Capsule for cleaning a beverage preparation machine and method for cleaning a brewing chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule designs for cleaning beverage preparation machines are prone to accidental release of cleaning agents, require specialized machinery for piercing, and lack precise dosing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A capsule with a detachable cover and a sieve or water-soluble film that holds the cleaning agent in place, allowing for safe handling and precise dosing by dissolving the agent with hot water, which is introduced pressurelessly through the brewing chamber, enabling extended exposure time for effective cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the capsule is opened accidentally, then the cleaning agent can escape, but the handling becomes unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is pre-filled and sealed with the cleaning agent inside before use. The detachable cover is attached in advance, and the capsule is prepared ready-to-use. This preliminary preparation ensures that the cleaning agent remains contained until the intended moment of use, preventing accidental escape during handling and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
A detachable cover acts as an intermediary element between the user and the cleaning agent. The cover can be selectively removed to expose the cleaning agent only when needed for the cleaning process. This intermediary mechanism provides controlled access, ensuring safety during handling while enabling effective use when required.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the capsule requires piercing or cutting means, then the cleaning agent can be released, but the machine compatibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule design separates the cleaning agent containment function from the release mechanism. The detachable cover can be removed manually or with simple tools, eliminating the need for specialized piercing or cutting means. This segmentation allows the capsule to be used in various machine types without requiring specific piercing mechanisms, thereby improving machine compatibility while still enabling effective cleaning agent release.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cleaning agent dosage is not precisely controlled, then the cleaning process is simpler, but the cleaning effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is pre-filled with a precise, predetermined amount of cleaning agent during manufacturing. This preliminary dosing ensures that each capsule contains exactly the required amount of cleaning agent for effective cleaning. The detachable cover design maintains this precise dosage while allowing simple removal and reuse, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and dosing precision.
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
Ensures safe and precise handling of the cleaning process, prevents agent leakage, and allows for targeted dosing and extended exposure of cleaning agents, effectively cleaning brewing chambers without piercing the capsule, thus maintaining a consistent cleaning solution concentration.
Implementation Method 1
a sieve or grid or a water-soluble film being provided on the container below the cover, by means of which the cleaning agent is held within the container
Implementation Method 2
the cleaning agent is dissolved by the inflow of water into the container
Implementation Method 3
the cleaning agent is dissolved in a predetermined sequence
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A capsule (50) for cleaning a beverage preparation machine comprises a container (51) which is sealed at one end by a removable cover (52) and contains at least one cleaning agent (56), wherein a screen (54) or grating by means of which the cleaning agent (56) is held within the container (51) is provided on the container (51) underneath the cover (52). The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a brewing chamber (6) of a beverage preparation machine.