transmitter box with a CO2 sensor element and suction pump, allowing for precise measurement and control of CO2 levels, and optionally including an O2 sensor and inert gas supply to maintain optimal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If empirical outgassing duration values are used for packaging coffee, then packaging time is reduced, but coffee quality varies significantly due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a CO2 sensor that continuously monitors the CO2 concentration in the container during storage. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect actual outgassing progress and adjust packaging timing accordingly, replacing fixed empirical durations with dynamic, measurement-based decision-making. The control unit receives sensor signals and automatically determines when outgassing is complete, ensuring both efficiency and quality consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/time-based outgassing control (fixed duration storage) with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of relying on predetermined time periods or physical indicators, the system uses electronic CO2 sensors and automated control units to monitor and determine outgassing completion, substituting mechanical timing mechanisms with precise electronic measurement and control.
2Device complexity
If CO2 sensor arrangement is connected via exhaust line to outlet, then outgassing monitoring is simplified, but measurement accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an analysis lance as an intermediary component that extends into the coffee mass through the container wall. This lance serves as a dedicated sampling channel that directly reaches the coffee interior, allowing the sensor to measure CO2 concentration at the source rather than relying on exhaust gas composition. The lance acts as a mediator between the coffee matrix and the external sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from monitoring CO2 at the container outlet (one-dimensional exhaust flow measurement) to measuring CO2 directly within the coffee mass (three-dimensional internal concentration measurement). The analysis lance penetrates the coffee volume, enabling measurement in the spatial dimension where outgassing originates, rather than inferring conditions from exhaust gas composition at the outlet.
3Loss of time
If outgassing is accelerated using vacuum or inert gas, then outgassing time is shortened, but measurement and control accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous CO2 concentration monitoring during accelerated outgassing processes. The sensor provides real-time feedback on actual CO2 levels, allowing the control system to adjust vacuum or inert gas application dynamically. This ensures that acceleration does not compromise measurement accuracy, as the system responds to actual measured conditions rather than operating on fixed parameters.
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
Enables individualized and repeatable CO2 monitoring, reducing external influences and ensuring consistent coffee quality by allowing precise control over the outgassing process, suitable for automated coffee processing and minimizing oxidation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one CO2 sensor arrangement with at least one suction pump, a CO2 sensor element and an evaluation arrangement for the CO2 content of an analysis gas taken from the container element
Implementation Method 2
CO2 sensor element for determining a CO2 content in an analysis gas
Implementation Method 3
an inert gas supply element on the container element to supply inert gas to the container element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Degassing arrangement for freshly roasted coffee (6) with a container (4) in which the coffee (6) is stored, which has at least one inlet and one outlet opening (8, 10), wherein at least one CO2 sensor arrangement (32) with at least one evaluation arrangement (14) for the CO2 content of an analytical gas taken from the container (4) is provided for monitoring a degassing process, wherein a CO2 end value for the CO2 content is stored in the evaluation arrangement (14) with which the respective currently measured CO2 content is comparable, such that when the CO2 end value (40) is reached, the degassing process is to be terminated. The invention also relates to a method for storing freshly roasted coffee in such a degassing arrangement.