Beverage Capsule Opening Mechanism for Consistent Brew Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems using hermetically sealed capsules result in undesired variations in beverage strength due to unpredictable fluid flow paths and exit openings formed by pressure, leading to inconsistent coffee preparation.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design with movable portions that control the opening of entrance and exit openings, allowing for predetermined and controlled fluid flow, independent of internal pressure, ensuring consistent beverage strength and flavor preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hermetically sealed capsules are used with pressure-formed exit openings, then the capsule can be stored and transported easily, but the beverage strength varies due to unpredictable fluid flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is hermetically sealed in advance during manufacturing, preserving the extractable product until use. The sealing is performed beforehand to maintain product integrity during storage and transport, then opened at the moment of beverage preparation to ensure consistent brewing.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable portion acts as an intermediary mechanism between the sealed capsule and the brewing process. This movable portion controls the formation of openings in a predetermined manner, mediating between the need for hermetic sealing and the requirement for consistent fluid flow paths during brewing.
2Device complexity
If exit openings are formed by fluid pressure, then the capsule structure remains simple, but the number, position and size of openings are determined by chance
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule incorporates a movable portion that can transition from a closed position to an open position. This dynamic element allows the capsule to maintain a simple sealed structure during storage, then dynamically form predetermined openings during use, achieving both structural simplicity and opening control.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable portion is pre-configured in a closed position during capsule manufacturing, maintaining structural simplicity. The opening action is performed at the predetermined moment of use, allowing the capsule to transition from a simple sealed state to a controlled opening state without adding permanent complexity.
3Reliability
If the capsule is hermetically sealed, then product integrity is maintained until use, but fluid cannot pass through the capsule before opening
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule system is designed to maintain hermetic sealing automatically during storage and transport without external intervention. The movable portion is configured to open in response to the brewing process itself, allowing the capsule to serve its own opening function without requiring additional mechanisms or complex operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hermetic sealing is performed in advance during manufacturing, ensuring product integrity is established beforehand. The movable portion is pre-positioned to maintain this seal until the moment of use, at which point it opens to allow fluid flow, seamlessly transitioning from protection to functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule for holding an extractable product for dispensing a beverage is disclosed. The capsule comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom, a lid, and an entrance opening portion and an exit opening portion for letting fluid in the capsule and draining prepared beverage from the capsule, respectively, of which at least one opening portion is closed to prevent fluid from passing. The circumferential wall, the bottom and the lid of the capsule enclose an inner space that comprises an extractable product, and the capsule further comprises at least one moveable portion of the capsule that extends at a distance from a respective opening portion, and that is arranged to open the respective opening portion by being moved with respect to the respective opening portion.