System for preparing beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior beverage capsule systems with cellulose-based sealing elements face issues with fluid-tight seals, leading to defects in dispensing operations due to poor sealing effectiveness, especially under high pressures, and compromised beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
A beverage capsule system featuring a cellulose-based sealing element that softens and deforms when wet, enhancing the fluid-tight seal by allowing deeper penetration of the sealing edge's crests and grooves, thereby improving the seal's integrity during dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cellulose-based sealing element is used to ensure compostability and recyclability, then environmental sustainability is improved, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates under high pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the hydrophilic properties of cellulose-based materials. When the sealing element contacts water during beverage preparation, it undergoes swelling and softening, which transforms its physical parameters. This allows the sealing element to maintain rigidity and sealing effectiveness under high pressure while remaining compostable and environmentally sustainable. The water-induced parameter change resolves the contradiction between environmental sustainability and sealing reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the sealing element is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then structural stability is improved, but sealing contact depth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the sealing element to transition from a rigid state during insertion and positioning to a softer, more compliant state during the sealing process. The cellulose-based material maintains structural integrity during handling but softens upon water contact, enabling deeper penetration into the undulating sealing edge. This dynamic property resolution allows the sealing element to achieve both structural stability and adequate sealing contact depth.
3Length of moving object
If the sealing element is made softer to increase contact depth, then sealing contact depth is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring the sealing element achieves adequate contact depth with the sealing edge before the high-pressure water injection begins. The undulating sealing edge design with crests and grooves allows the sealing element to engage deeply during the initial clamping phase, establishing a reliable seal before pressure buildup. This preliminary sealing action prevents water leakage while maintaining the structural integrity of the cellulose-based material throughout the dispensing process.
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 system significantly reduces defects in dispensing operations by maintaining a robust fluid-tight seal, ensuring high-quality beverage extraction by allowing the sealing edge to penetrate more deeply into the softened cellulose-based material, preventing fluid leaks and enhancing contact between the sealing edge and the annular body.
Implementation Method 1
A beverage capsule system featuring a cellulose-based sealing element that softens and deforms when wet, enhancing the fluid-tight seal by allowing deeper penetration of the sealing edge's crests and grooves
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing machine includes an injector for supplying water under pressure to a capsule housed in a housing A dispensing device closes the housing, which includes an annular sealing edge for contacting the capsule in the closed configuration.The capsule includes a casing with base and side walls defining a cavity containing a product to be added to water for obtaining a beverage. A flanged edge extends from the side wall. A covering element closes the cavity. A sealing element, associated with the flanged edge creates a fluidic seal with the sealing edge in the closed configuration. The sealing edge includes radial open grooves and radial crests which contact a sealing area of the annular body. The grooves and crests penetrate more deeply into the sealing area during dispensing, to improve the fluidic seal, when the annular body is softened by contact with injected water.