Centrifugal Beverage Capsule Insert for Extraction Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsule systems for centrifugal beverage preparation are complex and costly, lacking flexibility in inserting simpler and lower-cost options while maintaining control over extraction parameters such as pressure gradient and flow characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A capsule kit comprising a separate insert with a ring-shaped valve engaging portion and a capsule designed for single-use, where the insert is made of durable material and the capsule of light, low-cost material, allowing for varying pressure gradients and flow characteristics by adjusting the insert's dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complete capsule system with integrated valve engaging portion is used, then the capsule can be properly engaged with the centrifugal brewing device, but the capsule becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule kit is divided into two separate components: a reusable insert containing the valve engaging portion and a disposable capsule containing beverage ingredients. This segmentation allows the complex valve engaging structure to be separated from the simple disposable capsule, reducing capsule complexity while maintaining engagement reliability through the dedicated insert component.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert acts as an intermediary component between the brewing device and the disposable capsule. It provides the valve engaging portion that interfaces with the brewing device, while the capsule simply fits into the insert. This intermediary structure enables proper engagement without requiring the capsule itself to be complex.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a durable insert with valve engaging portion is used, then the extraction parameters can be controlled and reused, but the overall system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the expensive durable insert from the inexpensive disposable capsule, the system allows the complex functionality to be manufactured once and reused, while the disposable portion remains simple and low-cost. This segmentation makes the overall system more economically viable than a completely reusable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule containing beverage ingredients is designed as a cheap disposable component that is replaced after each use, while only the durable insert needs to be manufactured with high precision for extraction parameter control. This approach reduces overall manufacturing costs compared to making the entire system reusable.
3Reliability
If the ring-shaped portion has a larger diameter than the capsule, then the valve engagement is improved, but the insert becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The insert features a localized ring-shaped portion with larger diameter specifically at the valve engagement area, while the rest of the insert maintains a simpler structure. This local modification provides the necessary engagement reliability without making the entire insert complex.
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
Enables easier and cost-effective beverage preparation with flexible extraction parameters, allowing for multiple uses of the insert and single-use capsules, providing a range of beverage options through different inserts and capsule sizes.
Implementation Method 1
rotating the capsule along a central axis to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid traversing the capsule thereby forcing the beverage out of the capsule by such centrifugal forces
Data Source
AI summary
Kit for the preparation of a beverage in a centrifugal brewing device comprising a capsule by feeding liquid in the capsule and rotating the capsule along a central axis to produce centrifugal forces on the liquid traversing the capsule thereby forcing the beverage out of the capsule by such centrifugal forces, wherein the capsule comprises containment walls forming a main cavity of central axis containing beverage ingredients; wherein said kit further comprising an insert which is separate from the capsule and comprising a ring-shaped portion intended to form a valve engaging portion engaging against a valve means of the centrifugal brewing device.