A cellulose-fiber-based capsule with a flange that comprises a radially intermediate ring-shaped liquid-barrier flange region with reduced liquid absorption properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellulose-fiber-based capsules face issues with structural deformation and ejection problems due to liquid absorption, leading to inconsistent brewing and increased manufacturing costs, and are unable to meet industrial compostability requirements.
Innovation Solution
A cellulose-fiber-based capsule design featuring a radially intermediate ring-shaped liquid-barrier flange region with reduced liquid absorption properties, integrated into a flange with varying thickness and density to maintain structural integrity and facilitate ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flange is made entirely of cellulose fiber-based material with uniform properties, then the capsule is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, but the flange deforms when exposed to pressurized liquid and fails to eject properly from the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is designed with radially intermediate ring-shaped regions that have different physical properties from the rest of the flange. These intermediate regions have reduced liquid absorption properties and maintain structural integrity when exposed to pressurized liquid, while the remaining portions of the flange remain soft and deformable for sealing purposes. This local differentiation allows the flange to both seal effectively and eject reliably from the machine.
2Strength
If the flange is made with varying thickness and density regions, then structural integrity is maintained during brewing, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is segmented into distinct radial zones with different thicknesses and densities. The intermediate ring-shaped regions are positioned at specific radial locations to provide structural support, while other regions maintain varying thickness for sealing and ejection functions. This segmentation is achieved through controlled manufacturing processes that create the desired thickness and density variations in specific zones.
3Reliability
If a sealing ring of different material is added to the flange, then liquid-tight seal is ensured, but the capsule can no longer be fully biodegraded
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a separate sealing ring made of different material, the sealing functionality is achieved by modifying the physical parameters of the cellulose fiber-based material itself. The intermediate ring-shaped regions are treated to have reduced liquid absorption properties, making them resistant to deformation by pressurized liquid. This parameter change allows the entire flange to remain biodegradable while achieving reliable sealing without foreign materials.
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 design ensures reliable brewing and ejection without deformation, reduces manufacturing complexity and cost, and allows for both home and industrial compostability.
Implementation Method 1
a radially intermediate ring-shaped liquid-barrier flange region with reduced liquid absorption properties
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
A cellulose-fiber-based capsule has a cup-like capsule body of which a side wall (SW), base wall and flange are integrally made out of a same cellulose-fiber-based material, wherein the cellulose-fiber-based material flange comprises a radially inner ring-shaped sealing flange region (SFR), and a radially outer edge flange region (EFR). According to the invention the cellulose-fiber-based material flange (F) further comprises at least one radially intermediate ring-shaped liquid-barrier flange region (LBFR), wherein the liquid-barrier flange region (LBFR) has lower liquid absorption properties than the sealing flange region (SFR) and edge flange region (EFR).