Container and device for dispensing a substance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems require compressing the container to discharge the substance, leading to a messy and frustrating cleaning process.
Innovation Solution
A capsule with a dispensing channel and a break-off closure that unseals upon pressure application, allowing liquid discharge without compressing the container body, along with a dispensing device that includes identification means and actuators to facilitate seamless substance dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the container body is compressed to discharge the substance, then the substance can be expelled from the container, but the dispensing apparatus becomes messy and requires frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a body and a separate closure element that can be opened independently. The dispensing channel is separated from the storage cavity, allowing the substance to be discharged through a dedicated pathway without compressing the entire container body, thus preventing messiness in the dispensing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is extracted as a separate component from the container body. By opening the closure element rather than compressing the container, the substance is discharged in a controlled manner through the dispensing channel, eliminating the harmful effect of messiness and reducing cleaning requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a break-off closure is used to seal the dispensing channel, then precise control over liquid discharge is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The break-off closure is pre-positioned to seal the dispensing channel before use. When activation is required, the closure is broken off to enable liquid discharge. This preliminary positioning allows precise control over when discharge occurs without requiring complex active control mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The break-off closure is designed as a disposable or single-use component that is broken off during the dispensing process. This simple, low-cost element provides precise control over liquid discharge without the need for complex, expensive, or reusable sealing mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the capsule body is deformed during dispensing, then the substance can be discharged, but the container structure loses its integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into a rigid body and a separate closure element. The body maintains its structural integrity while the closure element is opened to enable discharge. This segmentation allows substance discharge without deforming the main container body, preserving structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is extracted as a separate component that handles the discharge function. By opening the closure rather than deforming the body, the container maintains its structural integrity and composition stability throughout the dispensing process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a capsule containing a liquid substance for the preparation of edible/drinkable products, said capsule comprising: a) a body defining a filling cavity filled with the liquid substance, said body having i) a liquid discharging portion, provided at a first end of said body, through which said liquid substance can be discharged from said body, and ii) an accessing region provided at a second end of said body! and b) at least one separator slidably mounted in said body, wherein said separator can be actuated to slide in a liquid discharging direction in order to discharge said liquid substance through said liquid discharging portion, wherein the actuation of said separator is applied through the accessing region.