Beverage capsule refilling device and beverage capsule refilling method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsule refilling methods are cumbersome, costly, and inefficient, often requiring adhesives, manual handling, and resulting in product loss and messes, making them unsuitable for individual users.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for refilling beverage capsules using a support with positioning means, a lid-type cover with a piston body and elastic compression means that automatically cuts and molds a sealing sheet to fit the capsule, eliminating the need for adhesives and manual handling, and allowing for quick, clean, and reliable refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual refilling with a spoon is used, then the refilling cost is low, but product loss occurs and the process creates a mess
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service refilling where the capsule is automatically filled by inserting it into the device and activating the mechanism. The piston automatically pushes coffee into the capsule and the sealing sheet is automatically sealed, eliminating the need for manual spoon-filling and reducing product loss while maintaining low cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary mechanism (piston and sealing system) between the user and the refilling process. This intermediary automates the filling and sealing operations, preventing direct contact with coffee that causes mess and product loss, while keeping the overall system simple and affordable.
2Reliability
If sealing sheets with adhesive are used, then the capsule can be sealed, but the capsule must be correctly washed to eliminate remaining adhesive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the adhesive component from the sealing system entirely. Instead of using adhesive-based sealing sheets, the device employs a mechanical sealing mechanism where a plain sealing sheet is compressed by a piston to create a secure seal, eliminating the need for adhesive and subsequent washing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing sheet is designed as a disposable component that is used once and then discarded with the capsule. This eliminates the need for reusable adhesive sheets that require cleaning and maintenance, simplifying the user process while maintaining reliable sealing.
3Productivity
If complex electronic fixtures are used for refilling, then coffee capsules can be refilled for small coffee producers, but the investment cost is too high for individual users
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into simple, discrete mechanical components (support, lid-type cover, piston body, elastic means, cutting means, compression means) that can be manufactured independently and assembled. This modular approach reduces overall complexity and manufacturing cost compared to integrated electronic systems, making it affordable for individual users while maintaining refilling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex electronic fixtures with a purely mechanical system. The refilling process is achieved through mechanical means (piston movement, elastic compression, cutting edges) rather than electronic control, significantly reducing the investment cost while maintaining productivity for both individual users and small coffee producers.
4Ease of operation
If refilling is performed without fastening the capsule, then the process is simple, but there is a risk of spilling the product before sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by automatically securing the capsule in position through the positioning means before the refilling process begins. This preliminary positioning ensures the capsule remains stable throughout filling and sealing operations, preventing spills while maintaining simple operation for the user.
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
Enables simple, quick, and reliable refilling of capsules without adhesives, reducing product loss and mess, while allowing users to reuse capsules predictably and efficiently, with the ability to store ingredients and seal them securely using aluminum foil.
Implementation Method 1
comprising elastic means between the piston body and the piston base body
Implementation Method 2
the cover comprising compression means arranged at least partially in the hollow and capable of coming into contact with the sheet in a coupled condition
Data Source
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AI summary
The aim of the present application is to register a conventional beverage capsule refilling device of the type that comprises a cup bindable to a sealing sheet; and a beverage capsule refilling method, such that it makes it possible to reuse the existing capsules, generally made of plastic, in a simple, quick, clean, reliable and ecological manner.