Beverage Capsule Identification Using a Protected Mechanical Code

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage production machines face issues with external mechanical contacts and visible bar codes on capsules, which are prone to damage, aesthetic impact, and legibility problems in humid or hot conditions, leading to potential misuse and system disorder.

Innovation Solution

A beverage capsule with a hidden identification system using a deformable, displaceable, and removable cover, featuring a surface structure-based identification member that encodes information through localized recesses or protrusions, readable via mechanical contact, and a compact printed circuitry within the machine for detecting binary coded states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external mechanical contacts are used for identification, then the identification system is simple and reliable, but the contacts are exposed and can be damaged or altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification system reliabilityVSAvoiddamage risk to identification elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A deformable cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the external environment and the identification member. The cover protects the identification member from damage while still allowing mechanical contact for reading identification information through its deformable regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The capsule structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a protected identification member region covered by the deformable cover, and an exposed operational region. This segmentation allows the identification element to be shielded while maintaining capsule functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a bar code is used for identification, then the identification can be read optically, but it has negative impact on aesthetic appearance and legibility is endangered in humid conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification readingVSAvoidlegibility degradation in humid conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical identification system (bar code) is replaced with a mechanical contact-based identification system. The identification member uses raised or recessed features that are detected through mechanical contact by the reading device, eliminating legibility issues in humid conditions and improving aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the identification member is covered by a deformable cover, then the identification system is protected from damage, but the cover must be selectively deformed for reading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification member protectionVSAvoidcover deformation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover transitions from a static protective state to a dynamic deformable state during identification reading. The deformable regions are designed to respond to controlled mechanical force, allowing the cover to be selectively deformed by the reading device's contact element to access the identification member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1950150B1Identification of beverage ingredient containing capsules

Publication Date: 2010.03.03 NESTEC SA

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AI summary

A beverage ingredient capsule (1)is 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.