Beverage preparation system, a capsule and a method for forming a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems face challenges in achieving effective sealing during the production of beverages, leading to potential by-pass flows and inefficiencies in the interaction between pressurized liquids and beverage ingredients within capsules.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a cup-shaped body with a lid, an annular trough, and side wall sections that deform upon closure to form sealing interfaces with the enclosing member of the beverage preparation machine, ensuring a tight seal and efficient interaction with pressurized liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated sealing member is provided on the capsule to prevent by-pass flow, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from a separate dedicated sealing member and integrates it into the capsule wall structure itself. The annular groove and sealing protrusion are formed directly on the capsule wall, eliminating the need for additional sealing components while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the capsule wall structure. The annular groove and sealing protrusion are integrated features of the capsule wall, combining the structural support function with the sealing function in a single integrated component.
2Reliability
If a dedicated sealing member is provided on the capsule, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from separate components and embedded into the capsule wall manufacturing process itself, allowing sealing features to be created during the primary capsule forming operation rather than requiring additional assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule wall is designed to perform multiple functions: containing the beverage, providing structural support, and creating the sealing interface. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and simplifies manufacturing.
3Reliability
If the enclosing member sealingly engages the capsule, then by-pass flow is prevented, but the capsule structure must be more complex to accommodate sealing features
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing features (annular groove and sealing protrusion) are localized to specific regions of the capsule wall where engagement with the enclosing member occurs. This localized approach provides sealing capability exactly where needed without adding complexity to the entire capsule structure.
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 capsule design provides economical production and effective sealing, ensuring that pressurized liquids interact effectively with beverage ingredients to produce beverages without by-pass flows, enhancing the overall efficiency and quality of the beverage preparation process.
Implementation Method 1
the side wall comprises: an annular trough being dimensioned to receive the enclosing member on movement of the enclosing member into the closed position; a first side wall section extending between the base and the annular trough; and a second side wall section extending between the annular trough and a rim of the capsule
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage producing system is provided comprising a capsule containing beverage ingredients and a beverage preparation machine. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body and a lid; the cup-shaped body having a base and a side wall and the lid being sealed to the cup-shaped body. Prior to insertion, the side wall comprises: -- an annular trough being dimensioned to receive an enclosing member of the beverage preparation machine on movement of the enclosing member, into a closed position; -- a first side wall section extending between the base and the annular trough; and -- a second side wall section extending between the annular trough and a rim of the capsule. A capsule and a method are also disclosed.