Beverage Capsule Opening Element for Consistent Exit Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems using hermetically sealed capsules result in undesired variations in beverage strength due to preferential fluid flow paths and unpredictable exit openings formed by fluid pressure, leading to inconsistent coffee or tea brewing.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a capsule with a pre-determined opening element that controls the number, position, and size of exit openings, independent of internal pressure, ensuring consistent beverage strength by activating the opening element manually or automatically during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If exit openings are formed by fluid pressure in the receptacle, then the capsule can be opened during use, but the number, position and size of exit openings become unpredictable leading to variations in beverage strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the exit openings in the capsule lid during manufacturing, rather than forming them during use. The lid is designed with a rupture section that will break at a predetermined location to expose pre-positioned exit openings, ensuring consistent number, position, and size of openings for uniform beverage extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the rupture section in the lid - that mediates between the need for sealed storage and the need for controlled opening. This rupture section breaks at a predetermined location under fluid pressure to expose the exit openings, providing a controlled transition from sealed to open state with consistent opening characteristics.
2Reliability
If the capsule remains hermetically sealed until use, then the extractable product maintains integrity and flavor, but no fluid can enter or exit the capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the entrance opening in the bottom of the capsule and pre-forming the exit openings in the lid during manufacturing. This allows the capsule to remain hermetically sealed during storage while having all opening characteristics predetermined, ensuring both product integrity and ready-to-use functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the opening functions into separate locations: the entrance opening is positioned in the bottom of the capsule while exit openings are positioned in the lid. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each opening's characteristics and enables controlled fluid flow paths through the extractable product.
3Productivity
If preferential fluid flow paths develop through the extractable product, then fluid can flow through the capsule, but beverage strength becomes undesired and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the entrance opening at the bottom and exit openings in the lid, creating a controlled flow path through the extractable product. The exit openings are specifically positioned to promote uniform fluid distribution and prevent preferential flow paths, ensuring consistent extraction and beverage strength across different capsules.
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
This solution provides a consistent beverage strength by predetermining the exit openings, reducing variations and maintaining the integrity of the extractable product, with minimal flavor or extractability loss, until activation just before use.
Implementation Method 1
supplying fluid under pressure to the grounded coffee in the inner space of the capsule. This in turn causes the pressure in the inner space of the capsule to rise
Data Source
AI summary
A system for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage comprises an exchangeable capsule and a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid to the exchangeable capsule, a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and an outlet arrangement for supplying the beverage to a container, such as a cup. The capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, a lid, an entrance area and a closed exit area. The circumferential wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space that comprises an extractable product. The fluid dispensing device supplies fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage. In use, the outlet arrangement is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule. The capsule further comprises an opening element through the closed exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule.