Biodegradable Capsule with Breakable Protuberance for Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coffee capsules are environmentally unfriendly due to their material composition and are not suitable for preparing infusion products like tea or herbal tea, as they do not optimize brewing conditions, leading to unsatisfactory taste and preservation of plant properties.
Innovation Solution
A capsule with a hollow body made of vegetable material, featuring a breakable protuberance for optimal water flow and infusion, allowing for the preparation of various beverages in coffee machines, including tea and herbal teas, while being biodegradable and compostable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If coffee capsules are made of aluminum or plastic, then they are durable and suitable for coffee preparation, but they are not environmentally friendly and cannot be biodegraded or composted
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule body material is changed from synthetic (aluminum/plastic) to natural plant-based material, fundamentally altering the material parameter to achieve biodegradability and compostability while maintaining structural integrity for coffee preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule uses a composite structure combining plant-based biodegradable material for the body with a separate lid and filtering element, creating a multi-material system that achieves both environmental friendliness and functional reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If coffee capsules are designed with specific configuration for coffee machines, then they work well for coffee preparation, but they are not suitable for preparing infusion products like tea or herbal tea
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule design incorporates a removable lid and filtering element that can be configured for different beverage types, allowing the same capsule body to function for both coffee and infusion preparation by adjusting the filtering element configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is divided into separable components (body, lid, filtering element) that can be independently configured or removed, enabling adaptation to different beverage preparation requirements without redesigning the entire capsule structure
3Reliability
If capsules for infusion products are designed with different brewing conditions, then optimal taste and plant property preservation are achieved, but a new machine is required instead of using existing coffee machines
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule design with adjustable lid and filtering element allows existing coffee machines to handle both coffee and infusion preparation by modifying the capsule configuration rather than requiring separate specialized machines for different beverage types
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 enhances the aromatic power and flavor of infusions with reduced infusion time, making coffee machines multifunctional and environmentally friendly, and suitable for both hot and cold drinks.
Implementation Method 1
passage of high water pressure through the capsule
Implementation Method 2
biodegradable and compostable
Implementation Method 3
biodegradable and compostable
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a capsule (1), including a hollow body (2) made of a first plant material and designed to receive an infusible product (3) made of a second plant material, the body (2) comprising an opening (4) closed by a seal to contain the infusible product (3). The invention is characterized in that the capsule (1) comprises at least one divisible protuberance (6) protruding from the body (2) opposite the opening (4) and punchable by a machine intended to infuse the infusible product (3). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a capsule (1) and to a method for implementing same.