Capsule Centring Projections for Sealing Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-dose beverage capsules face challenges in achieving a reliable seal due to misalignment between the capsule's collar and the machine's peripheral edge, leading to potential leaks during beverage preparation.
Innovation Solution
The capsule incorporates a sealing ring with centring projections and fins to ensure proper alignment and sealing, featuring a deformable sealing ring and centring means like external and internal projections that adjust the capsule's position for optimal sealing, even when misaligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the capsule is manually inserted and allowed to fall inside the compartment, then the operation is simple and fast, but the collar may not be perfectly coaxial with the peripheral edge leading to sealing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule incorporates centring projections and a deformable sealing ring in advance, so that when the capsule is manually inserted, these features automatically engage with the peripheral edge to correct misalignment before the sealing operation occurs. This preliminary centring action ensures coaxial alignment without requiring precise manual placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is designed to be deformable, allowing it to change its shape and adapt to misaligned positions. When compression force is applied during the sealing operation, the sealing ring deforms to conform to the peripheral edge even if initial alignment is imperfect, thereby maintaining sealing reliability despite simple manual insertion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If constructional tolerances and necessary play are allowed between capsule and machine components, then the device is more adaptable and easier to manufacture, but misalignment occurs leading to non-optimal seals
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is implemented as a deformable element that can flex and adapt to variations in alignment caused by constructional tolerances and necessary play. This flexibility allows the sealing ring to maintain contact and form an effective seal even when the capsule is not perfectly aligned, thereby accommodating tolerances without sacrificing sealing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The centring projections are designed to engage with the peripheral edge during insertion, performing a preliminary centring action that compensates for tolerances and misalignment before the sealing operation. This pre-alignment mechanism allows the system to accommodate manufacturing variations while still achieving precise sealing contact.
3Reliability
If a deformable sealing ring with centring projections is added to the capsule, then sealing reliability and centring are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centring projections and sealing ring are merged into a single integrated structure on the capsule, rather than being separate components. This integration reduces the number of parts and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining both the centring function and the sealing function. The combined structure performs multiple functions (centring and sealing) simultaneously, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring structure serves multiple functions: it provides the sealing barrier, acts as a centring element through its projections, and accommodates misalignment through its deformability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved reliability and centring.
Data Source
AI summary
A single-dose capsule for the preparation of a beverage comprises a cup (1) with a collar (10) provided with a sealing ring (20) surrounded internally and externally by centring projections (30.i, 40.i), separated circumferentially from gaps (32,42) and arranged aligned in succession along respective circumferential paths (34, 44).