Beverage Capsule Pressure-Deformable Base for Controlled Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsules for preparing infused or soluble beverages are complex and expensive due to the need for precise cutting and piercing points, which can lead to rapid fluid passage and poor beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a sealing disc on the bottom that deforms under pressure to open, allowing fluid passage without interference with the outflow, using a plastic or composite material disc and supportive reliefs to prevent tearing and ensure complete beverage extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cutting or piercing points are provided on the base to allow fluid passage, then beverage quality is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the sealing film layer and cutting/piercing points from the capsule base, extracting the problematic elements that caused complexity and cost issues. Instead, a deformation-prone base structure is used that opens naturally under pressure without requiring additional cutting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule base is designed to automatically deform and open under the pressure of the infusion fluid itself, without requiring external cutting tools or complex piercing mechanisms. The base serves its own function of creating the outflow opening through pressure-induced deformation.
2Reliability
If sealing film is used to control fluid passage, then beverage quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aluminium sealing film is completely removed from the capsule structure. The sealing function is replaced by the deformation-prone base structure that naturally opens under pressure, eliminating the need for separate sealing film materials and their associated manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The base material properties are changed to be deformation-prone, allowing it to flex and open under pressure without requiring a separate sealing film. This parameter change in material behavior replaces the need for aluminium film while maintaining sealing functionality during storage.
3Ease of manufacture
If sealing disc deforms under pressure to open, then production cost is reduced, but beverage outflow may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with localized deformation-prone areas that specifically deform in regions that do not obstruct the beverage outflow path. The deformation is concentrated in specific zones while maintaining clear channels for liquid passage, ensuring both opening functionality and outflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The base structure is segmented into deformation zones and outflow channels, separating the function of opening (deformation) from the function of beverage passage. This segmentation ensures that when the base deforms to open, it does not block the dedicated outflow paths designed for beverage extraction.
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 optimal beverage preparation by allowing controlled fluid passage and complete extraction without the need for piercing or tearing, reducing production costs and ensuring high beverage quality.
Implementation Method 1
the introduction, into the capsule itself, of a fluid under pressure (mostly hot water)
Implementation Method 2
the opening to allow the outflow of the infused beverage occurs as a result of the deformation of a sealing disc placed to cover the bottom of the capsule due to the pressure exerted by the fluid under pressure inside it
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A capsule (1) for the preparation of infused or soluble beverages comprises a cup (2) suitable to contain a substance (11) to be infused or dissolved, provided internally with a base (33) provided with an outer edge (360) and a relief (320) between which is defined a depression (330) for the collection of the infused beverage. The capsule (1) comprises a disc (5) fixed in a peelable manner on the edge (360) so as to separate from it due to the effect of the pressure increase inside the capsule (1). The opening of the capsule (1) occurs as a result of the deformation of the disc (5) due to the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the capsule (1). Advantageously, the base (33), in correspondence of the depression (330), is provided with a plurality of supports (90, 91, 92) provided with a profile decreasing towards the depression (330), suitable to prevent the deformation of the disc (5) from interfering with the outflow of the beverage towards the opening (31).