Capsule Base With Inner Plate For Foam And Drip Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portion capsules in beverage machines fail to produce a rich, solid foam and lack a drip stop, with complex structures that are not cost-effective and do not maintain aroma quality, and previous designs with filters above the bottom do not achieve a dense foam or drip barrier.
Innovation Solution
A portion capsule design featuring a disk-shaped inner plate with liquid passages and annular projections that open under liquid pressure, combined with circular arc-shaped weak points and thin spots for uniform melt flow, ensuring a solid foam and drip barrier, and using materials like EVOH or PLA for aroma retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is located above the base of the capsule, then liquid can be filtered, but dense foam and drip-free finish are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional filter location from above the base to the base itself. The filter is integrated into the base structure, allowing liquid to be filtered as it exits the capsule, which simultaneously creates the necessary pressure conditions for dense foam and prevents dripping by controlling the exit flow pattern
2Ease of operation
If weak points are added to the base for liquid passage, then liquid flow is enabled, but uniform melt flow during injection molding is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating weak points with specific localized thickness reductions in the base, while maintaining different thickness zones (thin spots between weak spots) to control plastic flow during molding. This allows the base to have different structural properties in different areas: thin enough to rupture for liquid flow, but with controlled thickness patterns to ensure uniform melt distribution during injection
3Ease of manufacture
If the capsule structure is simplified for cost-effectiveness, then manufacturing cost decreases, but aroma retention and functional reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated base structure that combines the filter, the weak points for liquid passage, and the thickness control features for manufacturing. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate filter components and complex assembly steps, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining aroma retention through the integrated barrier layer design
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 design achieves a high-quality, solid foam and effective drip barrier while maintaining aroma integrity and simplicity in construction, ensuring a uniform melt flow and preventing aroma loss during storage.
Implementation Method 1
weak points in its housing base which open, break or tear when liquid pressure is applied in the capsule interior
Implementation Method 2
The inner plate on the base of the housing creates constrictions that slow down flow, create eddies, turbulence, and pressure fluctuations
Implementation Method 3
The inner plate on the base of the housing creates constrictions that slow down flow, create eddies, turbulence, and pressure fluctuations
Implementation Method 4
the capsule wall comprises or consists of a water vapor and/or oxygen-blocking material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a single-serve capsule for producing a beverage such as coffee or tea in a beverage apparatus which, at its outlet end, is closed by a housing base and, at the opposite, inlet end, forms an opening which is closed by a sheet material, which can be perforated by a device in order for water containing a beverage substrate, granules and/or powder be forced into the capsule interior, wherein the housing base of the capsule has weak points which, in the presence of liquid pressure in the capsule interior, open, break or tear in order to allow liquid to pass from the interior of the capsule to the beverage outlet, and wherein the housing base is covered by a disc-like inner plate, of which the outer periphery has liquid passages through which, in the presence of liquid pressure, the liquid flows from the interior of the capsule to the weak points of the base.