Biodegradable capsule with integrated opening means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules are difficult to recycle and have high energy consumption due to the use of materials like aluminum, and alternative materials lack mechanical strength and oxygen/moisture barriers, leading to incomplete decomposition and recycling issues.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design using biodegradable and compostable materials, such as wood pulp and bioplastics, with an integrated self-opening mechanism that engages under fluid pressure to open the chamber, ensuring complete decomposition without separate parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If aluminum is used for capsule material, then pressure resistance and durability are improved, but recyclability deteriorates and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from aluminum to biodegradable materials (such as compostable plastics or plant-based materials). This substitution maintains the necessary mechanical strength for pressure resistance during beverage preparation while enabling the capsule to be composted or biodegraded after use, thereby improving recyclability and reducing energy consumption associated with aluminum production and recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures where biodegradable materials are combined with appropriate additives or layered configurations to achieve both the required mechanical properties (pressure resistance, durability) and environmental benefits (compostability, biodegradability). This allows the capsule to function effectively during use while being environmentally friendly after disposal.
2Ease of manufacture
If biodegradable materials are used for capsule, then recyclability and environmental benefit are improved, but mechanical strength and oxygen/moisture barrier deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structures where biodegradable materials are combined with appropriate additives or layered configurations to achieve both the required mechanical properties (pressure resistance, durability) and environmental benefits (compostability, biodegradability). This allows the capsule to function effectively during use while being environmentally friendly after disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the properties of biodegradable materials through formulation adjustments, such as adding reinforcing agents, optimizing polymer composition, or controlling crystallinity, to enhance mechanical strength and barrier properties while maintaining biodegradability. This enables the material to meet both performance and environmental requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If biodegradable materials are used for capsule, then compostability is improved, but shelf-life and oxygen/moisture barrier deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures where biodegradable materials are combined with appropriate additives or layered configurations to achieve both the required mechanical properties (pressure resistance, durability) and environmental benefits (compostability, biodegradability). This allows the capsule to function effectively during use while being environmentally friendly after disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the capsule or different layers within the capsule structure. For example, inner layers may provide enhanced barrier properties against oxygen and moisture to extend shelf-life, while outer layers maintain biodegradability for compostability. This localized differentiation allows the capsule to satisfy both long-term storage requirements and end-of-life environmental benefits.
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 capsule provides full biodegradability and compostability, maintaining functionality while reducing energy consumption and simplifying disposal, with controlled opening and beverage preparation.
Implementation Method 1
engagement between the retaining wall and the opening device is performed under the effect of pressure of the injected fluid rising in the closed chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a capsule (100) for preparing a beverage, which comprises a capsule body (200), which delimits a closed chamber (210) for enclosing a substance for the preparation of the beverage by injecting a fluid into the chamber (210). The capsule body (200) comprises a retaining wall (220) delimiting a part of the chamber (210). The capsule (100) further comprises an opening device (300) for opening the closed chamber (210). Therein, the opening device (300) and the retaining wall (220) are provided with respect to each other such that engagement between the retaining wall (220) and the opening device (300) is performed under the effect of pressure of the injected fluid rising in the closed chamber (210) to open the closed chamber (210). The capsule body (200) with its retaining wall (220) as well as the opening device (300) are all made of a biodegradable material. The invention relates also to a method for constructing and manufacturing the capsule (100).