Beverage Capsule Sidewall Protrusions for Easy Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules tend to stick together during production, making them difficult to separate, and solutions like under-flange profiles increase weight and cost without being fully effective.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a side wall with protrusions and protuberances that locally thicken the wall, preventing sticking while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective structure, combined with a frustoconical shape for easier separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an under-flange profile is added to prevent capsules from sticking together, then ease of separation is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding protrusions only at specific locations (the flange region) rather than thickening the entire side wall. This localized approach provides the necessary separation function where it is most needed while minimizing additional material and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall is segmented into different portions with different functions: the first portion maintains standard thickness for lightweight construction, while the second portion includes protrusions for separation. This segmentation allows the structure to be lightweight overall while providing functional features where needed.
2Ease of operation
If an under-flange profile is added to prevent capsules from sticking together, then ease of separation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separation function with the existing flange structure by integrating protrusions into the flange region. This combines multiple functions (structural support and separation prevention) into a single integrated feature, reducing the need for additional separate components and lowering manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
By providing separation features only where needed (at the flange) rather than throughout the entire capsule, the patent minimizes material usage and simplifies the manufacturing process, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If the side wall is made thicker to prevent sticking, then ease of separation is improved, but weight and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by thickening the side wall only in the flange region through protrusions, while the rest of the side wall maintains its original thinner profile. This provides separation functionality with minimal additional material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall is divided into segments with different thicknesses: the first portion remains thin for material efficiency, while the second portion includes localized protrusions for separation. This segmentation optimizes material usage by providing thickness only where functionally necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule, intended for the preparation of a beverage in a device for making beverages, includes a body including a bottom wall; a side wall extending around a longitudinal axis between a first annular edge, connected to the bottom wall, and a second annular edge, wherein the side wall has an inside surface, facing towards the longitudinal axis, and an outside surface, opposite to the inside surface; an annular flange, extending from the second annular edge of the side wall, away from the longitudinal axis; a plurality of protrusions disposed around the longitudinal axis and projecting from a first portion of the outside surface of the side wall, proximal to the flange.