Capsule Fabric Layers for Controlled Extraction Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee or tea extraction containers with non-perforated second layers fail to maintain pressure effectively, leading to rapid liquid passage and pressure loss, resulting in less flavorful extracts due to tearing of the first layer's holes under high pressure.
Innovation Solution
A container with a first layer of high modulus elasticity fabric (e.g., polylactide) and a second, impermeable layer of lower modulus elasticity (e.g., polyethylene) ensures even hole distribution and controlled pressure release, preventing excessive tearing and maintaining extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the second layer is made of non-perforated fabric, then the container can maintain pressure, but the liquid passage becomes too rapid causing pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The second layer is segmented into multiple smaller holes distributed across the fabric, allowing controlled liquid passage while maintaining overall pressure. This segmentation prevents rapid uncontrolled flow while enabling sufficient liquid extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The second layer has different properties at different locations - the holes are strategically positioned to allow liquid passage where needed while the surrounding fabric maintains pressure. This local differentiation enables simultaneous pressure maintenance and controlled extraction.
2Stress or pressure
If the first layer is made of high modulus elasticity fabric with small holes, then pressure can be maintained, but the holes may tear excessively under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses a composite structure with two different fabric layers, each with complementary properties. The first layer has high modulus elasticity for pressure maintenance, while the second layer has appropriate tensile strength and hole distribution to prevent excessive tearing. This composite approach allows both pressure maintenance and hole integrity.
3Reliability
If the first layer is made of biodegradable fabric, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the material selection becomes more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The use of composite biodegradable fabrics allows selection from a broader range of materials than single-layer designs. Different biodegradable fabrics can be combined to achieve the required mechanical properties, providing versatility while maintaining environmental sustainability.
4Productivity
If the holes in the first layer are made small and numerous, then extraction control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hole-making process is extracted as a separate manufacturing step, allowing the use of specialized techniques like laser drilling or template-based punching. This separation enables precise hole patterns for extraction control while keeping the fabric manufacturing relatively simple.
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 allows for optimal extraction by maintaining sufficient pressure and preventing excessive liquid flow, ensuring a more flavorful extract with consistent quality.
Implementation Method 1
the first layer is made of a fabric that has a modulus of elasticity of more than 1500 N/mm²
Implementation Method 2
the wall portion is pressed against the waffle-like structure as a result of the liquid pressure built up in the container, while the second layer is torn apart as a result of the liquid pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A container containing a product to be extracted, more particularly coffee grounds or cut tea leaves, comprises a plurality of walls of which at least one wall portion (6) comprises at least two layers of which a first layer (7) is provided with a multitude of holes (10) and the second layer (8) is liquid impermeable. The first, perforated layer is located on the outside of the container and is made of a fabric that has a modulus of elasticity of more than 1500 N/mm2. The second layer is more elastic than the first layer and is made of a fabric that has a modulus of elasticity of less than 1000 N/mm2. During the preparation of an extract, liquid is fed under pressure to the container. The second, more leastic layer will be pressed through the holes in the first layer under pressure of the liquid and form bulges on the outside of the first layer, which bulges will tear or break open at a certain pressure.