Capsule Membrane Absorption Region for Optical Code Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Beverage preparation machines often fail to properly sense capsule information due to moisture interference between the camera and optical code, leading to impaired preparation or cessation of beverage production.

Innovation Solution

A capsule design featuring a membrane with a moisture absorption region that can absorb at least 0.1 mg/cm² of water, ensuring reliable optical code sensing by absorbing moisture and maintaining clear visibility for the sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a membrane with code region is used for capsule identification, then capsule information can be optically detected, but moisture in the beverage preparation machine impairs the sensing of the optical code

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode sensing accuracyVSAvoidmoisture interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An absorption region is introduced as an intermediary element between the moisture environment and the code region. This absorption region acts as a mediator that captures and removes moisture before it can interfere with the optical sensing of the code, thereby protecting the measurement process without altering the code itself or the sensing mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful moisture present in the beverage preparation machine is converted into a beneficial effect by using it to activate the absorption region. The moisture that would normally impair code sensing is instead utilized to trigger the absorption mechanism, which then removes excess moisture and creates optimal conditions for optical detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If moisture absorption-ability is increased to absorb more water, then code sensing reliability is improved, but the membrane structure and material selection become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode sensing reliabilityVSAvoidmembrane structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is segmented into functionally distinct regions: a code region for information storage and an absorption region for moisture management. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, with the absorption region dedicated to moisture control and the code region dedicated to information encoding, thereby achieving high reliability without requiring the entire membrane structure to be complex

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If the absorption region absorbs water quickly, then code sensing can be performed faster, but the amount of moisture that can be absorbed may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode sensing speedVSAvoidmoisture absorption capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The absorption region is designed to perform partial absorption - it absorbs sufficient moisture to clear the optical path for code sensing, but does not need to absorb all moisture in the system. This partial action approach achieves the necessary sensing speed while avoiding the complexity and potential harm of excessive moisture absorption that could affect other capsule components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enhances the reliability and speed of code sensing, allowing the beverage preparation machine to accurately read the capsule information and prepare beverages effectively even in moist environments.

Implementation Method 1

the absorption region is able to absorb water in an amount of at least 0.1 mg/cm²

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoisture absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240286825A1Capsule, system comprising such a capsule and method implementing such a system for preparing a beverage product

Publication Date: 2024.08.29 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a capsule (1), for preparing a beverage product, comprising: —a body (2) defining a cavity configured to contain a comestible product, —a membrane (12) configured to be fastened to the body (2) so as to close the cavity, wherein the membrane (12) defines an outer region (14) that faces away from the cavity when the membrane (12) closes the cavity, wherein the membrane (12) comprises a code region (20) located at the outer region (14), the code region (20) including a code (21) carrying capsule information, the code (21) being optically detectable, and wherein the outer region (14) comprises an absorption region (22) having a moisture absorption-ability selected so as to absorb water in an amount of at least 0.1 mg/cm2.