Beverage Capsule Exit Opening Control for Consistent Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems using capsules suffer from inconsistent beverage strength due to unpredictable fluid flow paths and exit openings formed by pressure, leading to variations in beverage strength from one capsule to another.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a capsule with a predetermined opening element that controls the number, position, and size of exit openings, independent of internal pressure, ensuring consistent beverage strength by activating the opening element manually or automatically during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If exit openings are formed by fluid pressure in the capsule, then the capsule structure remains simple and sealed, but the number, position and size of exit openings become unpredictable leading to inconsistent beverage strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the exit openings in the capsule lid during manufacturing, before the actual beverage preparation process. The lid is designed with predetermined openings that are initially sealed or covered, and are activated only when needed. This ensures consistent number, position, and size of exit openings for every capsule, eliminating variability in beverage strength while maintaining a relatively simple capsule structure.
2Reliability
If the capsule remains sealed during transportation, then the extractable product integrity is maintained, but preferential fluid paths may form during preparation leading to undesired beverage strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the capsule into distinct functional zones with multiple distributed exit openings across the lid surface. Instead of a single centralized exit, the lid contains multiple openings arranged in a pattern that ensures uniform fluid distribution. This prevents preferential flow paths by providing numerous alternative exit routes, ensuring consistent beverage extraction while maintaining product integrity during sealed storage.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple exit openings are provided in the capsule lid, then beverage strength consistency is improved, but the capsule manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the exit openings directly into the lid structure during the lid forming process, rather than adding them as separate components. The lid is manufactured as a single piece with embedded openings, combining the lid function and exit opening function into one integrated component. This approach maintains ease of manufacture while providing multiple predetermined exit openings for consistent beverage preparation.
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
This approach ensures a consistent beverage strength and flavor by predetermining the exit openings, reducing the risk of preferential fluid paths and maintaining the extractable product's integrity until activation, resulting in a homogeneous beverage preparation.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of a fluid under a pressure to the exchangeable capsule
Data Source
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Figure 1c
AI summary
System for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule. The system further comprises an apparatus comprising a fluid dispensing device for supplying an amount of fluid, such as water, to the exchangeable capsule, a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and an outlet arrangement for supplying the beverage to a container, such as a cup. The capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, a lid, an entrance area and a closed exit area. The circumferential wall, the bottom and the lid enclose an inner space that comprises an extractable product. The system is arranged for bringing the fluid dispensing device in fluid connection with the entrance area for supplying the fluid to the extractable product for preparing the beverage. The system is further arranged so that, in use, the outlet arrangement is in fluid communication with the exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule. The capsule further comprises a opening element that is arranged for providing an opening through the closed exit area for draining the prepared beverage from the capsule.