Beverage Capsule Filter Layer Bottom Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage capsules face issues such as complex assembly, non-uniform beverage flow, incomplete ingredient dissolution, excessive back-pressure, filter bursting, and significant packaging waste due to the need for precise assembly and separation of components.
Innovation Solution
A sealed beverage preparation capsule with a thick filter layer supported by the bottom, easy assembly, and a kit system allowing reuse or recycling of components, featuring a cup-shaped base and demountable ingredient pods that reduce packaging waste and simplify assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a thin filter sheet is used in the capsule, then the capsule structure is simpler and manufacturing is easier, but the filter sheet becomes weak when wet and can burst during beverage preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing structural support specifically at the bottom of the capsule where the filter sheet is most vulnerable, rather than making the entire capsule structure more complex. The support structure is localized to the critical area needing reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the filter sheet with a support structure made of different material properties. The support structure provides mechanical strength while the filter sheet provides filtration function, creating a composite system that achieves both filtration and structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex assembly structure with separate base, filter, and lid components is used, then the capsule can be disassembled for refilling, but the assembly requires precise and secure manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the capsule into separable components (base, filter, lid) that can be disassembled and refilled. This allows the capsule to be reused multiple times with different beverage ingredients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. For example, the support structure serves both as mechanical reinforcement and as part of the beverage flow path, reducing the number of separate parts needed.
3Loss of substance
If the filter sheet is made thinner to reduce material usage, then packaging waste is reduced, but the filter sheet becomes too weak to support the beverage preparation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides structural support locally at the bottom of the capsule where the filter sheet is most vulnerable, allowing the use of thinner filter material in other areas while maintaining overall structural integrity during beverage preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining the thin filter sheet with a support structure that provides the necessary mechanical strength, allowing material reduction in the filter while maintaining overall system strength.
4Ease of manufacture
If a uniform filter thickness is used throughout the capsule, then manufacturing is simpler, but the beverage flow through the ingredient bed is not uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the filter thickness or porosity in different regions of the capsule. The filter is designed with different properties in different areas to control and uniformize the beverage flow distribution through the ingredient bed.
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 ensures uniform beverage flow, prevents filter bursting, reduces packaging waste, and allows for efficient use of space and materials, while maintaining ingredient freshness and compatibility with existing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of filter material at least about 2 mm thick located inside said body and abutting said bottom of said body
Data Source
AI summary
A sealed beverage preparation capsule includes a sealed hollow body having a top and a bottom, a beverage preparation ingredient inside the body and a layer of filter material at least about 2 mm thick located inside the body and abutting said bottom of said body. A kit is also provided for assembling a plurality of beverage preparation capsules. The capsules include a cup-shaped base having a bottom, and side walls extending from the base to an upper rim defining an open top of the base component, and a plurality of ingredient pods. Each ingredient pod includes a top, side walls and a bottom, each formed of sheet material, wherein the pod contains a beverage preparation ingredient. The ingredient pod is shaped and configured to be engaged with the base component to assemble a beverage making capsule, with the top of the pod forming a lid for the base component and the bottom of the ingredient pod spaced from the bottom of the base inside the base.