Beverage Capsule Actuation Element for Flow and Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage extraction capsules, such as those for espresso, face challenges in controlling flow entry and exit, pressure losses, and force requirements, which affect the quality of the extracted beverage and are not easily adaptable to different aromatic substances.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a flexible or rigid material with an actuation element that extends between upstream and downstream zones, including a flow accumulation chamber and adjustable passageways, allowing for controlled flow entry and exit through displacement and hydraulic force, minimizing pressure losses and optimizing extraction efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a capsule uses a simple rupture mechanism for flow entry and exit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control over flow residence period and distribution is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation element is designed to move dynamically between different positions (initial, first displaced, second displaced) to control flow entry and exit. This dynamic mechanism allows the capsule to transition from a closed state to flow entry, then to flow exit, providing precise control over the extraction process without requiring complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation element utilizes the hydraulic force generated by the pressurized fluid flow itself to drive its displacement and control the flow passages. The system is self-actuating, where the extraction fluid's own pressure enables the opening and closing of flow paths without requiring separate actuation mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If the capsule uses fixed flow passages, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different aromatic substances and beverages is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passages are not fixed but are dynamically controlled by the actuation element's position. The same physical structure can provide different flow configurations (entry passage, exit passage, or both) depending on the actuation element's displacement, allowing adaptation to different beverage types while maintaining precise manufacturing of the underlying structure
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation element and flow passage structure serve multiple functions: controlling flow entry, controlling flow exit, and adapting to different extraction requirements. This multi-functional design allows a single capsule structure to be versatile across different aromatic substances and beverage types
3Productivity
If the capsule minimizes pressure losses through optimized flow distribution, then the extraction efficacy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes hydraulic force from the pressurized fluid flow to actuate the actuation element and control the flow passages. This hydraulic approach leverages the extraction fluid's own pressure to achieve both flow control and optimal distribution, improving extraction efficacy without requiring complex mechanical actuation systems
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 flow distribution and control within the capsule, maximizing extraction efficiency and adaptability to various substances with minimal constructive changes, ensuring high-quality beverage production.
Implementation Method 1
the application of a certain actuation force, in each case resulting in at least one previously defined flow passageway for the flow to entry in the capsule
Implementation Method 2
said actuation element and respective element fixture are configures in such a way that they include and/or define a flow accumulation chamber on the side of the zone facing the flow downstream
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention refers to a capsule used in the production of a beverage, including an actuation element that configures the section of passageway and controls the moments of entry and exit of a pressurized flow through the capsule. In particular, this actuation element is previously configured and dimensioned and/or is actuated in such a way that carries out a certain displacement as a result from the application of an actuation force of mechanical and/or hydraulic nature. Such a dimensioning of the actuation element and, therefore, of the combination of necessary actuation forces or of the timing of respective application, is carried out as a function of parameters including the type of aromatic substance, the average dimension of the respective grain, or the volume of beverage to be obtained, so that it is provided a system of capsules that allows an effective extraction of different types of beverages, by means of only varying the respective actuation element. The present invention further discloses a method and device for processing of said capsule.