Capsule Discharge Sieve With Perforation Element for Plastic Puncturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extraction apparatuses for beverages from encapsulated materials face challenges in puncturing and discharging mechanisms, particularly with plastic capsules, due to high internal pressure and the need for complex production methods, which result in limited filter effectiveness and material stress issues.
Innovation Solution
A discharge device with a supporting surface and perforation elements that project inward from the surface, utilizing a sieve support with microperforations and a metal sheet perforation element, which is simple to produce and effective in puncturing plastic capsules without requiring high hydrostatic pressure, while maintaining a sieve effect to separate extraction product from grounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a perforation tip with a sharp edge is used to puncture plastic capsules, then the puncturing effectiveness is improved, but the production complexity increases due to the need for very sharp tips and complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The puncturing function is segmented from the discharge device. The perforation element is a separate, simple component that can be easily manufactured and replaced, while the discharge device with sieve structure handles the filtration. This segmentation allows the puncturing element to be simple yet effective, resolving the contradiction between puncturing reliability and manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the discharge device itself sharp and complex to puncture the capsule, the invention inverts the approach by adding a separate, simple perforation element to the discharge device. The discharge device remains simple to manufacture, while the perforation element provides the necessary sharpness for effective puncturing.
2Reliability
If passage openings with a minimum diameter of approximately 400 μm are used in the discharge device, then the liquid flow reliability is improved, but the filter effect deteriorates allowing fine particles to reach the beverage
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge device is segmented into two functional parts: a sieve structure with fine perforations for filtration and a separate perforation element for puncturing. The sieve structure provides fine filtration with small perforations, while the perforation element ensures reliable liquid flow through its larger opening, resolving the contradiction between filter effectiveness and liquid flow reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforation element acts as an intermediary between the capsule interior and the sieve structure. It creates the initial opening in the capsule wall and guides the liquid flow through the sieve, allowing the sieve to focus on filtration while the perforation element ensures reliable liquid introduction.
3Reliability
If a ribbed structure is used to press the capsule boundary against it under internal pressure, then the capsule rupture effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases and material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex ribbed structure to rupture the capsule from the outside, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple perforation element that creates controlled openings. The capsule rupture is achieved through precise perforation rather than external pressure against ribs, simplifying the device structure while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforation element performs preliminary action by creating openings in the capsule wall before the liquid is introduced. This preliminary perforation eliminates the need for complex ribbed structures to rupture the capsule under pressure, as the openings are already prepared for controlled liquid flow.
4Productivity
If multiple perforation tips with passage channels are used in the discharge device, then the discharge capability is improved, but the production complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge function is segmented into two components: a sieve structure with multiple fine perforations for filtration and a separate perforation element for creating openings in the capsule. This segmentation allows the sieve to provide extensive filtration surface area for high discharge capability, while the perforation element remains simple to manufacture, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the puncturing function and the discharge function into a single integrated device. The perforation element and sieve structure work together as a unified system, where the perforation element creates openings and the sieve structure handles both filtration and discharge, simplifying production while maintaining high discharge capability.
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 provides a robust, easy-to-produce puncturing and discharge mechanism that effectively manages high internal pressures, prevents capsule wall deformation, and retains fine particles, enhancing the filter effect and reducing material stress, thus improving the efficiency and simplicity of the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
The sieve element comprises a large number of perforations through which the extraction product can be discharged... maintaining a sieve effect to separate extraction product from grounds
Implementation Method 2
A discharge device with a supporting surface and perforation elements that project inward from the surface, utilizing a sieve support with microperforations and a metal sheet perforation element, which is simple to produce and effective in puncturing plastic capsules without requiring high hydrostatic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A discharge device is provided including a supporting surface to rest against a surface region of a capsule as well as at least one perforating element protruding from said supporting surface, wherein a screen element is provided in the supporting surface having a plurality of screen perforations through which the extraction product can be discharged, the extraction product escaping out of the capsule through one of the openings created by the perforating element.


