Coffee roasting apparatus, coffee brewing apparatus and method
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee roasting apparatuses struggle to consistently achieve the desired degree of roasting due to variations in roasting time and temperature requirements for different coffee beans, 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 control time based on the time elapsed from the start of roasting until peak emission, ensuring consistent roasting from the first cracking stage.
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 due to variations in coffee bean characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by monitoring the acoustic signal of coffee beans during roasting and adjusting the roasting time accordingly. The controller detects the acoustic emissions from the beans and uses this information to determine when to terminate the roasting process, ensuring consistent results despite variations in bean characteristics. This feedback mechanism transforms the open-loop fixed-time process into a closed-loop adaptive process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed time/temperature to acoustic signal-based adaptive timing. By monitoring the acoustic emissions (cracking sounds) of the coffee beans during roasting, the system dynamically adjusts the roasting duration to achieve the desired degree of roasting. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different coffee varieties and roasting requirements while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the roasting time is extended to ensure thorough roasting, then under-roasting is avoided, but over-roasting occurs and quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic feedback mechanism allows the system to detect the exact moment when coffee beans reach the desired roasting degree through characteristic cracking sounds. This real-time monitoring enables precise termination of the roasting process, preventing both under-roasting and over-roasting. The feedback loop continuously monitors the roasting state and provides the information needed to stop the process at the optimal point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/time-based control methods with acoustic field-based detection. Instead of relying on predetermined time schedules or temperature measurements, the system uses acoustic sensors to detect the characteristic sounds emitted by coffee beans during roasting. This substitution enables more precise and responsive control of the roasting process.
3Reliability
If different roasting parameters are used for different coffee varieties, then roasting quality is optimized, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically detecting the acoustic profile of the coffee beans during roasting. Instead of requiring users to manually input coffee variety information or select from predefined settings, the system autonomously adapts to the specific characteristics of the beans being roasted. The acoustic emissions provide inherent information about the coffee type and roasting state, enabling the controller to automatically optimize the process parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes roasting parameters based on real-time acoustic monitoring rather than using fixed pre-programmed settings for different coffee varieties. The system adjusts the roasting duration and intensity according to the acoustic signal characteristics detected during the process, allowing it to adapt to any coffee type without requiring complex user input or multiple predefined profiles.
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 and achieving the desired roasting level, thereby improving the 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
Implementation Method 3
complex chemical reactions such as Maillard reaction and pyrolysis are induced
Implementation Method 4
complex chemical reactions such as Maillard reaction and pyrolysis are induced
Data Source
AI summary
A coffee roasting apparatus is disclosed that comprises a compartment for holding coffee beans, a heating arrangement for directing a heated air flow through the compartment during a roasting process of the coffee beans, a particulate matter sensor for detecting a peak amount of particulate matter released by the coffee beans, a timer for determining an amount of time lapsed from a start of the roasting process until the detection of the peak amount, and a controller arranged to control the heating arrangement. The controller is adapted to select a defined control time as a function of the lapsed amount of time and apply the defined control time to the heating arrangement after first cracking of the coffee beans to complete the roasting process. A coffee brewing apparatus including such a coffee roasting apparatus and a method of controlling such a coffee roasting apparatus are also disclosed.