Capsule Closing Member Blind Openings for Watertight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsules for preparing infusions suffer from leaks due to inadequate watertightness between the injection cylinder and the capsule, especially under high pressure, affecting the taste and intensity of the brewed infusion.
Innovation Solution
A capsule with point-like blind openings on the closing member made from a plastics material with a Vicat softening temperature between 70° and 140°C, which deforms under pressure to ensure a tight seal, regardless of the relative position between the injection cylinder and the capsule, and is manufactured from the same material as the capsule to reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If concentric circumferential ridges are provided on the flange to prevent water leakage, then watertightness is improved, but the capsule becomes sensitive to misalignment between the injection cylinder and the capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing point-like blind openings at specific locations on the closing member rather than uniform ridges. These localized openings are strategically positioned to allow controlled deformation and water passage while maintaining sealing at critical interfaces. The openings are concentrated where needed to achieve watertightness without requiring perfect alignment across the entire flange interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of the closing member structure by introducing point-like blind openings that can deform under pressure. The openings are designed with specific dimensional parameters (smaller than the deformation width) to allow the closing member to adapt its shape under compression, thereby accommodating misalignment while maintaining the watertight seal through controlled localized deformation rather than rigid ridge structures.
2Reliability
If the closing member is made from plastics material with specific Vicat softening temperature to deform under pressure, then watertightness is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter by selecting plastics with specific Vicat softening temperatures (70-140°C) that allow controlled deformation under brewing pressure. This material parameter selection enables the closing member to adapt its shape during operation to ensure watertight sealing, while the deformable nature of the material simplifies the structure compared to rigid multi-component sealing systems, ultimately reducing manufacturing complexity despite the specialized material requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the closing member function by providing point-like blind openings rather than a solid rigid structure. This segmentation allows different regions of the closing member to deform independently under pressure, with the openings acting as stress concentration points that facilitate controlled deformation for sealing while maintaining structural integrity, thereby simplifying the overall design compared to complex rigid sealing mechanisms.
3Reliability
If point-like blind openings are provided on the closing member, then deformation under pressure is enhanced for better sealing, but the risk of fluid communication between interior and exterior increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies partial action by providing point-like blind openings that are deliberately smaller than the width of deformation. The openings are not designed to remain fully open but to be partially closed or blocked by the deformed material during compression. This partial closure allows the openings to facilitate deformation and sealing while preventing harmful fluid communication, as the openings are insufficient in size to maintain open fluid pathways under operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The blind openings are pre-formed in the closing member before operation. During the brewing process, when pressure is applied, these pre-positioned openings serve as predetermined deformation zones that guide the material flow and sealing action. The openings are strategically located to ensure that deformation occurs at the correct positions for sealing, and the blind (non-through) nature means they are already configured to prevent through-leakage before the sealing action even begins.
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 solution achieves a consistent and reliable watertight seal, ensuring the infusion characteristics are maintained, even at high pressures, and reduces production costs by eliminating the need for separate parts and complex assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the closing member (12) is provided with a plurality of point-like blind openings (14) and in use the injection cylinder exerts such a pressure on the closing member (12) as to deform it and form the deformation (16)
Implementation Method 2
the closing member (12) is made from a plastics material having a Vicat softening temperature comprised between 70° and 140°C
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A capsule (1) for preparing infusions from a product contained in a closed inner chamber (2), by forcing a liquid under pressure through the chamber (2). The capsule (1) comprises a frustoconical main body (4) and a peripheral flange (6) extending outwardly from the larger base (8) of said main body (4). The capsule (1) further comprises an annular hermetic closing member (12) provided on the region of the capsule (1) comprised between the surface of said flange (6) facing the smaller base (10) of the main body (4) and the smaller base (10) of the main body (4). The closing member (12) comprises a plurality of discrete blind openings (14) penetrating in the closing member (12), such that the closing member (12) is deformable under pressure during the preparation of the infusion.