Capsule Bottom Wall Perforation Precision via Segmented Struts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsules for infusion or soluble products face issues with precise and constant perforation due to the bendable nature of their bottom walls, leading to deformation and subsequent problems during the perforation process.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a cup-shaped body with a closed bottom wall that includes an annular portion with alternating protrusions and recesses, allowing for precise and consistent perforation without deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the bottom wall is made bendable to allow deformation, then the capsule can be easily manufactured and sealed, but the perforation precision deteriorates due to deformation during perforation
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall is segmented into multiple radial struts arranged in a star-shaped pattern, dividing the continuous bottom wall into discrete structural elements. This segmentation allows each strut to independently manage stress and deformation, preventing the entire bottom wall from deforming during perforation while maintaining manufacturing ease through the modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom wall transitions from a uniform structure to a non-uniform star-shaped structure with varying local properties. The radial struts provide localized stiffness in specific directions while maintaining overall flexibility. This local quality variation enables the bottom wall to resist deformation at critical perforation zones while remaining easy to manufacture through standard forming processes.
2Manufacturing precision
If the bottom wall is made rigid to prevent deformation during perforation, then the perforation precision improves, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid bottom wall is segmented into multiple radial struts that can be formed using standard capsule manufacturing processes. This segmentation achieves the required rigidity and perforation precision without requiring complex manufacturing techniques, as each strut can be formed independently during the usual thermoforming or molding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The star-shaped bottom wall incorporates curved radial struts that radiate from the center, creating a geometric pattern that naturally distributes stress. This curved geometry provides structural rigidity to prevent deformation during perforation while being easily manufacturable through conventional forming methods that can accommodate curved surfaces.
3Device complexity
If the bottom wall deforms during perforation, then the capsule structure remains simple, but the extraction process deteriorates due to inconsistent perforation
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall is divided into multiple radial struts that maintain structural integrity during perforation. This segmentation prevents the bottom wall from deforming inconsistently during the extraction process, ensuring uniform water flow distribution and consistent extraction performance without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The star-shaped bottom wall features an asymmetric radial strut pattern that optimizes water distribution during extraction. The asymmetric geometry prevents uniform deformation that would occur with symmetric designs, ensuring consistent perforation and extraction efficiency while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Capsule (1) for infusion or soluble products having a distal end (ED) and a proximal end (EP), opposite the distal end (ED); the capsule (1) comprises: a cup-shaped body (2) which defines a cavity (6) configured to house an infusion material; the cup-shaped body (2) comprises a side wall (4) and a bottom wall (5) (in particular, closed); the bottom wall (5) comprises at least one annular portion (7; 7A, 7B) at which the capsule (1) is configured to be perforable; and a closing element (3) which is arranged to close the cavity (6) of the cup-shaped body (2), at the proximal end (EP). The annular portion (7; 7A, 7B) has a plurality of protrusions (8) and a plurality of recesses (9; 9A, 9B) which are alternated with one another; wherein the plurality of protrusions (8; 8A, 8B) and the plurality of recesses (9; 9A, 9B) have a same thickness (S1), which is constant throughout the annular portion (7; 7A, 7B).