Coffee Roasting Control Using Peak Particulate Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee roasting apparatuses struggle to consistently achieve the desired degree of roasting due to variability in roasting time and temperature requirements across different users and coffee bean varieties, leading to inconsistent roasted products.
Innovation Solution
A coffee roasting apparatus equipped with a particulate matter sensor to detect peak particulate matter emission, which indicates the internal temperature of the beans, allowing for precise control of the roasting process by selecting a defined completion time based on the time elapsed from the start of roasting until peak emission, ensuring consistent roasting across different batches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed roasting time and temperature are used, then the roasting process is simple to operate, but the desired degree of roasting cannot be consistently achieved across different coffee bean varieties and users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by monitoring the acoustic signature (cracking sound) of coffee beans during roasting and adjusting the roasting time accordingly. The controller detects the cracking moment and dynamically determines the completion time based on this real-time feedback, rather than using a fixed predetermined time. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent roasting degree across different coffee varieties while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/timer-based roasting control with an acoustic detection system. Instead of relying on mechanical timers or temperature sensors alone, the system uses acoustic sensors to detect the cracking sound of coffee beans, translating an acoustic signal into a control parameter for determining roasting completion. This substitution enables more precise and adaptive control without significantly increasing mechanical complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the roasting process is extended to ensure complete roasting, then all coffee beans are thoroughly roasted, but the roasting time increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses acoustic feedback to detect the exact moment when coffee beans crack during roasting. Based on this detection, the controller dynamically calculates and adjusts the roasting completion time. This feedback-based approach prevents both under-roasting and excessive roasting, achieving precise roasting completion while minimizing unnecessary roasting time and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the roasting process by adjusting the completion time based on real-time acoustic detection of bean cracking. Rather than using a static fixed time, the system dynamically adapts the roasting duration to the specific characteristics of the coffee beans being roasted, optimizing both roasting precision and time efficiency.
3Productivity
If the roasting temperature is increased to reduce roasting time, then the roasting process is faster, but the consistency of roasting degree across different coffee varieties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor the actual roasting progress and adjust the completion time accordingly. This enables the use of higher roasting temperatures to reduce overall roasting time while maintaining consistent roasting degree, because the feedback control compensates for variations in coffee bean characteristics by dynamically adjusting the process based on real-time cracking detection.
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 solution enables consistent roasting of coffee beans by accurately predicting the completion time post-first cracking, allowing for precise control of the roasting process, resulting in improved consistency and quality of roasted coffee.
Implementation Method 1
a particulate matter sensor for detecting a peak amount of particulate matter in said air flow
Implementation Method 2
a roasting element for directing a heated air flow through said compartment
Data Source
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AI summary
A coffee roasting apparatus (100) is disclosed that comprises a compartment (110) for holding coffee beans (10); a roasting element (140) for directing a heated air flow through said compartment; a particulate matter sensor (120) for detecting a peak amount of particulate matter in said air flow; and a controller (130) arranged to control said roasting element. The controller is adapted to select a defined control time for said roasting element as a function of an amount of time lapsed from the start of the roasting process until the detection of said peak amount; and apply the defined control time to said roasting element after first cracking of the coffee beans to complete the roasting of the coffee beans in order to obtain a consistent roasting result. A coffee brewing apparatus including such a coffee roasting apparatus and a method of controlling such a coffee roasting apparatus are also disclosed.