Single-Use Capsule Liquid Distributor for Even Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portion capsules often result in inadequately tasting beverages due to the high velocity of liquid introduction, which can lead to uneven extraction or dissolution of the beverage/food substance, causing clogging and damage to the capsule.
Innovation Solution
A liquid distributor is integrated into the portion capsule, positioned downstream of the liquid supply and upstream of the beverage/food substance, which reduces the liquid's impact velocity by distributing it over the cross-section, using a plastic or porous component with recesses and a seal to ensure even extraction and prevent clogging, and can be moved by pressure or a piercing agent to interact with the beverage/food substance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid is introduced into the portion capsule at high velocity, then the liquid supply is efficient and quick, but the beverage/food substance extraction becomes uneven and the capsule may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid distributor component is introduced as an intermediary element between the liquid supply opening and the beverage/food substance. This distributor receives the high-velocity liquid supply and redistributes it through multiple recesses on its surface, converting the concentrated high-velocity flow into multiple lower-velocity streams that contact the beverage/food substance more uniformly across the capsule cross-section.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid distributor surface is segmented into multiple recesses (e.g., 10-50 recesses) distributed across its area. Each recess acts as an independent liquid discharge point, dividing the single liquid supply stream into multiple parallel streams. This segmentation enables uniform liquid distribution across the capsule cross-section while maintaining high overall liquid supply efficiency.
2Productivity
If liquid is introduced at high velocity, then the liquid supply is efficient, but the capsule wall and beverage/food substance may be damaged or clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distributor is positioned upstream of the beverage/food substance to cushion the liquid flow before it contacts the capsule contents. The distributor's recesses create a flow distribution pattern that reduces peak velocities and prevents direct high-velocity impact on the beverage/food substance and capsule wall, thereby preventing clogging and damage while maintaining efficient liquid supply.
3Reliability
If a liquid distributor is added to distribute liquid uniformly, then extraction uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distributor can be manufactured as a porous component with multiple recesses formed through injection molding or deep-drawing processes. This approach achieves uniform liquid distribution through the inherent geometry of the porous/distributed recess structure rather than requiring complex mechanical moving parts or multiple separate components, thereby improving extraction uniformity while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid distributor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes liquid uniformly across the capsule cross-section, reduces liquid velocity to prevent damage, and can be designed with form-fitting means to secure itself within the capsule. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated component rather than multiple separate elements, reducing overall device complexity.
4Productivity
If the liquid distributor is positioned close to the beverage/food substance, then extraction efficiency is improved, but the beverage/food substance may clog the distributor openings
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distributor is designed with non-uniform recess distribution and varying recess dimensions to create local quality variations in liquid flow. The recesses can have different diameters, depths, or angular orientations to optimize liquid distribution in different local areas of the capsule, improving extraction efficiency while maintaining sufficient distance from the beverage/food substance to prevent clogging.
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 liquid distributor ensures a more uniform extraction or dissolution of the beverage/food substance, improving the quality of the resulting drink or food by reducing liquid velocity and preventing clogging, while maintaining the capsule's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid distributor is provided, which distributes the liquid supply at least partially over the cross section of the portion capsule
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a single serve capsule having a capsule body, the walls and bottom of which delimit an interior in which a drink or food substance is provided, which is dissolved and/or extracted by means of a liquid, which is introduced into the single serve capsule, wherein a liquid distributor, which distributes a liquid supply at least partially over the cross section of the single serve capsule, is provided in the interior, in particular downstream of the liquid supply.