Beverage Capsule Filter Structure That Protects Against Piercing Damage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules with rigid or semi-rigid filters are costly to produce and can be damaged by sharp piercing elements or high thrust forces, leading to incomplete filtration and clogging issues in beverage making systems.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a filter made of flexible material with a projection that creates a compartment to house the piercing element, preventing damage and ensuring intact filtration, regardless of piercing method, and a supporting element to maintain filter integrity during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid or semi-rigid filter is used, then the filter structure is stable and can support complex structures with openings and passages, but the production costs increase due to expensive molds and materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible filter made from inexpensive materials such as paper, fabric, or non-woven fabric that can be easily manufactured and disposed of after a single use. This eliminates the need for expensive rigid molds and complex manufacturing processes while maintaining adequate filtration functionality for the intended application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by replacing rigid or semi-rigid filter structures with flexible filtering elements made from thin materials like paper, fabric, or non-woven fabric. These flexible materials can be easily formed into the required shape and provide sufficient filtration capability without requiring complex molds or expensive manufacturing processes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid or semi-rigid filter is used, then the filter maintains structural integrity, but the production costs increase due to material costs and complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible filter made from inexpensive materials such as paper, fabric, or non-woven fabric that can be easily manufactured and disposed of after a single use. This eliminates the need for expensive rigid molds and complex manufacturing processes while maintaining adequate filtration functionality for the intended application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by replacing rigid or semi-rigid filter structures with flexible filtering elements made from thin materials like paper, fabric, or non-woven fabric. These flexible materials can be easily formed into the required shape and provide sufficient filtration capability without requiring complex molds or expensive manufacturing processes.
3Ease of operation
If a sharp piercing element is used to penetrate the lower wall, then the piercing is effective, but the filter may be damaged or torn causing powder leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by pre-positioning the flexible filter in a way that allows it to accommodate the piercing action without damage. The filter is arranged to be lifted or displaced by the piercing element as it enters, rather than being cut or torn, thereby maintaining filter integrity while enabling effective piercing for beverage dispensing.
4Quantity of substance
If the filter is positioned close to the lower wall to maximize powder capacity, then the capsule can contain more powdered food substance, but the filter is more vulnerable to damage from piercing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible filter made from materials like paper, fabric, or non-woven fabric that can be positioned close to the lower wall to maximize powder capacity while still accommodating the piercing action. The flexibility allows the filter to be displaced or lifted by the piercing element without tearing, maintaining both capacity and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by pre-positioning the flexible filter in a way that allows it to accommodate the piercing action without damage. The filter is arranged to be lifted or displaced by the piercing element as it enters, rather than being cut or torn, thereby maintaining filter integrity while enabling effective piercing for beverage dispensing.
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 maintains filter integrity and prevents powdered substance leakage, ensuring high-quality beverages and compatibility with various piercing methods, while reducing production costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a filter (9) made of a flexible material which separates the powdered food substance at least from a relevant portion of the lower wall (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A capsule (1) containing a powdered food substance which can be extracted by passing water through it to make a beverage comprises a body (2) comprising a lower wall (3) and a lateral wall (4), and a lid (6) fixed to the body (2). The lid (6) and a central portion (8) of the lower wall (3) are pierceable respectively to allow the injection of water into and the extraction of a beverage from the capsule (1). Between the lid (6) and the lower wall (3), and in a position close to the latter, there is a filter (9), permeable to the beverage, which retains the powdered food substance, the filter being at least mainly made of a layered sheet of flexible material fixed to the body (2), and separating the powdered food substance at least from the central portion (8). The sheet of flexible material is shaped to form, substantially at the central portion (8), at least one projection (10) towards the lid (6). At the projection (10) the filter (9) is distanced from the central portion (8) and there is a compartment (12), located between the filter (9) and the central portion (8), where a piercing element can be inserted following penetration through the central portion (8), without damaging the filter (9).