Beverage Capsule Spoke Structure for Pressure-Driven Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage capsules, particularly for coffee, are not environmentally friendly due to their non-biodegradable materials and lack optimal organoleptic properties when using liquid and/or steam under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a cup-like containment body with a spoked separating structure made from biodegradable plastic, such as polylactic acid, and cross-shaped exit openings, allowing for efficient brewing and biodegradability, with a filter system that deforms under pressure to create microchannels for beverage flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional non-biodegradable materials are used for capsule construction, then structural strength and durability are improved, but environmental harm increases due to non-biodegradability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional non-biodegradable plastics to biodegradable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), maintaining structural integrity while eliminating environmental harm through biodegradability
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule employs composite construction combining biodegradable plastic materials with specific structural designs including spoked separating structures and filter element integrations, achieving both environmental compatibility and mechanical strength
2Productivity
If liquid and steam are injected under high pressure for brewing, then beverage extraction efficiency is improved, but the capsule structure must withstand higher stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by strategically reinforcing specific areas of the capsule such as the bottom wall, spoked separating structure, and filter element attachment points to withstand high brewing pressures while maintaining overall biodegradability
Solution Approach 2:
The cup-like containment body employs curved and rounded geometric forms that distribute stress more evenly throughout the structure during high-pressure brewing, preventing stress concentration points
3Reliability
If the filter element is tightly sealed to the bottom wall to prevent leakage, then beverage containment is improved, but beverage flow and extraction may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bottom wall structure into distinct functional zones including filter element attachment areas, beverage flow channels, and exit openings, allowing simultaneous achievement of secure sealing and optimized beverage flow paths
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element utilizes porous material structure that provides both filtration capability and controlled beverage flow, maintaining sealing integrity while enabling efficient extraction and beverage passage
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 capsule achieves excellent organoleptic properties for beverages and is environmentally friendly, as it uses biodegradable materials and adjustable brewing parameters to produce various coffee types, such as espresso and filter coffee, while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the sheet of filter material deforms, and in particular is stretched, substantially as shown in Figure 4... radial microchannels or passages are defined along the opposite edges of each spoke 4
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a~3
AI summary
The capsule (1) comprises a cup body (2), with a bottom wall (2f) on which is a separating structure (3) with a plurality of spokes (4), defined between which are corresponding interspaces (5). The bottom wall (2f) has in its central portion a plurality of drink exit openings (6) which are not aligned with the slopes (4). A first filter sheet (7) is arranged on the separating structure (3) in such a way that a plurality of brewing chambers is defined between the first filter sheet (7), the spoked structure (3) and the bottom wall (2f). A quantity of powdered or granular material (8), especially roast ground coffee, is placed in the body (2) on the filter sheet (7). The second sheet (9) of filter material is applied to a top outer edge of said body (2). In use, the pressure of the fluid injected into the capsule (1) deforms the first filter sheet (7) in such a way that it moves towards the bottom wall (2f) through the interspaces (5) between the spokes (4), while defining, along the opposite edges of each spoke (4), respective essentially radial channels or passages (10) for the drink to flow towards the openings (6) in the bottom wall (2f).