Portion Capsule Liquid Distributor for Uniform Beverage Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portion capsules often produce beverages with inadequate taste due to inefficient extraction and dissolution of beverage/food substances by the liquid flow.
Innovation Solution
A portion capsule design featuring a liquid distributor inside the capsule, which distributes the liquid supply over the cross-section, reducing the liquid's impact speed on the substance and ensuring even extraction, using a plastic or porous component with recesses and a seal to maintain the substance in place during brewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid is supplied as a water jet directly to the beverage/food substance, then the extraction process is fast, but the liquid distribution is uneven and extraction quality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply is segmented into multiple streams through recesses in the liquid distributor base area, transforming a single water jet into multiple distributed flows that contact different regions of the beverage/food substance simultaneously, achieving both speed and uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid distributor component is introduced as an intermediary between the liquid supply and the beverage/food substance. This mediator distributes the liquid evenly across the cross-section of the capsule through its recesses, improving extraction uniformity while maintaining efficiency
2Productivity
If liquid distributor is positioned close to the beverage/food substance, then extraction efficiency is improved, but the substance may clog the openings or damage the capsule
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distributor base area is positioned at a specific distance from the beverage/food substance surface, creating an optimal local geometry that allows liquid distribution without direct contact. This spatial arrangement prevents clogging while maintaining extraction efficiency through the recesses
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid distributor pre-distributes the liquid into the capsule interior through openings in the lid before the liquid reaches the beverage/food substance, preparing an even distribution pattern that prevents clogging and damage while ensuring efficient extraction
3Manufacturing precision
If liquid distributor is made movable to improve distribution, then extraction uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid distributor is designed with movable side wall sections that can shift position dynamically during operation. This dynamic adjustment allows the distributor to adapt to different beverage/food substance positions and maintain optimal liquid distribution uniformity without requiring complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid distributor serves multiple functions: it distributes liquid, prevents clogging through its geometric design, and can move to adapt to different conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, managing device complexity while improving distribution uniformity
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 enhances the extraction process, improving the taste and quality of the resulting beverage by ensuring uniform distribution and reducing clogging, while maintaining the substance's position during transport and brewing.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid distributor is provided in the interior, in particular downstream of the liquid supply, which distributes the liquid supply at least partially over the cross section of the portion capsule
Implementation Method 2
The liquid distributor preferably has a base area with recesses through which the liquid flows and is distributed in the process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a portion capsule with a capsule body, the wall and base of which delimit an interior space in which a beverage/food substance is provided, which is dissolved and/or extracted by a liquid that is introduced into the portion capsule, in which Interior, in particular downstream of a liquid supply, a liquid distributor is provided, which at least partially distributes the liquid supply over the cross section of the portion capsule.