Perforable Foil Seal for Beverage Container Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portioned beverage containers face issues with leakage and backflow of liquids and solids during perforation, contaminating the extraction device and affecting beverage quality, due to the need for sharp extraction perforators that can lead to unwanted flow back along the injection needle.
Innovation Solution
A portioned container design featuring a foil with a base layer and a tightness-producing layer, where the layers are adhesively bonded in one region and free of adhesive bond in another, allowing the tightness-producing layer to stretch and form a seal around the intruding member, reducing leakage and backflow without requiring additional filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flexible membrane is used for closing the container, then it is easier to perforate than thicker/more rigid body, but liquid and solids can easily flow back along the surface of the water injection needle by centrifugal momentum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane made of thermoplastic material that can deform under centrifugal force to engage with the water injection needle surface, creating a sealing effect that prevents backflow while maintaining ease of perforation
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane transitions from a static sealing surface to a dynamic sealing mechanism where centrifugal force causes the membrane to deform and wrap around the needle, adapting the seal strength to the operational conditions
2Manufacturing precision
If sharp extraction perforators are used to create openings in the membrane, then sufficient openings are provided for extraction, but liquid and solids can flow back along the needle surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the membrane to proactively seal around the needle through centrifugal deformation before backflow can occur, counteracting the harmful effect of centrifugal force that causes backflow
3Reliability
If additional filter elements are added to prevent backflow and contamination, then beverage quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane serves multiple functions: it acts as the closing seal, provides the extraction surface, and creates the backflow prevention mechanism through its centrifugal deformation, eliminating the need for separate filter elements
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
This design enhances the sealing engagement during perforation, reduces contamination, and simplifies the container structure while maintaining effective beverage extraction and filtration, making it more industrial and economical.
Implementation Method 1
said tightness-producing layer and said base layer are adhesively bonded above the cavity at least in a first region of the foil and are free of adhesive bond in at least a second region of the foil; such second region being the region intended for being perforated by the elongated intruding member forming a tightness engagement with the surface of the elongated intruding member
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A portioned container (1), for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage producing device, comprising a body (2) having a main cavity (3) and a foil (6) connected to the body for closing said main cavity; said main cavity (3) containing beverage ingredients (5), wherein the foil (6) is perforable in axial direction above the cavity by an elongated intruding member (15) of the beverage preparation device, wherein the foil (6) comprises at least a base layer (7) and at least a tightness-producing layer (8); said tightness-producing layer (8) constituting an inner layer underneath the base layer (7); wherein said tightness-producing layers (8) and said base layer (7) are adhesively bonded above the cavity (3) at least in a first region (9) of the foil and are free of adhesive bond in at least a second region (10) or tightness- producing region of the foil such second region being the region intended for being perforated by the elongated intruding member (15) forming a tightness engagement with the surface of the elongated intruding member (15).