Compostable Capsule Multilayer Barrier for Machine Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compostable capsules for beverage preparation machines face challenges in maintaining high-quality beverage consistency and compatibility with existing coffee machines, while also being eco-responsible.
Innovation Solution
A capsule made from a multilayer oxygen and moisture barrier material comprising paper or cardboard with a high cellulose content, designed to provide rigidity suitable for use with existing coffee machines while being compostable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing compostable capsules are used, then eco-responsibility is improved, but beverage consistency and quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule shell is constructed as a composite material consisting of a cellulose-based compostable material combined with a moisture barrier layer. This multilayer structure maintains the compostable nature while preventing moisture ingress that would otherwise compromise coffee quality and beverage consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the compostable material by applying a moisture barrier coating and controlling the cellulose content within specific ranges (30-70%). These parameter adjustments enable the material to simultaneously achieve compostability and moisture resistance for reliable beverage preparation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing compostable capsules are used, then eco-responsibility is improved, but compatibility with existing coffee machines deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule dimensions, wall thickness, and structural geometry are carefully controlled within specific parameter ranges to ensure compatibility with standard coffee machine piercing and brewing mechanisms while maintaining compostable materials.
3Strength
If paper or cardboard with high grammage is used, then rigidity is improved, but compostability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the grammage of the paper or cardboard to fall within the range of 40-450 g/m², balancing structural rigidity with compostability. This parameter control ensures the capsule maintains its shape during handling and machine operation while remaining biodegradable.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule combines paper or cardboard with a moisture barrier layer to achieve the desired rigidity without increasing grammage excessively, thereby preserving compostability while providing sufficient mechanical strength.
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 ensures high-quality beverage consistency and compatibility with existing coffee machines, while being eco-friendly and compostable, thus addressing the limitations of existing compostable capsules.
Implementation Method 1
a first multilayer oxygen and/or moisture barrier material comprising a paper or cardboard and an organic and/or inorganic barrier layer
Data Source
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AI summary
A capsule (10) configured for preparing a beverage upon injection of liquid into the capsule (10). The capsule (10) comprises a cup-shaped body (12) including a side wall (14), a top opening (16), and a bottom opening (26). The body (12) has a substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical shape. The body (12) is made of a first multilayer oxygen and/or moisture barrier material (20) comprising a paper or cardboard and an organic and/or inorganic barrier layer. The paper or cardboard has a grammage comprised between 40 and 450 g/m2 and the first material has a cellulose content higher than 30%, preferably higher than 50%, more preferably higher than 90%. The capsule (10) comprises a bottom closure (22) connected to the cup-shaped body (12) to close the bottom opening (26) and a sealing lid (24) connected to the cup-shaped body (12) to close the top opening (16).