Capsule or cartridge and infusion assembly for the preparation of a beverage, in particular coffee
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation capsules lack flexibility and efficiency in conveying information, as they can only accept or reject capsules based on limited identification features like toothed crowns or RFID tags, which restricts their use in machines and do not allow for varied information encoding.
Innovation Solution
The capsules feature projections and recesses aligned in a rectilinear direction on planar faces parallel to the flange-like formation, allowing for a more extensive and flexible identification code that can be read by detectors, enabling machines to determine the capsule's orientation and characteristics for optimal beverage preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If toothed crown or RFID tags are used for capsule identification, then capsule acceptance/rejection can be determined, but the amount of information conveyed is limited and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system is segmented into multiple independent projection elements arranged in specific patterns (circles, squares, triangles, etc.) on the capsule flange. Each projection pattern can be independently configured to convey different information, allowing the system to transmit multiple data points simultaneously rather than relying on a single RFID tag or simple toothed crown
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses asymmetric projection patterns (different numbers, positions, and arrangements of projections) to encode specific capsule information. Each capsule type has a unique asymmetric configuration that conveys identification data, enabling the machine to distinguish between different capsule types based on the geometric asymmetry of the projection patterns
2Ease of operation
If simple acceptance/rejection identification is used, then machine operation is simplified, but the ability to control beverage preparation parameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The machine's optical detector reads the projection patterns on the capsule flange and provides feedback to the control unit. This feedback enables the system to automatically adjust beverage preparation parameters (flow rate, pressure, temperature, extraction time) based on the identified capsule type, optimizing each preparation cycle without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The identification of capsule type through projection pattern recognition occurs before the beverage preparation process begins. This preliminary identification allows the control unit to pre-configure all necessary preparation parameters, ensuring optimal extraction settings are established before water injection and extraction commence
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule or cartridge (1) including a cup-shaped body (2) with a bottom wall (3), a lateral wall (4) and a flange-like top formation (5) which is essentially planar and extends transversely towards the outside, and a cover (6) fixed to the flange-like formation (5) of the body (2), such as to define a chamber (7) containing the material for the preparation of the beverage, in particular ground roasted coffee. The lateral wall (4) of the body (2) has a plurality of projections (8) and recesses (9) which as a whole define at least an identification of the capsule (1). The projections (8) and recesses (9) are aligned in an essentially rectilinear direction, belonging to a plane essentially parallel to the flange-like formation (5) of the body (2) of the capsule (1).