Roasting Device Gas Supply Channel Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roasting devices are limited to either short-term or long-term roasting, failing to accommodate both processes efficiently, which affects the flavor profile and roasting time flexibility for coffee beans and other vegetable materials.
Innovation Solution
A device with a gas supply channel divided into two sub-channels, allowing for independent regulation of gas flow and temperature, enabling both short-term and long-term roasting by adjusting the cross-sectional area and flaps to achieve a nozzle effect for high-speed roasting or increased gas volume for flash roasting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single gas supply channel is used for roasting, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate both short-term and long-term roasting processes
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply channel is divided into two separate sub-channels (first and second sub-channels) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows each sub-channel to be optimized for different roasting processes - one for short-term high-temperature roasting and another for long-term low-temperature roasting, thereby achieving versatility without requiring complete system redesign
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gas supply channel is divided into two sub-channels with independent control, then both short-term and long-term roasting are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The divided gas supply system with two independently controllable sub-channels serves multiple functions: it can operate in single-channel mode for simple applications, dual-channel mode for complex roasting profiles, allow selective closure of individual channels, and enable independent flow rate adjustment. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by providing versatile roasting capabilities
3Productivity
If high temperature gas is supplied for short-term roasting, then roasting time is reduced, but acrylamide formation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply is segmented into two independent sub-channels that can be selectively activated. For short-term roasting, the system can supply high-temperature gas through one sub-channel while keeping the other closed or partially open, allowing control over the total gas volume and temperature exposure to prevent acrylamide formation while maintaining high productivity
4Productivity
If gas volume flow is increased for flash roasting, then roasting time is shortened, but temperature control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply system is segmented into two independently controllable sub-channels. When operating in flash roasting mode with high gas volume flow, the segmented design allows for better distribution and mixing of hot gas, improving temperature uniformity and control despite the high flow rates, thereby maintaining both productivity and temperature stability
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
Enables flexible roasting between short-term and long-term processes without system modifications, maintaining flavor profiles by regulating roasting air temperature and gas volume flow, accommodating roasting times from 1.5 to 18 minutes.
Implementation Method 1
the gas supply channel (14) is divided into two sub-channels (14a, 14b) in the flow direction of the gas immediately upstream of the receiving device (12) through which heated gas can be supplied to the receiving device (12)
Implementation Method 2
one of the two partial feed ducts tapers sharply immediately in front of the receiving device, whereby a nozzle effect and a high flow rate can be achieved
Implementation Method 3
Due to the high flow speed in the area of the nozzle, a strong and rapid movement of the product to be roasted in the receiving container can be achieved
Implementation Method 4
a gas supply channel (14) for supplying a heated gas from a heating device to the receiving device (12)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for thermally treating a pourable plant product, particularly for roasting coffee beans. The device (10) has a receiving device (12) for receiving said plant product, as well as a gas supply channel (14) for supplying a heated gas from a heating device to the receiving device (12). According to the invention, the gas supply channel (14) is divided, at least in the direction of the gas flow and directly in front of the receiving device (12), into two supply sub-channels (14a, 14b) through which heated gas can be supplied to said receiving device (12). At least one of the supply sub-channels (14a) can be closed or can be reduced in its cross-sectional area, independently from the other supply sub-channel (14b) and in front of the receiving device (12), in such a manner that there is substantially no more gas flowing to the receiving device (12) through said supply sub-channel (14a), or that the gas volume flow through said supply sub-channel (14a) can be reduced.