Biodegradable Beverage Capsule Opening Device for Pressure Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage capsules made of bioplastic face issues with deformation under temperature and pressure changes during beverage preparation, leading to incomplete or poorly prepared beverages, and slow disintegration due to their thickness.
Innovation Solution
A capsule with an opening device made of a biodegradable polymeric composition comprising polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), nucleants, and mineral fillers, which maintains structural integrity under pressure and accelerates disintegration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the opening device is made of bioplastic to enable disposal, then the capsule becomes environmentally friendly, but the opening device deforms under temperature and pressure changes during beverage preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The opening device is made from a composite material consisting of a thermosetting polymer matrix combined with natural fiber reinforcement. This composite structure provides both the biodegradability needed for environmental friendliness and the mechanical strength required to withstand temperature and pressure changes during beverage preparation without deforming
2Strength
If the opening device is made thicker to provide pressure resistance, then the structural integrity improves, but the disintegration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening device features non-uniform thickness distribution with thicker regions strategically positioned only where pressure resistance is critical for opening the capsule, while other regions maintain thinner profiles that facilitate faster biodegradation. This localized quality optimization allows the device to provide sufficient structural strength during use while minimizing disintegration time after disposal
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the opening device is made thinner to accelerate disintegration, then the biodegradation speed increases, but the resistance to pressure during beverage preparation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The use of composite materials with natural fiber reinforcement allows the opening device to maintain adequate pressure resistance even with reduced overall thickness, enabling faster disintegration while still providing sufficient mechanical strength during the beverage preparation process
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
Ensures consistent beverage preparation and rapid disintegration of the capsule components, maintaining beverage quality and facilitating eco-friendly disposal.
Implementation Method 1
under the effect of the liquid pressure increase in the ingredient chamber during injection of liquid
Implementation Method 2
said opening device is a moulded piece made of a biodegradable material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a capsule for use in a beverage preparation machine, said capsule containing a soluble and/or extractable beverage ingredient, said capsule comprising:—a capsule body (2) defining a chamber (21),—a top membrane (3) closing the top opening, and adapted to be punctured for liquid injection into the capsule, and—a bottom membrane (4), provided inside the chamber (21) so as to delimit between the top membrane (3) and said bottom membrane an ingredient chamber, and—an opening device (5) provided inside the chamber and adapted to open the chamber by relative engagement of said opening device with the bottom membrane (4) under the effect of the liquid pressure increase in the ingredient chamber during injection of said liquid, wherein said opening device (5) is made of a biodegradable material, and said biodegradable material is a polymeric composition, said polymeric composition comprising:—at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA),—at least one or more nucleants,—at least one or more mineral fillers.