Capsule, system and method for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage brewing systems face issues with sealing engagement between capsules and receptacles due to surface irregularities, leading to potential leakages and quality deterioration over time.
Innovation Solution
The capsule design incorporates projections on its surface, particularly on the flange-like rim, which are made of the same material as the cup and are integral with it, featuring varying heights and shapes to form a sealing engagement with the receptacle, including conical sections and brush-like structures to mitigate irregularities and ensure a reliable seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the enclosing member material is softer than the capsule material at the sealing location, then the enclosing member material can be compressed to form a seal, but the enclosing member material is subject to wear, degradation and fouling, causing sealing quality to deteriorate over time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the enclosing member softer to achieve sealing (which causes wear to the reusable component), the invention inverts the approach by making the capsule sealing surface softer than the enclosing member. This transfers the wear and deformation to the disposable capsule while preserving the reusable enclosing member, resolving the contradiction between initial sealing quality and long-term durability
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule with its softer sealing surface acts as a disposable component that absorbs wear and degradation. By concentrating the wear on the inexpensive, replaceable capsule rather than the expensive, reusable enclosing member, the system maintains reliable sealing over extended periods while the enclosing member remains intact
2Duration of action of moving object
If the enclosing member material is harder than the capsule material at the sealing location, then wear and fouling of the enclosing member is reduced, but irregularities in the enclosing member surface can upset the sealing engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material hardness parameter at the sealing location of the capsule, making it softer than the enclosing member. This softer, more compliant material can adapt to and compensate for surface irregularities in the harder enclosing member, ensuring reliable sealing while maintaining the durability benefits of the harder enclosing member material
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is designed with different material properties at different locations: the sealing surface has a softer, more compliant material compared to the rest of the capsule structure. This local variation in material quality allows the sealing area to conform to irregularities in the enclosing member while the rest of the capsule maintains its structural integrity
3Ease of manufacture
If the capsule material at the sealing location is the same as the circumferential wall material, then the capsule can be manufactured with great ease, but the sealing engagement may be upset by irregularities in the enclosing member surface
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule incorporates a localized sealing surface with different material properties (softer, more compliant) than the main capsule body. This local quality differentiation enables reliable sealing by allowing the sealing area to conform to enclosing member irregularities, while accepting slightly increased manufacturing complexity compared to uniform material construction
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule uses composite construction with different materials for the sealing surface versus the circumferential wall. The sealing surface employs a softer, more compliant material that can adapt to surface irregularities, while the main body uses a different material optimized for structural requirements, achieving both reliable sealing and functional performance
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 design effectively addresses surface irregularities in both the capsule and receptacle, enhancing the sealing engagement and preventing leakages, thereby maintaining beverage quality and extending the lifespan of the brewing device.
Implementation Method 1
the material of the capsule at the location of the sealing engagement may be compressed
Data Source
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AI summary
A capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product, by means of a beverage brewing device comprising a receptacle for receiving the capsule. The capsule comprises a cup comprising a circumferential wall, a bottom closing the circumferential wall at a first end, and a lid in use connected to the cup at a second end of the circumferential wall opposite the bottom. The wall, bottom and lid, in use, enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product. At least a portion of a surface of the capsule conceived to, in use, interact with the receptacle is provided with at least one projection for forming a sealing engagement with the receptacle.