Centrifugal Beverage Capsule Force Ring for Back-Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal beverage production systems face challenges in independently controlling back-pressure, which affects the quality of the beverage, particularly the flow rate and crema formation, as they require complex mechanisms to adjust to various predefined back-pressure values.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring an annular force ring that selectively blocks and adjusts the flow path of the centrifuged liquid using a dedicated pressing surface, allowing for improved control of back-pressure through rotational speed, with a rigid and stable engagement portion formed by a curved, folded part of the force ring to maintain consistent dimension and resist deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex mechanism is used to adjust back-pressure to various predefined values, then the control precision of back-pressure is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule itself provides the back-pressure control function through its geometric design (curved folded part of the flange-like rim), eliminating the need for external complex adjustment mechanisms. The capsule's own structure serves as the pressure control element, achieving precise back-pressure control without adding device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the capsule rim (curvature radius, fold angle, thickness) to achieve different back-pressure values. By varying these geometric parameters, multiple predefined back-pressure levels are obtained without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the force ring is made rigid to maintain consistent dimension, then the stability of engagement portion is improved, but the resistance to deformation during pressing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The force ring incorporates a curved folded part with specific radius of curvature. This curvature provides geometric rigidity that maintains dimensional stability during engagement, while the folded structure itself distributes stresses to prevent deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is made of materials with appropriate mechanical properties that combine rigidity for dimensional stability with sufficient elasticity to withstand pressing forces. The material selection balances these opposing requirements.
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 solution enables precise adjustment of back-pressure, enhancing the extraction characteristics and beverage quality by increasing interaction time between the liquid and substance, improving coffee solid content and yield, while allowing for a range of flow rates and crema quality without complex mechanisms, thus improving the overall brewing process.
Implementation Method 1
preparing a beverage from a beverage substance contained in the capsule by passing a liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces
Implementation Method 2
the annular force ring forms with a dedicated pressing surface of the beverage production device a restriction valve means for the flow of beverage
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a capsule (1) designed for insertion in a beverage production device (23) for preparing a beverage from a substance contained in the capsule by introducing liquid in the capsule and passing liquid through the substance using centrifugal forces, the capsule comprising: - a body (2) comprising a bottom end and an open end; - an upper wall (3) for covering the body at its open end; - an enclosure (14) between the body and upper wall containing a predetermined amount of beverage substance; the capsule comprising a flange-like rim (4) extending outwardly from the body (2), wherein the flange-like rim comprises an annular force ring (8) designed for being engaged by an enclosing member (49) of a dedicated beverage production device (23), wherein the force ring comprises at least one curved, folded part (16) forming of at least one ply of material.