Capsule With Flexible Lid And Tubular Duct
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsules for soluble beverages require complex operations for lid piercing or milling, result in incomplete filling due to space constraints, and struggle with soups containing solid pieces that occlude filters, limiting flow and reducing content.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a tapered container with a flexible lid that detaches to allow liquid inflow and outflow, using a tubular duct with an inner end that seals against the lid in inactive conditions, ensuring complete filling and easy production with a simplified structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is pierced or milled to allow liquid inflow and outflow, then the capsule can supply beverage correctly, but the production process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is pre-formed with integrated flow channels and outlets during the molding process, eliminating the need for subsequent piercing or milling operations. This preliminary structuring of the lid with built-in fluid pathways allows the capsule to function correctly while simplifying production to a single molding step.
2Quantity of substance
If the capsule is filled completely with mixture, then the content quantity increases, but space is insufficient when lid piercing/milling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is pre-designed with integrated flow channels that occupy minimal space, allowing the capsule to be filled to maximum capacity. The flow channels are formed as part of the lid structure during molding, eliminating the need for additional space that would be required for separate piercing or milling features.
3Reliability
If filters are used to prevent occlusion by solid pieces, then the flow can be maintained, but the capsule structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering function is merged into the lid structure itself, with flow channels and outlets designed to naturally prevent occlusion by solid pieces. The lid integrates multiple functions (sealing, flow control, and filtration) into a single component, eliminating the need for separate filter elements and simplifying the overall capsule structure.
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 is cheaper to produce, completely filled with mixture, and capable of handling soups with solid pieces without occlusion, maintaining aroma and allowing full content utilization.
Implementation Method 1
In a supply condition the lid has a series of opening or micro-slits which allow the outflow in pressure of the beverage correctly mixed
Implementation Method 2
A capsule design featuring a tapered container with a flexible lid that detaches to allow liquid inflow and outflow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A capsule for soluble mixture (6) is assigned to the production of fluid food or beverage. The capsule comprises a container (2) and a lid (10) peripherally bounded to an annular edge (12) of the container (2) and perforable for pouring a liquid into the container (2) in correspondence with the operating condition. The capsule (1) further comprises a tubular duct (20) having an inner end (22) placed into the container volume and an outer end (24) fixed to a base of the container (2), opposed to the lid (10), and debouching outside for providing the fluid food in correspondence with the operating condition. Said capsule, in an inactive condition preceding the operating condition, the inner end (22) of the duct (20) abuts with the lid (10) occluding the inner end (22) as to prevent the outflow of soluble mixture (6). Since the pressure of the liquid entered into the container (2) in the operating condition, the lid (10), made of a material at least partially flexible and/or deformable, moves away from that inner end (22) opening it and allowing the dispensing of the fluid food or beverage through the outer end (24).