Beverage Capsule Identifier Placement for Damage-Free Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage capsules with contactless identifiers are prone to damage and deterioration due to external mechanical constraints, and their design is limited by the need for precise positioning and size to ensure reliable detection, which can lead to faulty device functioning and waste.

Innovation Solution

A capsule design where the contactless identifier, such as a magnetically-responsive element, is embedded within the beverage ingredient, protected from external forces and positioned along the median longitudinal axis, allowing for flexible placement and orientation without affecting the capsule's shape or structure, enabling reliable detection and simplified design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the contactless identifier is placed on the capsule surface or seam, then the capsule can be identified by the beverage producing device, but the identifier is susceptible to damage and deterioration from external mechanical constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentifier durabilityVSAvoidmechanical damage to identifier

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The contactless identifier is embedded within the beverage ingredient mass inside the capsule cavity, nesting the identifier within the capsule structure rather than placing it on the surface. This embedding protects the identifier from external mechanical constraints while maintaining detectability through the capsule walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the identifier is placed on the capsule seam, then identification is enabled, but the capsule design is constrained by the need for reinforced portions and specific positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentifier readabilityVSAvoidcapsule structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identifier is extracted from the capsule structure (seam or surface) and relocated to the beverage ingredient mass. This separation allows the capsule structure to remain simple and flexible while the identifier is positioned independently within the ingredient, eliminating the need for reinforced portions or specific seam placements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The identifier placement moves from a two-dimensional surface or seam location to a three-dimensional position within the beverage ingredient mass. This dimensional change provides flexibility in positioning and orientation without constraining the capsule's external shape or structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If the identifier is positioned at the seam with reinforced portion, then physical integrity is ensured, but connection of flexible walls becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseam integrityVSAvoidcapsule assembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The identifier is removed from the seam location and embedded within the beverage ingredient mass. This extraction eliminates the need for reinforced portions at the seam, allowing flexible walls to be connected easily without obstruction from reinforcement elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Measurement precision

If the identifier requires specific positioning and size, then reliable detection is achieved, but the capsule design flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcapsule design flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The identifier is positioned within the three-dimensional beverage ingredient mass rather than on the two-dimensional surface or seam. This allows the identifier to be oriented in various directions and positioned at different locations within the ingredient, providing design flexibility while maintaining detection accuracy through the capsule walls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances the durability and readability of the identifier, reducing waste and design constraints, while allowing for more flexible capsule design and improved brewing parameters adaptation.

Implementation Method 1

a contactless identifying element for identifying the capsule by detecting the identifying element using detecting means of the beverage producing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS9027466B2Capsule for the preparation of a beverage embedding an identification element

Publication Date: 2015.05.12 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage. The capsule includes first and second covering walls connected for forming a cavity containing a beverage ingredient and a contactless identifying element for identifying the capsule by detecting the identifying element using the detector of a beverage producing device. The identifying element is preferably disposed in the cavity.