Coffee Roasting Feedback Calibration Across Different Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee bean roasting apparatuses struggle to consistently reproduce a predefined roast profile across different machines and varying conditions, such as ambient temperature, humidity, pressure, altitude, and bean moisture content, leading to inconsistent roasting results.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that adjust the feedback loop regulation in roasting apparatuses by comparing current conditions with reference conditions and applying pre-determined corrections to the roasting recipes, ensuring consistent reproduction of the roast profile defined by a master roasting apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a predefined roast profile is used in different roasting apparatuses, then the roasting process can be automated and reproduced, but the consistency of the final roasted beans deteriorates due to variations in apparatus construction, ambient conditions, and bean characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the roast profile parameters (temperature, time, air flow) based on real-time sensor measurements of bean characteristics, ambient conditions, and apparatus performance. This allows the automated system to adapt to variations in different apparatuses and conditions while maintaining consistent roasted bean quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms using temperature probes, moisture sensors, and other detection devices that continuously monitor the roasting process and provide data to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to automatically adjust heating power, air flow, and timing, ensuring consistent results across different apparatuses and conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the roasting profile is customized for specific coffee beans by a coffee expert, then the optimal taste and aroma are achieved, but the complexity of the roasting process increases and requires expert intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by equipping the roasting apparatus with automated detection devices and control algorithms that can independently analyze bean characteristics and determine optimal roasting parameters without requiring expert intervention. The system performs what previously required coffee expert knowledge through automated sensing and computational processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/expert system of manual profile creation with an automated electronic system using sensors, processors, and algorithms. The detection devices and controller work together to automatically generate and adjust roast profiles, substituting human expert judgment with electronic measurement and computational decision-making.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the roasting apparatus components vary between batches, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the reproduction of consistent roast profiles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the detection devices measure and characterize the apparatus components and bean material before the actual roasting process begins. The controller uses this advance information to pre-adjust the roast profile parameters, compensating for variations in components and ensuring consistent results despite manufacturing differences.
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
Ensures consistent roasting of coffee beans by adapting the roasting process to account for variations in apparatuses and environmental conditions, maintaining the desired aroma and taste profile.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device to heat air supplied to the chamber
Implementation Method 2
at least one temperature probe to measure the temperature of air supplied by the heating device
Implementation Method 3
the controller operates on a periodic basis to read a roast control signal value, correlate that roast control signal value with the roast profile, and control the operation of the heating device so as to maintain the temperature of the coffee beans in accordance with the roast profile
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a method of roasting coffee beans with a roasting apparatus (X), said roasting apparatus comprising a control system (80) configured to control the heating device (2) and to reproduce roasting recipes, said control implementing a feedback loop regulation based on the temperature Treg measured by the at least one temperature probe (5), wherein, before roasting coffee beans by reproducing coffee beans roasting recipes defined with one specific master roasting apparatus (M), the feedback loop regulation is adjusted, said operation of adjustment comprising the step applying pre-determined correction KC to the feedback loop regulation.