Single-Use Beverage Capsule With Protected Filter Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-serve brewing capsules often puncture the filter within the capsule, reducing the effectiveness and quality of the brewed beverage.
Innovation Solution
A single-use container design featuring a filter that separates two compartments and includes a filter support structure, allowing a device to puncture the lid and bottom without puncturing the filter, ensuring the filter remains intact during beverage preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a device punctures the capsule to prepare single serve coffee, then the beverage preparation is enabled, but the filter may be punctured reducing its effectiveness and coffee quality
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into two separate compartments: an upper chamber for coffee grounds and a lower chamber for water. The filter is positioned only in the upper chamber to separate coffee grounds from water, while the lower chamber bottom is designed to be punctured without affecting the filter. This segmentation allows the puncturing function to occur in a safe zone away from the filter.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve mechanism acts as an intermediary between the puncture hole and the filter. When the bottom is punctured, the valve controls the flow of water to prevent it from reaching and damaging the filter. The valve opens to allow water flow when needed but protects the filter from direct contact with the puncture point.
2Reliability
If the filter is positioned to separate compartments, then beverage quality is improved, but the device complexity increases with additional support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The filter support structure is merged with the valve mechanism and the capsule wall structure. Instead of being a separate independent component, the support structure is integrated into the existing capsule design, utilizing the valve assembly and wall features to provide both structural support and flow control functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a flow control mechanism, provides structural support for the filter, and serves as part of the puncture protection system. By making the valve assembly multi-functional, the need for additional dedicated support structures is reduced, simplifying the overall device design.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a single-use container, methods of manufacturing a single-use container, and systems including a single-use container. A single-use container may include a sheet including a rim, a sidewall, and a bottom, a lid affixed to the rim, and a footstool including a filter separating a first compartment from a second compartment, wherein the first compartment is encompassed by the lid, a first segment of the sidewall, and the filter, wherein the second compartment is encompassed by the bottom, a second segment of the sidewall, and the filter, and at least a filter support structure positioned between the filter and the bottom.