Single-Serve Capsule Multi-Jet Mixing for Uniform Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems with soluble substances fail to achieve homogeneous dissolution due to the formation of a core vortex region and insufficient mixing in the outer chamber, especially in horizontal configurations.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design with an inner chamber and injection element that directs liquid jets through central openings at an angle to the central axis, creating a turbulent flow for enhanced mixing, using multiple injection ports oriented in different directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If liquid is injected at an angle to create a vortex for mixing, then mixing is improved, but a core vortex region forms where no stirring occurs and outer region mixing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is segmented into multiple injection openings (at least two, preferably three or four) distributed around the central axis. Each opening creates a separate jet that contributes to overall mixing, ensuring that no single core region remains unstirred while covering all areas of the chamber including the outer regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection openings are positioned asymmetrically relative to the chamber center, with each opening located at a specific radial distance and angular position. The jets are directed at angles between 30°-60° relative to the chamber wall, creating asymmetric flow patterns that prevent the formation of a stable vortex core and ensure comprehensive mixing coverage.
2Productivity
If injection pressure is increased to improve mixing, then dissolution is enhanced, but friction with cup wall prevents sufficient vortex development in outer region
Solution Approach 1:
The injection strategy transitions from a single-axis vortex approach to a multi-dimensional jet distribution system. Jets are introduced from multiple locations and angles, creating three-dimensional flow patterns that penetrate both inner and outer chamber regions simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of wall friction that restricts two-dimensional vortex development.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the chamber receive tailored injection characteristics. Inner region jets may be directed more centrally while outer region jets are angled to penetrate toward the center, with each local area optimized for its specific mixing requirements. This ensures that friction-limited outer regions still achieve sufficient mixing through locally optimized jet trajectories.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capsule is oriented horizontally for preparation, then certain areas do not contact water due to jet direction, but complete dissolution is required
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is designed with universal coverage capability through multiple injection openings positioned and angled to handle various capsule orientations. The multi-jet configuration ensures that regardless of whether the capsule is horizontal or vertical, at least some jets will effectively contact and mix all regions of the soluble substance, making the system adaptable to different preparation module configurations.
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
Ensures complete and uniform dissolution of the soluble substance by preventing the formation of a laminar vortex, achieving efficient mixing regardless of capsule orientation.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially laminar vortex is not formed, but rather a turbulent flow is created inside the capsule. It has been shown that this results in particularly good mixing between the liquid and the soluble substance
Implementation Method 2
injecting the liquid into a chamber containing the food substance at an angle to a vertical center plane. This is done to create a vortex around the center of the chamber, which mixes the liquid with the substance
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a single-serve capsule comprising an outer cup (2) having a lid (4) and having a chamber (8) designed in the interior of the cup, said chamber comprising a soluble substance and a centre axis (10). An injection element (3) is also provided which delimits the chamber (8) with respect to a cover side or a bottom side and which has at least one injection opening (7). The injection opening is designed such that liquid conveyed through the opening towards the chamber is injected in a jet into the chamber, said jet extending in a plane running through the centre axis (10) and at an angle to the centre axis.