Container and beverage or foodstuff preparation system comprising the container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems face challenges in protecting and reading the encoded preparation information on capsules due to its placement on the flange, which is prone to damage and soiling, and complex printing processes.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a code carrying member positioned on a separate insert or membrane that is readable through a viewing window on the flange, allowing for 2D printing and enhanced visibility and protection from damage, while maintaining a hermetic seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the code is printed directly onto the flange, then the code is exposed on the lower surface of the flange, but the code is subject to damage and soiling that could affect readability
Solution Approach 1:
The code carrying member is separated from the flange structure, allowing the code to be printed on a distinct component that can be positioned and protected independently. This segmentation enables the code to be printed in a controlled environment while the flange serves its sealing and structural functions separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The code carrying member acts as an intermediary element between the flange and the code information. It transfers the code from a protected position (above the flange) to a readable position (through the viewing window) without exposing it directly to damaging conditions on the flange surface.
2Reliability
If the code is printed on a separate code carrying member, then the code is protected from damage and can be printed in 2D, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The code carrying member is integrated with the closing member (membrane) in many embodiments, merging two functions into one component. This reduces the total number of separate parts while still providing code protection and container sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The code carrying member serves multiple functions: it carries the code information, acts as part of the closing mechanism, and can be integrated with the membrane structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the code is placed on the flange, then the code is accessible for reading, but the printing process becomes complex and the code is vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The code is positioned in a different spatial dimension - above the flange rather than on its surface - and accessed through the viewing window. This dimensional relocation allows standard 2D printing processes to be used on the code carrying member while maintaining code accessibility through the window.
Data Source
AI summary
A container (6) arranged for containing a precursor material for use with a machine (4) for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff, the container comprising: a storage portion (58), a closing member (56), a flange (60) connecting the storage portion and closing member, a machine-readable code (44) storing preparation information for use with a preparation process performed by said machine, and a code carrying member (62), wherein the flange comprises a viewing window (84), the code carrying member (62) extending over the viewing window (84) at a side of the flange that comprises an upper surface (68) of the flange (60), and the code (44) arranged on a flange facing surface (64) of the code carrying member (62), wherein the code (44) is readable from a side of the flange (60) that comprises a lower surface (70) of the flange through the viewing window (84).