Capsule for preparing infusion beverages and corresponding capsule production method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capsules for preparing infusion beverages face challenges in achieving homogeneous infusion fluid distribution and prolonged fluid circulation time, while also being difficult to produce and prone to infusion product oxidation due to design complexities.

Innovation Solution

A capsule design featuring a separate inner containing body with a permeable second end wall and a closing layer that allows even distribution and prolonged contact of infusion fluid with the infusion product, combined with a mechanism for controlled opening to prevent oxidation, using materials with barrier properties to maintain product quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the inner containing body is integrated with the outer containing body as a single piece, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the infusion fluid distribution homogeneity and circulation time are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidinfusion fluid distribution homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule is divided into two separate containing bodies: an outer containing body and an inner containing body. The inner containing body is positioned inside the outer containing body and can be independently manufactured. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized separately for both manufacturing ease and fluid distribution performance, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the inner containing body volume is reduced to accommodate inlet openings at the end wall, then the capsule structure is simplified, but the infusion product capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule structure complexityVSAvoidinfusion product capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing inlet openings at the end wall of the inner containing body (which reduces volume), the design moves the fluid distribution mechanism to the side walls of the inner containing body. The infusion fluid enters through inlet openings in the side walls and distributes horizontally across the infusion product, maintaining full vertical capacity while achieving homogeneous distribution. This dimensional shift resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and product capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the capsule remains closed to prevent oxidation, then product freshness is maintained, but infusion fluid circulation and extraction are prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct freshness preservationVSAvoidinfusion beverage preparation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The capsule is pre-filled and sealed to prevent oxidation, maintaining product freshness until use. The extraction opening is designed to be opened only at the moment of use, allowing the capsule to remain in a protected closed state throughout storage and transport. This preliminary sealing action resolves the contradiction between freshness preservation and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 ensures homogeneous infusion fluid distribution and extended mixing time, enhancing beverage quality while being easier to manufacture and maintain product freshness through controlled oxygen exposure.

Implementation Method 1

said second end wall having an extraction opening and being permeable such that said infusion beverage can circulate across said second end wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

using materials with barrier properties to maintain product quality

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBarrier properties: Diffusion Barrier

Data Source

PatentEP3539900B1Capsule for preparing infusion beverages and corresponding capsule production method

Publication Date: 2022.11.30 CUP OUT OF THE BOX SL

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6A~6E

AI summary

The invention refers to a capsule (1) for preparing infusion beverages and a capsule production method. The capsule (1) comprises an outer containing body defining a longitudinal direction (L) and a cover (6) for forming a first inner chamber (8). The capsule (1) has also a first inner duct (10) extending in the direction (L) towards the inside for fluidly connecting the first inner chamber (8) with the outside. The capsule (1) has also an inner containing body with a second end wall (14), separate from the outer containing body. The inner containing body is arranged upside down, inside the outer containing body. The second inner chamber (18) is fluidly connected with said first inner chamber (8). Finally, the capsule (1) comprises a closing layer (20) for closing the inner containing body at the second end wall (14) in a fluid-tight manner. Therefore the infusion beverage, after crossing the second end wall (14), is directed towards said first inner duct (10).