Coffee containers and associated system and method for preparing roast and ground coffee
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home roasters and grinders lack flexibility in adjusting roasting and grinding parameters, leading to lengthy preparation times and inconsistent results, and existing systems fail to provide freshly roasted and ground coffee blends on demand.
Innovation Solution
A coffee bean container with integrated roasting and grinding means, utilizing a hollow tube for hot air circulation to create a fountain effect, and a device that injects hot air and cooling media, with adjustable parameters set by identification means on the container, allowing for customizable roasting and grinding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If home roasters and grinders pre-set the parameters of the roasting and grinding process, then the preparation time is reduced, but the flexibility to adjust parameters is lost and results are inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of roasting and grinding parameters through a control unit that accepts user inputs. The parameters can be modified in real-time based on coffee bean type, desired roast level, and grinding fineness, enabling both quick preparation and customized results without the constraints of pre-set parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex systems are used to provide roasted and ground coffee, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions (storage, roasting, grinding, and brewing) into a single integrated device. The coffee bean container serves as both storage and roasting chamber, while the grinding means are integrated into the same unit, reducing overall system complexity and volume while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coffee bean container is designed to perform multiple functions: storing green or roasted beans, roasting beans when needed, and the integrated grinding means process the roasted beans. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate appliances for each step of the coffee preparation process.
3Productivity
If existing systems are used to roast and grind coffee, then coffee can be prepared, but the systems do not provide consistent and repeatable results
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors and controls the roasting and grinding processes based on user-selected parameters and provides feedback to maintain consistent results. The system can store and recall parameter sets for different coffee types and roast levels, ensuring repeatable outcomes across multiple preparations.
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 automatic, convenient, and flexible production of freshly roasted and ground coffee on demand, preserving flavor and aroma while reducing complexity and weight compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a roasting hollow tube (11) through which hot air at pressure circulates such that coffee beans circulate within the internal container volume and inside the tube 11
Implementation Method 2
The tube 11 typically further comprises holes through which air goes into the inner container volume 14
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a coffee bean container (10, 10') comprising green and/or partially roasted coffee beans, the container comprising: an inner volume (14) where beans are stored; roasting means allowing beans roasting in a certain required degree depending on the original roasting level of the stored beans; at least part or complete grinding means allowing grinding of the beans, once roasted, to a certain grinding size. The roasting means preferably comprise a roasting hollow tube (11) through which hot air at pressure circulates such that coffee beans circulate within the internal container volume and inside the tube (11), creating a fountain effect.