Beverage Capsule Membrane Perforation for Uniform High-Pressure Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing beverages from capsules, such as coffee, suffer from incomplete extraction and decreased extraction pressure due to the formation of preferential flow channels, leading to suboptimal flavor and texture, especially in the last phase of extraction.
Innovation Solution
A device and capsule system that ensures uniform water distribution and maintains counter pressure through a flexible membrane and perforating spikes, preventing preferential flow channels and maintaining high pressure throughout the extraction cycle, which enhances flavor extraction and froth generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single injection spike is used to inject water into the capsule, then the device complexity is reduced, but the water distribution becomes non-uniform and preferential flow channels form
Solution Approach 1:
The single injection spike is segmented into multiple injection spikes (at least two) that are distributed around the capsule perimeter. Each spike injects water into a different location, ensuring uniform water distribution across the capsule contents and preventing preferential flow channel formation while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the capsule are targeted with water injection through multiple spikes positioned at different locations. This ensures that each local region receives appropriate water injection, creating uniform overall distribution and preventing localized preferential flow paths.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple perforating spikes are used to distribute water, then water distribution uniformity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injection head is segmented into multiple simple spike elements rather than one complex element. Each spike is a simple perforating element, and their collective arrangement provides uniform distribution without requiring complex individual components or mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the capsule membrane is flexible and allows deformation, then complete extraction is achieved through pressure maintenance, but the capsule structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule utilizes a flexible membrane that can deform under pressure. This flexibility allows the membrane to bulge into the capsule contents during extraction, maintaining counter-pressure and ensuring complete extraction. The flexible film approach is simpler than rigid structures with moving parts.
4Productivity
If high pressure is maintained throughout extraction, then extraction completeness improves, but the risk of preferential flow channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
High pressure is applied through multiple distributed injection points rather than one concentrated point. This segmentation of pressure application ensures uniform distribution throughout the capsule contents, maintaining extraction completeness while preventing localized preferential flow channels even under high pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane responds to high pressure by deforming and bulging into the capsule contents, which distributes the pressure uniformly throughout the extraction medium. This prevents preferential flow channels while maintaining the high pressure needed for complete extraction.
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 system achieves complete and efficient extraction with improved flavor and texture, maintaining high pressure to ensure thorough extraction and rich flavor, while also enhancing froth recovery.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane (17) deforms under the effect of the pressure
Implementation Method 2
a flexible membrane (17) which closes sealingly the upper face of the capsule
Implementation Method 3
perforating means (25, 9) for perforating the membrane (17), wherein the perforating means comprises a plurality of perforating spikes (25)
Implementation Method 4
inject water under pressure through the membrane (17)
Implementation Method 5
preparing a beverage or a liquid foodstuff from a capsule containing a product with a substance to be extracted
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a beverage or a liquid foodstuff from a capsule containing a product with a substance to be extracted, the capsule having a flexible membrane (17) capable of deforming elastically or permanently to a considerable extent, comprising the steps of perforating a plurality of holes (26) distributed over the flexible membrane and of injecting water onto the flexible membrane, in such a manner that it deforms in the direction of the product inside the capsule and in that the water penetrates into the capsule via said holes. The size of the holes perforated by the perforating spikes is controlled by the level to which the capsule is filled or by the compactness of the product inside the capsule, so as to influence the hydraulic pressure differential ΔP between the two sides (17a, 17b) of the flexible membrane, in such a manner as to achieve an automatic adjustment of the compression of the product contained in the capsule.