Roasting and processing apparatus for coffee beans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coffee brewing technologies require skilled baristas and dedicated machines, and single-serve systems have high ecological and cost impacts due to complex packaging, while fully automatic machines compromise on quality and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a wireless connection between a roasting device and a coffee processing device to communicate parameters for optimal roasting and brewing, employing AI to adjust processing parameters based on coffee bean characteristics, eliminating the need for single-serve packaging and barista expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-serve capsule systems are used, then beverage quality and preparation consistency are improved, but ecological impact and cost increase due to complex packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of single-serve capsules (pre-measured, pre-packaged coffee) and replaces it with a sustainable alternative: coffee is measured and prepared in bulk containers without single-use packaging. The dosing mechanism extracts only the necessary amount of coffee for each beverage, eliminating the need for disposable capsules while maintaining dosing precision and beverage consistency.
2Ease of operation
If fully automatic coffee machines are used, then ease of operation is improved, but beverage quality and flexibility deteriorate due to fixed parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic adaptability in the coffee preparation system. The machine automatically adjusts dosing parameters, water temperature, and extraction settings based on the specific coffee characteristics (roast level, origin, type) detected by the reading means. This allows the system to remain fully automatic while adapting to different coffee varieties and beverage preferences, resolving the contradiction between automation and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the reading means detects coffee bean characteristics and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then automatically adjusts preparation parameters based on this feedback, enabling the machine to adapt its operation dynamically without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining both ease of operation and preparation flexibility.
3Reliability
If skilled baristas manually prepare coffee, then beverage quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the coffee preparation system to serve itself by automatically performing tasks that traditionally required skilled baristas. The reading means automatically identifies coffee characteristics, the control unit automatically determines optimal preparation parameters, and the dosing mechanism automatically measures and dispenses the correct amount of coffee. This self-service capability eliminates the need for trained personnel while maintaining high beverage quality through automated expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical expertise of human baristas with an automated control system. Instead of relying on human knowledge and manual skills to determine dosing amounts, water temperature, and extraction parameters, these functions are substituted by electronic sensors, control algorithms, and automated mechanisms that objectively measure and adjust parameters based on detected coffee characteristics.
4Productivity
If roasting parameters are not adapted to coffee bean characteristics, then processing speed is improved, but beverage quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary analysis of coffee bean characteristics before the actual preparation process. The reading means scans and identifies coffee properties (roast level, origin, type) in advance, allowing the control unit to pre-determine the optimal dosing amount and preparation parameters. This preliminary action enables the system to quickly adjust settings without delaying the brewing process, thus maintaining both high processing speed and beverage quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a roasting and processing apparatus for coffee beans comprising a roasting device (50) and an associated coffee processing device (60, 70); the roasting device (50) being configured for receiving coffee beans of a certain type that will be roasted, the roasting device comprising reading means (53) to identify the characteristics of the coffee beans dispensed to it, the roasting device (50) further comprising a control unit configuring the roasting profile of the beans according to the characteristics retrieved from the reading means (53) and/or from the characteristics of the beans in a database (51) in this control unit and/or according to the user input; the roasted coffee beans being transferred into a coffee processing device (60, 70) for beverage preparation, the roasting device (50) comprising a data transfer function to communicate product parameters of the roasted coffee beans of a certain type to the coffee processing device (60, 70); the coffee processing device (60, 70) receiving roasted coffee beans of one or more types from the roasting device (50); the coffee processing device comprising a data reader (62, 72) to obtain the information of the product parameters of the roasted coffee beans; the coffee processing device (60, 70) further comprising a control unit configured to adapt the processing parameters used for the beverage preparation as a function of the product parameters of the roasted coffee beans. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for roasting and processing coffee beans using a roasting and processing apparatus as the one described. Also, the invention relates to the use of a roasting and processing apparatus as the one described for delivering a coffee beverage of a certain type and/or a certain quantity of grinded coffee.