Coffee containers and associated system and method for preparing roast and ground coffee
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coffee bean processing systems are complex, voluminous, and lack flexibility in adjusting roasting and grinding parameters, resulting in inconsistent and time-consuming production of freshly roasted and ground coffee, failing to provide different blends on demand.
Innovation Solution
A coffee bean container with integrated roasting and grinding means, using hot air circulation for roasting and adjustable grinding, along with a device that injects air at controlled temperature and pressure, and a method for preparing roast and ground coffee on demand by reading parameters from identification means on the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex automated systems are used for roasting and grinding coffee beans, then productivity and automation extent are improved, but device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (storage, roasting, grinding, and coffee preparation) into a single integrated container system. The container includes an inner volume for storing green coffee beans, a roasting chamber with heating elements, and a grinding mechanism, all merged into one compact unit that can be placed in a coffee machine, eliminating the need for separate complex automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed as a multi-functional unit that can store unroasted coffee beans, roast them to various degrees, grind them to different consistencies, and prepare them for brewing. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple operations that would traditionally require separate specialized machines.
2Ease of operation
If pre-set parameters are used for roasting and grinding, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability and manufacturing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates adjustable parameters for roasting temperature and duration, as well as grinding fineness, allowing users to dynamically modify settings based on their preferences. The system includes controls for adjusting the heating element temperature and the grinding mechanism settings, providing flexibility while maintaining ease of use through a user-friendly interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of critical parameters including roasting temperature, roasting time, and grinding fineness. These parameter changes enable the same container to produce different coffee roast levels (from light to dark) and grinding textures (from coarse to fine), adapting to various coffee preparation needs without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of roasting and grinding parameters is allowed, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The container includes pre-programmed roasting profiles and grinding settings for different coffee types and preparation methods. Users can select from pre-configured options (such as espresso, filter coffee, or French press profiles) that automatically set the appropriate temperature, time, and grinding parameters, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining adaptability to different coffee needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and controls that monitor the roasting process in real-time, adjusting temperature and duration based on feedback from the actual conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically optimize the roasting and grinding parameters, reducing preparation time while maintaining the ability to adapt to different coffee bean types and desired outcomes.
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, easy, and convenient production of freshly roasted and ground coffee with customizable blends, ensuring consistent quality and freshness by allowing precise control over roasting and grinding parameters.
Implementation Method 1
roasting means allowing beans roasting in a certain required degree depending on the original roasting level of the stored beans
Implementation Method 2
cooling means for cooling the coffee beans roasted by the roaster
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee bean container configured to store green and/or partially roasted coffee beans includes an inner volume where the beans are stored, roasting means allowing beans to roast at a certain required degree depending on the original roasting level of the stored beans, and at least part of a grinder to allow for grinding of the beans, once roasted, to a certain grinding size. The roasting means may be a roasting hollow tube through which pressurized hot air circulates such that coffee beans circulate inside the tube and within the internal volume, creating a fountain effect.