All-Metal Beverage Capsule with Integrated Punctured Support Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules face challenges in recyclability due to mixed materials and the difficulty in separating filter papers from the capsule body, which affects the quality of the beverage and complicates recycling processes.
Innovation Solution
The beverage capsule is made entirely of metal, with the cup-shaped body, lid, and punctured support plate constructed from a single food-grade metal, such as aluminum, to enhance recyclability and preserve beverage ingredients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter paper is attached to the capsule body to retain beverage ingredients, then the beverage quality is improved, but the recyclability is worsened due to mixed materials and difficulty in separation
Solution Approach 1:
The filter function is merged into the punctured support plate by creating openings in the metal plate itself, rather than using a separate filter paper layer. This integration eliminates the need for material separation during recycling while maintaining the filtration function that retains beverage ingredients.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a single metal material for both the structural support plate and the filtration function, replacing the composite structure of metal plate plus paper filter. This homogeneous material composition enables easier recycling while the controlled openings provide the necessary filtration capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple materials are used for different capsule components, then the functionality is improved, but the recyclability is worsened due to mixed material streams
Solution Approach 1:
The entire capsule structure including the support plate and filtration elements is made from the same metal material, creating a homogeneous single-material construction. This allows the capsule to be processed in a single recycling stream while still providing differentiated functions through structural design rather than material variation.
3Reliability
If the filter is attached to the capsule body, then the filter function is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to difficulty in removing the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration capability is combined with the punctured support plate structure itself, eliminating the need for a separate removable filter component. The openings in the metal plate provide filtration while the integrated design removes the operational complexity of filter attachment and removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage capsule (10) for use in a beverage preparation machine to prepare a beverage by passing a fluid therethrough. The beverage capsule comprises: a cup-shaped body (12) having a base (14) and a sidewall (16); a lid (22) sealed to the cup-shaped body; and a punctured support plate (20) positioned inside the cup-shaped body and dividing the interior volume into a first compartment for holding beverage ingredients (24) and a second compartment. The punctured support plate is located at a distance from the base which is larger than a piercing height of a draining member of the beverage preparation machine. The cup-shaped body, the lid and the punctured support plate are made of a material comprising metal.