Beverage Capsule Filter Wall for Easy Release From Support Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems face challenges in releasing capsules from support surfaces without active piercing means, especially when piercing elements are inactive or absent, leading to complex and inefficient capsule removal processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of a capsule with a woven or non-woven filtering material as its outermost boundary, which abuts the support surface to prevent sticking and facilitate easy release, eliminating the need for active piercing elements and additional measures for capsule release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If piercing elements are used to release the capsule from the support surface, then capsule release is achieved, but the device complexity increases and additional measures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the piercing elements from the system. Instead of using active piercing means to release the capsule, the capsule is designed with a third wall that can be pierced by the support surface itself, removing the need for complex active piercing mechanisms in the device
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule structure itself provides the solution for release. The third wall is designed to be pierceable by the support surface, allowing the capsule to be released passively through the brewing process itself, without requiring additional active piercing elements or complex release mechanisms
2Productivity
If intensive abutment between capsule and support surface is maintained, then beverage draining is improved, but capsule sticking occurs making release difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by making only the third wall pierceable while keeping other walls intact. This localized pierceability allows beverage draining through the support surface while maintaining capsule integrity elsewhere, and enables passive release without requiring intensive abutment throughout the entire capsule
Solution Approach 2:
The third wall is designed with changed parameters - it has lower mechanical strength and is made of pierceable material. This parameter change allows the wall to be easily pierced by the support surface for drainage and subsequent release, resolving the contradiction between draining efficiency and release ease
3Adaptability or versatility
If active piercing means are used to release capsules, then capsule release is achieved, but the system becomes more complex and less versatile
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the support surface multi-functional - it serves both as the brewing surface and as the piercing element for capsule release. This universal application eliminates the need for separate active piercing mechanisms, simplifying the device while maintaining versatility across different capsule types
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting active piercing elements from the system and replacing them with a passive pierceable third wall design, the invention simplifies the device structure while maintaining or enhancing versatility across different capsule and brewing system configurations
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
This solution allows for a simpler and effective capsule release mechanism that works across various systems, including those without piercing elements, ensuring efficient beverage preparation and improved capsule handling without tearing or rupture under high fluid pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the third wall comprises a woven or non-woven filtering material... which abuts the support surface to prevent sticking
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule, system and method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product is shown. The capsule includes a circumferential first wall, a second wall closing the circumferential first wall at a first end, and a flexible sheet-shaped perforate and/or porous third wall closing the circumferential first wall at a second, open, end opposite the second wall. The first, second and third wall enclose an inner space including the extractable product. The third wall forms an outermost boundary of the capsule in an axial direction thereof. The third wall comprises a woven or nonwoven filtering material, such as filtering paper.