Beverage Capsule Carrier Disk Design for Crema-Free Coffee Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules fail to produce crema-free coffee that meets consumer expectations in terms of construction, ergonomics, and sensory results, particularly when used in high-pressure brewing devices.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a rigid body with a circumferential sidewall, a base wall, a flange, a removable lid, and a carrier disk with multiple preformed outlet openings, positioned between the beverage ingredient and the lid, which limits pressure buildup and foam formation, ensuring a crema-free coffee with characteristics similar to filter coffee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hermetically closed capsule is used in high-pressure brewing devices, then the capsule maintains freshness during storage, but it produces crema and foam instead of crema-free coffee
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into two functional parts: a hermetically closed body for maintaining freshness and a filter assembly with carrier disk for crema-free brewing. The filter assembly can be removed after brewing, separating the storage function from the brewing function.
Solution Approach 2:
A filter element and carrier disk are introduced as intermediary components between the sealed capsule body and the brewing device. These components enable unpressurized filtration during brewing while the capsule remains hermetically sealed for freshness maintenance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a filter element is added to achieve crema-free coffee, then the coffee quality improves, but the capsule construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element, carrier disk with outlet openings, and flange are combined into a single integrated filter assembly that can be easily attached to the capsule body. This merging reduces the number of separate components while achieving crema-free brewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier disk with preformed outlet openings automatically regulates water flow and prevents crema formation without requiring additional control mechanisms. The structure itself provides the filtration function.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple outlet openings are provided in the carrier disk, then crema-free coffee is achieved, but the structural integrity of the capsule may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier disk has varying properties: it features multiple outlet openings in the central brewing area for crema-free coffee, while the peripheral region maintains solid structure for structural integrity and proper engagement with the brewing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly uses composite construction with a carrier disk that combines porous filtration material with solid structural support, achieving both crema-free brewing and mechanical strength.
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 produces coffee with minimal crema that quickly disappears, resulting in a low-body, aromatic, smooth, and sweet beverage with reduced acidity and bitterness, while preventing channeling during extraction.
Implementation Method 1
a carrier disk provided in the inner space of the capsule between the lid and the filter, said carrier disk comprising multiple preformed outlet openings suitable for draining the prepared beverage from the inner space towards the outside of the capsule when the capsule is used in the beverage preparation device
Implementation Method 2
a filter element positioned in the inner space of the capsule between the beverage ingredient and the carrier disk
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to capsule for preparing a beverage comprising—a substantially rigid capsule body having a circumferential sidewall extending around an inner space of the capsule, said inner space being at least partially filled with a beverage ingredient suitable for preparing the beverage, —a rigid base wall, integral with the capsule body, the base wall covering the inner space at a first end of the sidewall, —a flange arranged circumferentially around an open side of the capsule at a second end of the sidewall of the base body opposite the base wall, —a lid covering the inner space and the open side of the capsule at a second end of the sidewall opposite the base wall and tightly closing the capsule, the lid being removably attached to the flange for use of the capsule in a beverage preparation device, and—a filter element positioned in the inner space of the capsule between the beverage ingredient and the lid; and —a carrier disk provided in the inner space of the capsule. According to the invention the carrier disk is positioned in the inner space of the capsule between the lid and the filter, said carrier disk comprising multiple preformed outlet openings suitable for draining the prepared beverage from the inner space towards the outside of the capsule when the capsule is used in the beverage preparation device; and the carrier disk comprises between 50 and 150 outlet openings and the open surface ratio of the carrier disk is higher than 4%. The invention also relates to a system comprising said capsule and to the use of said capsule and system.