Capsule for preparing a beverage product
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules face issues such as fluid loss, risk of capsule parts entering the beverage, and splashing during preparation, as well as cross-contamination risks due to contact with the machine during brewing.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design with an inner opening positioned at a distance from the extraction area and featuring closing means that open mechanically under compressive force, rather than hydrostatic pressure, to prevent fluid loss and ensure reliable operation, while also preventing capsule parts from entering the beverage and reducing splash risk by using a cylindrical inner duct and strategically placed closing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the capsule uses a thin sheet wall that opens under hydrostatic pressure, then the beverage can flow out, but remainder water remains in the inner chamber causing fluid loss and potential staining
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into functional zones: an extraction area with a puncturable wall for beverage discharge, and an inner chamber for containing the primary product. The inner duct extends from the extraction area toward the opposite area, creating a segmented fluid pathway that controls beverage flow and prevents remainder water from exiting.
Solution Approach 2:
The puncturable wall is pre-positioned in the extraction area to open upon application of external force (e.g., compression by the beverage preparation device). This preliminary arrangement ensures that the beverage discharge pathway is activated before fluid injection begins, enabling controlled flow while preventing subsequent remainder water loss.
2Ease of operation
If the capsule uses a mechanical puncturing element to open the discharge opening, then the beverage can exit, but parts of the capsule wall may pull off and fall into the beverage
Solution Approach 1:
The puncturable wall in the extraction area is designed with specific local properties (e.g., controlled thickness, material composition) that allow it to be punctured cleanly by the inner duct or opening means without detaching or fragmenting. This localized structural quality ensures reliable opening while preventing capsule parts from entering the beverage.
3Ease of operation
If the puncturing element slides along the inner duct during preparation, then it can be actuated, but the beverage outlet hole may become clogged or beverage may leak into the annular gap
Solution Approach 1:
The inner duct is positioned and oriented such that its opening means acts in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the duct, rather than sliding along it. This dimensional change in the actuation mechanism prevents the opening means from contacting the inner duct wall during operation, eliminating the risk of clogging outlet holes or creating annular gaps that could leak beverage.
4Productivity
If the capsule allows direct contact with the machine during brewing, then fluid injection is efficient, but cross-contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction area with its puncturable wall is designed to open and discharge beverage directly into the receiving container, minimizing contact between the capsule interior and the machine components. The inner duct extends toward the opposite area to guide the beverage flow away from potential contamination zones, effectively extracting the beverage preparation process from the machine contact zone.
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 effectively prevents fluid loss and ensures reliable operation, reduces the risk of capsule parts entering the beverage, and minimizes splashing, while maintaining hygiene and allowing for consistent beverage preparation without cross-contamination.
Implementation Method 1
opening means arranged for opening up a passage of fluid communication with the outside of said capsule in said closing means when an external compressive force with respect to the capsule is applied on said opening means
Data Source
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AI summary
A capsule (1) for preparing a beverage product. The capsule (1) comprises a closed inner chamber (6) having an extraction area (8), and an inner duct (10) extending longitudinally from the extraction area (8) towards an opposite area (12) and defining a main axis (36). The inner duct (10) has an inner opening (26) and an outer opening (28). The inner opening (26) is arranged at a first distance (h1) which, is equal to or greater than half the maximum height of the inner chamber (6). The capsule (1) further comprises closing means (14) for closing the inner duct (10) which are arranged separated from said outer opening (28) towards the inner chamber (6) of the capsule and opening means (16) arranged for opening up a passage (24) of fluid communication with the outside of said capsule (1) in said closing means (14) when an external compressive force with respect to the capsule (1) is applied on said opening means (16).