Capsule Dual Closing Element Synchronized Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsules for infusion products face issues such as inconsistent closing element behavior, tearing, and pressure-induced bursting, leading to splashes and involuntary product escape, which result in contamination and unsuitable handling. Additionally, they are not compatible with infusion products containing solid or leaf pieces.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a cup-shaped body with an open-topped tubular body and a dual closing element system, where the closing elements are permanently connected to ensure synchronized movement under pressure, preventing product escape and allowing solid or leaf pieces to flow into the container, while eliminating filtering and foaming elements to accommodate non-soluble ingredients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the closing element is welded to the end of the tubular body, then the capsule structure is more stable, but the closing element tears off near the junction areas during pressure injection
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is divided into two separate parts: a first closing element for the cup-shaped body and a second closing element for the tubular body. This segmentation eliminates the welded junction that causes tearing, allowing each closing element to function independently without stress concentration at connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent connection (weld) between the closing element and tubular body is removed. The second closing element is extracted as a separate component that can be independently positioned and secured, eliminating the structural weakness at the junction area while maintaining capsule stability through alternative sealing mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If the closing element is made from a plastic material, then the capsule is easier to manufacture, but the film bursts under high pressure creating unpleasant splashes
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element utilizes composite material construction, combining plastic material for ease of manufacture with reinforcing elements or layered structures that enhance burst resistance. This allows the capsule to maintain manufacturing simplicity while withstanding high injection pressures without film rupture and splashing.
3Device complexity
If the tubular body is not connected to the lid, then the capsule assembly is simpler, but infusion product escapes through the free tubular body during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The second closing element is preliminarily positioned at the end of the tubular body before use, creating a preliminary seal that prevents product escape during handling. This preliminary action ensures product containment reliability while maintaining simple assembly structure, as the closing element is in place before the capsule is activated.
4Productivity
If filtering elements and foaming elements are included in the capsule, then the infusion product extraction is enhanced, but the capsule is not suitable for solid or leaf pieces like soups
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule design removes product-specific filtering and foaming elements, creating a universal base structure that can accommodate various infusion products including powders, solids, and leaf pieces. The dual closing element system provides sufficient extraction functionality for all product types without requiring specialized components, thereby achieving multi-functionality and broad adaptability.
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 capsule effectively prevents involuntary product escape and contamination, ensuring clean handling and proper infusion of solid or leaf pieces, while being eco-friendly and cost-effective to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
during the injection of the water into the cup-shaped body of the capsule, due to the pressure increase inside it, the closing element rises from the end of the tubular body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Capsule (1) for infusion products comprising: a cup-shaped body (2) provided with a first base wall (3) and with a first side wall (4) defining a cavity (5) open at the top; a tubular body (6) arranged in the cup-shaped body (2) and provided with at least a second side wall (7), which originates from the first base wall (3) of the cup-shaped body (2), is provided with one end (8) and defines a passage duct (9); and a first closing element (11) arranged in contact with the side wall (3) of the cup-shaped body (2) to close the cavity (5). The capsule (1) for infusion products also includes a second closing element (12) arranged at the end (8) of the tubular body (6) to close the passage duct (9). The first closing element (11) and the second closing element (12) are in particular permanently connected to one another to rise both together, in use, thus freeing the end (8) of the tubular body (6).