Centrifugal Beverage Capsule Flow Restriction for Back-Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems using centrifugal forces lack independent control over back-pressure and flow rate, limiting the ability to produce beverages with varying characteristics, and result in noise and mechanical wear issues at high rotational speeds.
Innovation Solution
A capsule system with a flow restriction valve that adjusts rotational speed and liquid volume based on sensed back-pressure, allowing for precise control of beverage flow rate and volume, using a rim portion to form a back-pressure valve that opens at a threshold pressure, and incorporating sensing means to adjust brewing parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the rotational speed of the capsule is increased to increase the flow rate, then the beverage flow rate increases, but noise and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the back-pressure parameter by using capsules with different rim thicknesses. Thicker rims create higher back-pressure, allowing the system to maintain lower rotational speeds while achieving desired flow rates, thereby reducing noise and mechanical wear. The control unit adjusts rotational speed based on the back-pressure characteristic of the inserted capsule.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives information about the capsule type (and thus its back-pressure characteristic) and adjusts the rotational speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize the rotational speed for each capsule type, avoiding unnecessarily high speeds that would generate noise and wear.
2Productivity
If the back-pressure is increased to control the flow rate, then the flow rate decreases, but the ability to produce diverse beverages is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the back-pressure control into multiple discrete levels by providing capsules with different rim thicknesses. Each rim thickness corresponds to a specific back-pressure level, allowing the system to offer a range of beverage characteristics without requiring continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the rotational speed based on the capsule type inserted. The control unit modifies the rotational parameter according to the back-pressure characteristic of the specific capsule, enabling the system to optimize flow rate for each capsule type and produce diverse beverage characteristics.
3Stress or pressure
If a fixed flow restriction is used to create back-pressure, then the back-pressure is maintained, but the flow rate cannot be varied
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the static back-pressure system into a dynamic one by combining capsules with fixed rim thicknesses (providing fixed back-pressure) with a control unit that dynamically adjusts the rotational speed. This allows the system to maintain the back-pressure benefit while achieving flow rate variability through rotational speed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (rotational speed) based on the fixed back-pressure characteristic of the inserted capsule. The control unit selects appropriate rotational speeds from a range, allowing flow rate variation while maintaining the back-pressure benefit of the rim 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
Enables the production of beverages with diverse characteristics by independently controlling back-pressure and flow rate, reducing noise and mechanical stress, and allowing for customizable brewing parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a system for preparing a beverage from a beverage substance contained in the capsule by passing a liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces
Implementation Method 2
a rim portion to form a back-pressure valve that opens at a threshold pressure
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a capsule system for preparing beverages by centrifugation of a capsule (1) in a centrifuging brewing device comprising: -a centrifuging brewing device comprising control means (25) capable of operating the device in centrifugation by controlling the beverage flow rate and/or the volume of the beverage, and -a capsule to be inserted in the brewing device wherein the capsule is designed to form, alone or in cooperation with the centrifuging brewing device, a flow restriction or flow restriction valve which provides a backpressure for the centrifuged liquid, wherein the control means (25) of the device selectively adjusts the rotational centrifugation speeds of the inserted capsule (1) and/or the volume of injected liquid in the capsule as a function of the exerted backpressure by the restriction or restriction valve.