Beverage Capsule Exit Opening Design for Consistent Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems using hermetically sealed capsules often result in undesired variations in beverage strength due to preferential fluid flow paths and unpredictable exit openings formed by fluid pressure, leading to inconsistent brewing results.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a capsule with a built-in opening element that predetermines the number, position, and size of exit openings, allowing for controlled beverage extraction independent of apparatus pressure, ensuring consistent brewing by activating the opening element manually or automatically during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exit openings are formed by fluid pressure pressing against lid piercing means, then the capsule can be sealed hermetically before use, but the number, position and size of exit openings are formed by chance leading to variations in beverage strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the exit opening in the lid during capsule manufacturing, before the brewing process. The opening is created in advance at a predetermined position and size, eliminating the need for pressure-induced opening during use. This ensures consistent beverage strength by removing the random variation caused by pressure-formed openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure-induced opening system with a pre-formed opening structure. Instead of relying on fluid pressure to mechanically pierce or tear the lid, the system uses a pre-created opening that allows fluid to pass through without requiring forceful mechanical action during brewing.
2Productivity
If fluid is supplied under pressure to the extractable product, then beverage extraction is efficient, but preferential flow paths are created leading to undesired strength variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific local structure in the lid with a predetermined opening that controls fluid flow distribution. This localized structural modification ensures uniform fluid distribution across the extractable product, preventing preferential flow paths while maintaining efficient extraction through the controlled opening.
Data Source
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AI summary
System for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule. The system further comprises an apparatus comprising a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, to the exchangeable capsule, a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and an outlet arrangement for supplying the beverage to a container, such as a cup. The capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, a lid, an entrance area and a closed exit area. The circumferential wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space that comprises an extractable product. The system is arranged for bringing the fluid dispensing device in fluid connection with the entrance area for supplying the fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage. The system is further arranged so that, in use, the outlet arrangement is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule. The capsule further comprises a opening element that is arranged for providing an opening through the closed exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule.