Capsule, system and method for preparing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee capsules often soil coffee machines and are costly to manufacture, while also affecting the quality of the brewed beverage in terms of crema formation and organoleptic properties.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design with circumferentially distributed attachment zones for the screen, allowing it to move away from the central area under pressure, ensuring minimal interference with liquid flow and reliable positioning, which enhances crema formation and prevents soiling by allowing a larger portion of the screen to be available for liquid passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the screen is attached to the capsule bottom, then the screen positioning is reliable and substance is retained, but the screen interferes with liquid flow and reduces crema formation
Solution Approach 1:
The screen attachment is segmented into multiple circumferentially distributed attachment zones rather than a continuous attachment. This segmentation allows the screen to be reliably positioned and retain substance while leaving the central area free for liquid flow, thereby improving crema formation without sacrificing screening reliability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the screen is attached along the periphery, then substance is prevented from entering between screen and bottom, but the screen area available for liquid passage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral attachment is divided into discrete circumferentially spaced attachment zones rather than a continuous peripheral seal. This allows the screen to prevent substance counter-flow at the attachment zones while maintaining maximum open area for liquid passage through the central and intermediate regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen has different functional qualities in different zones: the peripheral zones are attached to prevent substance counter-flow, while the central and intermediate zones remain open to maximize liquid passage area. This local differentiation of function optimizes both substance retention and liquid flow.
3Reliability
If traditional screen attachment methods are used, then substance retention is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase and recycling suitability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen attachment uses simple circumferentially distributed zones that can be implemented with straightforward manufacturing processes, avoiding complex continuous sealing mechanisms. This segmented approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective substance retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment configuration changes from traditional continuous peripheral attachment to discrete circumferentially spaced zones. This parameter change simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces material requirements while maintaining the essential function of substance retention, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and improving recyclability.
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 design results in a higher crema layer and improved beverage quality with reduced soiling of the coffee machine, achieved at lower manufacturing costs by ensuring effective screen positioning and minimal substance entry between the screen and the bottom during filling.
Implementation Method 1
a capsule (1) for preparation of a beverage by extracting and/or dissolving constituents from a substance (9) by means of supplying an injection fluid under pressure into the capsule
Implementation Method 2
A screen (10) is arranged in the capsule (1) between the substance (9) and the bottom (3). The screen (10) is positioned such that, in use, a central part of the screen (10) is free from the bottom (3) and allows the piercing elements (13) to enter in the space between the bottom (3) and the screen (10)
Implementation Method 3
causes an increase in the internal pressure which causes the cover to be torn, for instance with assistance of piercing members of the closing member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
In a capsule containing a substance constituted by a mass of loose, solid particles, for the preparation of a potable beverage by extracting and/or dissolving the substance by means of supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule, a screen, permeable to water and impermeable to a predominant portion of particles of the substance is positioned between the substance and the bottom. The screen is attached to the capsule body along attachment zones spaced from the centre and circumferentially spaced from each other. A beverage brewing system comprising such a capsule, a method of use of such a capsule and a method of attaching a screen into a capsule body are described as well.