Controlled-Opening Beverage Capsule for Precise Flow Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule technologies for extracting aromatic substances face challenges in controlling flow conditions at entry and exit, leading to inefficient extraction and increased production costs due to the need for external materials for airtightness and complex construction materials.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring controlled opening elements with removable fixtures that allow for precise configuration and dimensioning of flow passageways at entry and exit, eliminating the need for external materials and ensuring airtightness without material rupture, using friction unions or positive locking mechanisms to control the flow pattern and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If material rupture is used for flow entry and exit, then flow passageway is created, but control over flow conditions and distribution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule employs dynamic opening elements that can transition between closed and open states, allowing controlled flow passageways to be created on demand rather than relying on static material rupture. This enables precise control over flow conditions while maintaining a simpler capsule structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is divided into separate functional components including opening elements, element fixtures, and flow distribution elements. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component for controlling flow conditions without complicating the overall capsule construction.
2Reliability
If external materials are used for airtightness, then capsule sealing is ensured, but production costs increase and recycling is simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for external sealing materials by integrating airtightness functionality into the capsule's own construction elements. The opening elements and fixtures work together to provide sealing without requiring additional external materials, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If flow passageway section is maximized at entry, then extraction efficacy is improved, but control over flow distribution becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule incorporates flow distribution elements with locally optimized characteristics, including varying aperture sizes and orientations at different positions. This allows the overall flow passageway section to be maximized for high extraction efficacy while maintaining precise control over flow distribution patterns through localized adjustments.
4Duration of action of moving object
If internal perforation means are used, then flow retention is achieved, but external elements are needed for airtightness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the flow retention function with the existing opening elements and fixtures, eliminating the need for separate internal perforation means and external airtightness materials. The integrated design achieves flow retention while maintaining capsule simplicity and avoiding additional construction complexity.
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
This design enhances the control over flow conditions and distribution within the capsule, improving extraction efficacy while reducing production costs and simplifying recycling by maintaining airtightness without external materials, and allowing for adaptable configurations based on the type of aromatic substance.
Implementation Method 1
retained in a removable manner in a respective element fixture... by means of applying at least one actuation force... upon a respective controlled opening element, the latter is displaced from a initial position of retention
Implementation Method 2
retained in a removable manner in a respective element fixture... friction unions or positive locking mechanisms to control the flow pattern
Implementation Method 3
the extraction of aromatic substances inside of a capsule by means of a pressurized fluid flow... controlled by the hydraulic force thus generated
Implementation Method 4
retained in a removable manner in a respective element fixture... friction unions
Implementation Method 5
retained in a removable manner in a respective element fixture... positive locking mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention refers to a capsule containing at least one aromatic substance for producing a beverage by means of its crossing by a pressurized fluid flow, and comprising at least one controlled opening element retained in a removable manner at least in one zone of the capsule facing the flow upstream and/or downstream. Said controlled opening element, by means of applying at least one certain actuation force exerted by a respective extraction device, may be displaced in at least linear or rotating fashion from an initial retaining position, that produces the airtight closure of the capsule, to at least one following position, thereby releasing at least one section of flow passageway of previously defined configuration and dimension in view of an optimized flow distribution inside said capsule.