System, method and capsule for preparing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems using exchangeable capsules face issues with reproducibility and quality due to deformation and rupture of filter materials under fluid pressure, leading to inconsistent beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a non-woven or woven fibrous filter layer with sealed and unsealed regions to prevent deformation and rupture, ensuring stable and reproducible pressure and beverage quality, where the filter layer is made of materials like polymeric fibers or biodegradable paper, and can be multi-layered for added strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional filter material is used in the capsule, then the beverage preparation process is simple, but the filter material deforms and ruptures under fluid pressure leading to inconsistent beverage quality
Solution Approach 1:
The filter layer is constructed as a composite material combining a porous support layer (providing mechanical strength and shape) with a filtering layer (providing filtration function). This composite structure prevents deformation and rupture under fluid pressure while maintaining consistent beverage quality across multiple uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter layer is positioned specifically at the exit area of the capsule where it is needed for filtration, rather than throughout the entire capsule structure. This localized application provides the necessary filtration and structural support exactly where fluid pressure effects are most critical, improving reliability without adding unnecessary complexity elsewhere.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid filter structure is used to prevent deformation, then filter integrity is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite filter layer combines a rigid porous support layer with a filtering layer, creating a structure that is inherently stable and resistant to deformation. This material-level solution provides structural stability without requiring additional mechanical components, complex fastening mechanisms, or sophisticated assembly procedures, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
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 provides a stable and reproducible beverage preparation process by maintaining consistent filter integrity and pressure distribution, enhancing the quality and consistency of the prepared beverage across multiple uses.
Implementation Method 1
the filter layer comprises a layer of a non-woven and/or woven fibrous material, wherein the filter layer comprises at least one first region where the non-woven and/or woven material has been sealed to prevent egress of liquid there through, and at least one second region where the non-woven and/or woven material has not been sealed to allow egress of liquid there through
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and capsule are usable for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product is disclosed. The system includes an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus including a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The exchangeable capsule includes a circumferential wall, a bottom, and a lid. The wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product. The capsule includes an exit area to allow draining from the prepared beverage from the capsule there through, wherein the exit area comprises a filter layer. The filter layer includes a layer of non-woven and/or woven fibrous material with at least one first region where the non-woven and/or woven material has been sealed to prevent egress of liquid there through and at least one second region where the non-woven and/or woven material has not been sealed to allow egress of liquid there through.