Capsule and manufacturing process for producing said capsule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules fail to effectively produce crema-free coffee while maintaining the characteristics of filter coffee and ensuring ergonomic use and sensory in-cup results.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a rigid body with a filter element and a carrier disk, where the carrier disk has preformed outlet openings and is retained within the capsule by mechanical deformations, preventing crema formation and ensuring the beverage's integrity during extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hermetically closed capsule design is used, then beverage ingredient freshness is maintained during storage, but crema formation cannot be prevented during beverage preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into two functional parts: a hermetically sealed container for storage and a filter element with outlet openings for brewing. The filter element is inserted through the lid after sealing, creating distinct zones for preservation and extraction that resolve the contradiction between maintaining freshness and preventing crema formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element acts as an intermediary component between the sealed capsule body and the beverage preparation process. It provides controlled water flow and filtration while preventing crema formation through its specific structure with outlet openings, without compromising the hermetic seal of the main capsule.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a filter element is added to prevent crema formation, then crema-free coffee is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it filters coffee grounds, controls water flow, prevents crema formation, and provides structural support for the outlet openings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet openings are integrated directly into the filter element structure rather than being separate components. This merging of functions (filtration + outlet provision) simplifies the overall capsule design while achieving the crema-free beverage preparation goal.
3Ease of operation
If the lid is removably attached for easy opening, then ease of operation is improved, but hermetic sealing during storage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule body is hermetically sealed with the lid attached during manufacturing and storage. The removable lid feature is activated only at the point of use, allowing the capsule to maintain hermetic sealing during storage while providing ease of operation when needed. The filter element insertion through the lid creates a usable opening without compromising prior sealing.
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 produces crema-free coffee with characteristics similar to filter coffee, maintaining aroma, smoothness, and flavor while preventing coffee powder escape and ensuring easy handling and recycling.
Implementation Method 1
a filter element positioned in the inner space of the capsule between the beverage ingredient and the lid
Implementation Method 2
The capsule comprises at least one mechanical deformation at the junction or in the vicinity of the junction of the flange and side wall of the capsule
Data Source
AI summary
The invention related to a capsule for preparing a beverage comprising—a substantially rigid capsule body having a circumferential sidewall extending around an inner space of the capsule, said inner space being at least partially filled with a beverage ingredient suitable for preparing the beverage, —a base wall covering the inner space at a first end of the sidewall, —a flange arranged circumferentially around an open side of the capsule at a second end of the sidewall of the base body opposite the base wall, —a lid covering the inner space and the open side of the capsule at the second end of the sidewall opposite the base wall and tightly closing the capsule, the lid being removably attached to the flange of the capsule, —a filter element positioned in the inner space of the capsule between the beverage ingredient and the lid; and—a carrier disk provided in the inner space of the capsule between the lid and the filter, said carrier disk comprising multiple preformed outlet openings suitable for draining the prepared beverage from the inner space outside of the capsule when the capsule is used in the beverage preparation device. According to the invention, the capsule comprises at least one mechanical deformation at the junction or in the vicinity of the junction of the flange and side wall of the capsule, said mechanical deformation retaining the carrier disk inside the inner space of the capsule. The invention also relates to a manufacturing method for manufacturing said capsule and to the use of said capsule.