Identification of beverage ingredient containing capsules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage production machines face issues with external mechanical contacts and bar codes on capsules being damaged or illegible, leading to incorrect parameter settings and aesthetic concerns, especially in humid and hot environments.

Innovation Solution

A capsule with a hidden identification system using a deformable, displaceable, or puncturable cover containing a modulated surface structure for encoding information, which is read through mechanical contact by a beverage production machine, reducing exposure and enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external mechanical contacts are used on capsule surface, then identification can be sensed by machine, but contacts can be damaged or altered accidentally or on purpose

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification system reliabilityVSAvoiddamage to identification elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The identification element is nested within the capsule structure, specifically formed as an integral part of the capsule wall or lid. This nesting protects the identification element from external damage while allowing machine sensing through the capsule wall material, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule wall itself acts as an intermediary medium that transmits mechanical sensing signals from the machine to the identification element without requiring direct exposure of the identification element. This intermediary function protects the identification element while enabling identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If bar code is placed on outer face of capsule, then machine can read identification information, but aesthetic appearance is negatively impacted and legibility can be endangered by water/vapour

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification reading reliabilityVSAvoidillegibility due to water/vapour deposition

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical identification methods (bar codes) with mechanical identification methods. The identification element is sensed through mechanical contact or proximity sensing that penetrates or detects through the capsule wall, eliminating the need for visible surface markings that can be obscured by condensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule wall serves as an intermediary that allows mechanical or electromagnetic sensing to pass through while blocking the harmful effect of water and vapour from reaching the identification element, thus maintaining both aesthetics and legibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If identification element is made visible and in relief at capsule surface, then mechanical sensing is straightforward, but identification element is exposed and vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical sensing easeVSAvoidexposure to damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The identification element is nested within the capsule structure, formed as an integral part of the capsule wall or lid. This nesting provides protection while maintaining mechanical accessibility for sensing through the capsule wall, resolving the contradiction between ease of sensing and protection from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9538876B2Identification of beverage ingredient containing capsules

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

A beverage ingredient capsule (1) provided with an identification member (6) designed for being physically contacted from outside in order to control operation parameters of an associated beverage production machine.