Apparatus and method for roasting coffee beans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee roasting apparatuses struggle to achieve optimal roasting results when the quantity of coffee beans deviates from the standard quantity, often resulting in burnt beans or an uneven roast.
Innovation Solution
A roasting apparatus equipped with a control system that automatically adjusts the roasting profile based on the quantity and type of coffee beans introduced, ensuring optimal roasting by accessing pre-determined roasting recipes adapted to specific quantities and types of beans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed roasting profile is used for standard quantities of coffee beans, then optimal roasting quality is achieved for the standard quantity, but the roasting quality deteriorates when the quantity deviates from the standard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of roasting parameters based on the actual quantity of coffee beans. The control system modifies the roasting profile in real-time according to the detected bean quantity, transitioning from a fixed static profile to a dynamic adaptive profile that maintains optimal roasting quality across varying quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the roasting parameters (temperature, time, air flow) based on the quantity of coffee beans. By detecting the bean quantity and adjusting the roasting profile parameters accordingly, the system maintains consistent roasting quality whether roasting a small or large amount of beans.
2Quantity of substance
If the roasting chamber is sized for large quantities of beans, then large quantities can be roasted, but small quantities result in burnt or unevenly roasted beans
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the roasting profile based on the actual quantity of beans in the chamber. When small quantities are detected, the control system modifies temperature and time parameters to prevent burning and ensure even roasting, while accommodating the full range from small to large quantities in the same chamber size.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of roasting parameters is required for different quantities, then optimal roasting can be achieved for each quantity, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically detects the quantity of coffee beans and self-adjusts the roasting profile without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by detecting the bean quantity and selecting or modifying the appropriate roasting parameters, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust settings for different quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from the detected bean quantity to automatically adjust the roasting profile. The control system receives information about the actual quantity of beans and uses this feedback to modify the roasting parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal quality without user intervention.
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 apparatus ensures consistent and optimal roasting quality regardless of the quantity of coffee beans, preventing burnt or unevenly roasted beans and adapting the sensory profile to the intended use of the roasted coffee.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device to heat coffee beans contained in the vessel
Implementation Method 2
the control system is configured to apply a roasting recipe (R) providing the temperature T@t1, T@t2, . . . to be applied at discrete successive times t1, t2, . . .
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an apparatus for roasting coffee beans comprising: —a vessel (1) to contain coffee beans, —a heating device (12) to heat coffee beans contained in the vessel, —a control system (180) operable to control the heating device and configured to apply a roasting recipe (R), wherein for a customised quantity m of coffee beans of type Ny introduced inside the vessel, —the control system is configured to obtain at least the quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel and the type Ny of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, and —based on the obtained type Ny, the control system is configured to get access at least to a roasting recipe Ry, said recipe being adapted to the roasting of one pre-determined quantity M of beans of type Ni, and to said pre-determined quantity M, and —based on the accessible roasting recipe Ry and on said obtained quantity m of coffee beans introduced inside the vessel, the control system is configured to determine the roasting recipe (R) to be applied to the quantity m of coffee beans of type Ny introduced inside the vessel.