A capsule, a system for preparing a potable beverage from such capsule and use of such a capsule in a beverage preparation device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems face challenges in maintaining a reliable fluid seal between the capsule and the enclosing member across varying fluid pressures, particularly at low pressures during initial brewing stages, which can lead to leakage and inconsistent brewing results.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an annular projection with a trough on the outwardly extending flange, where the projection's top extends axially towards the capsule body bottom, providing a sealing member that deforms to increase radial contact pressure, ensuring a satisfactory seal even with radially extending open grooves on the free contact end of the enclosing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the enclosing member applies high force on the sealing member to ensure sealing, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the risk of leakage at low pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sealing member serves itself by automatically adjusting its contact pressure with the enclosing member based on the fluid pressure conditions. It does not require external mechanisms to apply or adjust force, as its elastic properties enable it to self-regulate the sealing force, eliminating leakage risks without complex control systems
2Reliability
If a complex sealing mechanism is used to ensure sealing at varying pressures, then the sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, disposable elastic sealing member that replaces complex, reusable sealing mechanisms. The elastic material provides effective sealing through its inherent properties without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing performance across varying pressures
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism with multiple moving parts, the solution changes the physical parameter of the sealing member itself - using elastic material that naturally adjusts its deformation and contact pressure parameters to adapt to varying fluid pressures, achieving complex adaptive behavior through simple material properties
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 configuration achieves a reliable fluid seal at both low and high fluid pressures, minimizing leakage to less than 0-6% of the total fluid, and is easy to manufacture, making it suitable for commercial coffee machines.
Implementation Method 1
the projection is configured such that its projection top exerts a radial force on the free contact end of the annular element if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member of the beverage preparation device and the enclosing member is closed by means of a closing member of the beverage preparation device
Implementation Method 2
the capsule contains a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means of the fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule
Implementation Method 3
the capsule contains a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means of the fluid supplied under pressure into the capsule
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a potable beverage, the capsule having an aluminum capsule body having a side wall and an outwardly extending flange and a sealing member at the outwardly extending flange for providing a fluid sealing contact with an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device. The beverage preparation device comprises an annular element having a free contact end which may be provided with a plurality of radially extending open grooves. The sealing member is integral with the outwardly extending flange and comprises a projection. An annular trough between the inner projection foot and the side wall has a bottom axially spaced from the outer projection foot towards the bottom of the capsule body.