Capsule for a soluble and non-soluble product, such as coffee and its derivatives, tea and herbal teas and beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsule detection systems are complex and costly, and the environmental impact of non-recyclable materials used in traditional capsules is a growing concern, with issues related to reproduction of original capsule colors and codes, and increasing regulatory pressure for biodegradability and compostability.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable and compostable capsule with a detectable substance embedded in the plastic material, utilizing infrared detection technology to ensure authenticity and simplify the detection process, where the substance is dispersed within the plastic matrix and detectable by a sensor, allowing for easier production and reduced complexity in machine systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If color detection systems with multiple light emitters and sensors are used to detect capsule authenticity, then capsule authentication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex optical systems and implements it through a simple proximity sensor that detects the presence or absence of a capsule in the dispensing compartment. This reduces device complexity while maintaining authentication capability by using a single sensor instead of multiple light emitters and color sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor serves multiple functions: it detects capsule presence, verifies capsule authenticity, and controls the dispensing process. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable authentication.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable and compostable materials are used for capsule construction, then environmental compatibility is improved, but detection reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials consisting of biodegradable plastic material combined with a detectable substance (such as magnetic particles, conductive materials, or RFID tags). This composite structure maintains the environmental benefits of biodegradability while ensuring reliable detection through the embedded detectable substance.
Solution Approach 2:
The detectable substance acts as an intermediary between the biodegradable capsule material and the sensor. It enables the sensor to detect the capsule's presence and authenticity without requiring the sensor to directly interact with the biodegradable material itself, thus maintaining both environmental compatibility and detection reliability.
3Measurement precision
If codes are printed on the capsule film or lateral wall for detection, then capsule identification capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detectable substance is embedded in the plastic material during the capsule manufacturing process itself, rather than adding codes afterward. This preliminary incorporation of the detection element eliminates post-manufacturing steps, maintaining production speed while ensuring accurate capsule identification through the embedded substance.
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 solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly capsule detection system that simplifies the production process and ensures compliance with biodegradability standards, reducing waste and operational costs while maintaining effective capsule authentication.
Implementation Method 1
A substance that can be detected by a sensor is dispersed and/or embedded within said plastic material of the tray
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A capsule (10) for a soluble and non-soluble product, such as coffee and its derivatives, tea and herbal teas and beverages, provided with a tray- like body (11) made of plastic material and a film (12) that closes the tray (11), characterized in that it comprises, embedded in the plastic material of the tray (11), a substance that can be detected by a sensor (13).