Capsule Adapter With Dual Piercing for Multi-Capsule Brewing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparing machines are limited to brewing specific types of beverages due to their design, which restricts the use of different capsule types, such as espresso and filter coffee capsules, within the same brewing chamber.
Innovation Solution
A capsule adapter that allows the use of espresso coffee capsules in machines designed for filter coffee capsules, featuring a capsule receptacle with apertured bottom and top piercing mechanisms, enabling proper perforation and pressurization for brewing different types of coffee.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a beverage preparing machine is designed for a specific capsule type (e.g., filter coffee capsules), then the brewing process is optimized for that capsule type, but the machine cannot accommodate other capsule types (e.g., espresso capsules)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capsule adapter as an intermediary component that bridges the incompatibility between different capsule types and the brewing chamber. The adapter includes a receptacle for holding smaller espresso capsules within the larger filter coffee brewing chamber, along with piercing mechanisms that penetrate the capsule seals to enable water flow. This intermediary device allows the machine to accommodate multiple capsule types without requiring multiple dedicated brewing chambers, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the brewing chamber is designed for larger filter coffee capsules, then it accommodates those capsules, but smaller espresso capsules cannot be properly contained or pressurized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the espresso capsule (smaller object) inside the adapter receptacle (intermediate container), which in turn fits within the brewing chamber (larger container). The adapter receptacle is sized to closely match the espresso capsule dimensions, enabling proper containment and pressure buildup during brewing. The piercing mechanisms create sealed pathways that maintain brewing pressure within the smaller capsule volume, resolving the contradiction between volume accommodation and pressure generation.
3Ease of operation
If piercing mechanisms are provided for filter coffee capsules, then water can flow through them, but espresso capsules require different piercing arrangements for proper brewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability in the piercing mechanisms by providing multiple configurable piercing arrangements within the adapter. The adapter can be equipped with different numbers and positions of piercing elements (e.g., single central piercer, multiple distributed piercers) depending on the specific capsule type being used. This dynamic configuration allows the same adapter structure to accommodate varying piercing requirements for different espresso capsule designs, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability to different capsule configurations.
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
Enables the same machine to produce both filter coffee and espresso coffee using different capsules, ensuring proper brewing and preventing damage to the capsules during the brewing process, while allowing for adjustable brewing parameters based on the adapter's presence.
Implementation Method 1
a first piercer arranged in the capsule receptacle; a cover for closing the capsule receptacle. The cover is provided with at least one water-inlet port and a second piercer is combined thereto
Implementation Method 2
hot water at relatively low pressure is percolated through the capsule to extract the flavors from coffee powder
Implementation Method 3
hot water at relatively low pressure is percolated through the capsule to extract the flavors from coffee powder sealingly contained in the capsule
Implementation Method 4
This kind of beverage is brewed by flowing hot pressurized water through the coffee-powder containing capsules. The relatively high brewing pressure ranging usually between 10 and 15 bars, generates a layer of cream on top of the beverage
Implementation Method 5
The relatively high brewing pressure ranging usually between 10 and 15 bars, generates a layer of cream on top of the beverage, which characterizes the typical espresso coffee
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
A capsule adapter (1) is described, for use in a beverage producing machine. The capsule adapter comprises: a capsule receptacle (3) for housing a capsule (C) and having an apertured bottom wall (3B); a first piercer (19) arranged in the capsule receptacle (3); a cover (5) for closing the capsule receptacle (3), the cover having at least one water-inlet port (37); a second piercer (27) arranged on the cover (5). The capsule adapter is configured for being introduced in a brewing chamber of a beverage producing machine, with a capsule housed therein.