Vacuum-Packed Coconut Processing Method for Flavor and Hygiene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods of roasting coconuts for coconut water consumption result in air pollution, unstable flavor quality, and high risk of contamination due to poor hygiene and difficulty in controlling heat, limiting the coconut's exportability.

Innovation Solution

A method involving peeling, standing at room temperature for oxidation, fluid-heating between 70°C to 110°C for 15-40 minutes, and vacuum-packaging to enhance flavor and sterility, replacing traditional firewood roasting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional firewood roasting is used to roast coconuts, then the flavor of coconut water is improved, but air pollution is caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflavor qualityVSAvoidair pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional firewood combustion system with an electric heating system. The heating device uses electrical energy to heat water, which then steam-heats the coconuts in a controlled chamber, eliminating open flame and smoke generation while maintaining the roasting flavor development

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a controlled heating environment where coconuts are roasted in a closed chamber using steam and hot water circulation. This controlled atmosphere prevents uncontrolled combustion byproducts and allows precise temperature management for consistent flavor without air pollution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional firewood roasting is used, then coconut flavor is enhanced, but heat control becomes difficult resulting in unstable quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflavor consistencyVSAvoidheat control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device incorporates temperature sensors and controllers that continuously monitor the heating chamber temperature and adjust electrical power delivery accordingly. This feedback control ensures consistent roasting temperatures and times, producing uniform flavor quality across all coconuts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the uncontrolled variable of firewood burning into precisely controllable electrical heating parameters. The system allows programmable temperature profiles, heating durations, and steam injection rates, converting an artisanal process into a standardized manufacturing process with consistent results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional street food preparation is used, then coconut water flavor is developed, but contamination risk increases due to poor hygiene conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflavor developmentVSAvoidfood safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum packaging creates an oxygen-free protective atmosphere that prevents microbial growth and oxidation. This inert environment preserves both the developed coconut flavor and the safety of the coconut water, allowing storage without refrigeration while maintaining hygiene standards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual street-side preparation with an automated industrial system that includes controlled heating chambers and vacuum sealing equipment. This mechanized process eliminates human contact after sealing, ensuring sanitary conditions while developing consistent roasted flavors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If traditional roasting method is used, then coconut flavor is improved, but storage life is limited and exportability is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflavor qualityVSAvoidstorage life
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum packaging removes oxygen and introduces an inert atmosphere that prevents microbial growth and chemical degradation. This extends the shelf life of roasted coconuts from days to months, enabling long-distance transport and international export while preserving the roasted flavor profile

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The industrial processing system produces standardized, uniformly roasted coconuts with controlled moisture content and consistent flavor development. This manufacturing precision, combined with vacuum sealing, creates a stable product suitable for commercial distribution and export markets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This method maintains the flavor of roasted coconuts without air pollution, ensures stable quality, prevents contamination, and extends storage life, allowing for safe export via sea freight.

Implementation Method 1

letting the peeled coconut stand-still at room temperature for at least 10 hours to obtain a still-stood coconut

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

heating the still-stood coconut with a fluid at a temperature from 70° C. to 110° C. for 15 minutes to 40 minutes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

heating the still-stood coconut with hot water at a temperature from 70° C. to 90° C. for 20 minutes to 40 minutes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

putting the fluid-heated coconut into a packing bag and then vacuuming the packing bag to obtain a vacuum-packed coconut

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS20240270421A1Vacuum-packed coconut, preparation method thereof, and ready-to-drink trimmed coconut
Publication Date: 2024.08.15 KINGO FRUITS CO LTD
  • US20240270421A1 patent drawing
  • US20240270421A1 patent drawing
  • US20240270421A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a vacuum-packed coconut, a preparation method thereof and a ready-to-drink trimmed coconut. The preparation method comprises the following steps: removing a shell of a fresh coconut to obtain a peeled coconut; letting the peeled coconut stand-still at room temperature for at least 10 hours to obtain a still-stood coconut; heating the still-stood coconut with a fluid at a temperature from 70 to 110° C. for 15 minutes to 40 minutes to obtain a fluid-heated coconut; and putting the fluid-heated coconut into a packing bag and then vacuuming the packing bag to obtain a vacuum-packed coconut. The advantages of the present invention include no air-pollution, stable quality, hygiene and prolonged storage period of the coconut products while maintaining the rich flavor of traditional roasted coconut.