Beverage Capsule Code Placement for Multi-Position Machine Readability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems with machine-readable codes on capsules are limited in machine compatibility due to code readability restrictions, which can restrict machine design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a machine-readable code that extends from a storage portion to a flange, allowing the code to be read from various positions around the axis of rotation, ensuring compatibility with different machines by being centrally arranged and readable from both the storage portion and flange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the code is placed only on the lower side of the flange, then the code can be read from a specific position, but the machine compatibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The code is positioned to serve multiple machine types simultaneously. By placing the code on both the flange and storage portion, the same code configuration can be read by older machines (reading from flange) and newer machines (reading from storage portion), making the container universally compatible across different machine generations without requiring different code placements.
Solution Approach 2:
The code placement extends from a two-dimensional position (only on flange) to a three-dimensional distribution (across both flange and storage portion surfaces). This spatial expansion allows the code to be accessed from multiple positions and orientations, accommodating different code reading geometries in various machine designs.
2Device complexity
If the code is placed on a limited position, then the code structure can be simple, but the machine design is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The code placement on both flange and storage portion allows a single code structure to fulfill multiple machine design requirements. Older machines with code readers positioned to read from the flange can still function, while newer machines with readers positioned to read from the storage portion are also supported, providing design flexibility without complicating the code structure itself.
3Device complexity
If the code is readable from only one position, then the code reading system is simple, but the system versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The code reading function is segmented across two possible reading positions: the flange and the storage portion. This segmentation allows different machine implementations to use different reading positions based on their specific design requirements, while the container maintains compatibility with both approaches. The code itself remains unchanged, but the reading system can be configured in multiple ways.
Data Source
AI summary
A container arranged for containing a precursor material for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff, the container comprising: a storage portion a closing member, a flange connecting the storage portion and closing member, a machine-readable code storing preparation information for use with a preparation process performed by said machine, the code comprising a plurality of elements: wherein said elements of the code extend from a first position on the storage portion to a second position on the flange, so that the code is readable from the flange or the storage portion, the elements arranged to be read about an axis of rotation of the capsule.