Capsule Filter Positioning for Beverage Flow Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsules for preparing aromatic beverages, such as espresso, often fail to effectively filter non-soluble particles due to the position and relative dimensions of their filter elements, leading to compromised beverage taste and complexity in construction.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a frusto-conic shape with a filter element positioned downstream of the collection space, supported by a folio-like retention element that provides oxygen-sealing and larger flow passageways for improved filtering efficacy and simplicity, allowing for flexible operation with different edible substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filter element is positioned upstream in the collection space, then it can retain non-soluble particles, but it increases turbulence and energy loss in the discharge flow
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is inverted from its conventional upstream position to a downstream position within the collection space, closer to the discharge opening. This inversion reduces turbulence and energy loss by allowing the pressurized flow to remain laminar for longer, while still achieving effective particle retention through the filter's strategic placement near the discharge point.
2Reliability
If the filter element is made larger to improve filtering, then more particles are retained, but the capsule construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is merged with the base wall structure of the capsule, integrating the filtering function into the existing capsule architecture. This combination eliminates the need for separate filter housings or complex mounting mechanisms, reducing construction complexity while maintaining effective particle retention through the filter's optimized downstream positioning.
3Loss of energy
If the filter element is positioned downstream near the discharge opening, then energy loss and turbulence are reduced, but the capsule construction becomes simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is segmented into functional zones with the filter element positioned in the downstream region near the discharge opening. This segmentation allows the collection space to be optimized for particle retention while the discharge region is optimized for minimal turbulence and energy loss, and the filter is integrated with the base wall to simplify construction.
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 enhances beverage filtering by reducing energy loss and turbulence in the discharge flow, effectively retaining non-dissoluble particles and simplifying the capsule construction, while allowing for adaptability to various types of beverages.
Implementation Method 1
a filter element (5) provided downstream of said retention disposition (4), so that said filter element (5) provides filtering of the beverage flow downstream of said collection space (A) provided oxygen-sealed
Implementation Method 2
a retention disposition (4) provided as a folio-like element and adapted so that confines said collection space (A) downstream thereof in oxygen-sealing manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention refers to a capsule (1), adapted for collecting an edible substance in a collection space (A) in oxygen-sealing manner, and to be used in a machine for preparing an edible product, for example an aromatic beverage such as espresso coffee and soluble coffee type. In particular, said capsule (1) presents a filter element (5) provided downstream of said collection space (A) and upstream of a discharge disposition (213), thereby improving the efficacy of filtering and constructive simplicity of the capsule (1). The present invention further refers to a system for preparing edible products, including at least two types of capsule (1, 1') according to the present invention presenting different filter elements (5, 5').