Capsule Nozzle Support Relocation for Volume Maximization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules have a support mechanism for the outlet nozzle that reduces the usable volume for holding beverage ingredients, making them inadequate for preparing larger quantities of liquid food, such as multiple cups of coffee or strong coffee beverages.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design where the support mechanism for the outlet nozzle is positioned on the side wall or inside the lid, allowing the receiving space to be maximized, and incorporating a perforated plate or valve plate to maintain the nozzle's position while minimizing flow resistance and preventing unintended liquid escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support material for the dispensing nozzle is positioned within the receiving chamber, then the nozzle is reliably held in place, but the usable volume for holding beverage ingredients is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is repositioned from the receiving chamber to the side wall of the capsule body, utilizing the lateral space rather than the vertical chamber volume. This dimensional relocation allows the support structure to be outside the receiving chamber while still providing stable nozzle positioning, thereby maximizing the usable volume for beverage ingredients.
2Reliability
If the support element is designed as a perforated plate, then the nozzle is reliably held and liquid flow resistance is minimized, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the dispensing nozzle, acts as a flow distribution plate to minimize liquid flow resistance, and serves as a structural component of the capsule body. By combining these functions into a single element, the design achieves reliable nozzle positioning and efficient liquid flow without requiring additional separate components, thus avoiding increased structural complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If the receiving chamber volume is increased to hold larger quantities of starting material, then the capsule can prepare multiple cups or stronger beverages, but the support mechanism for the nozzle becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is relocated from the receiving chamber to the side wall of the capsule body, utilizing lateral space rather than vertical chamber volume. This allows the receiving chamber to be maximized for holding larger quantities of starting material while the support element remains positioned to reliably hold the dispensing nozzle in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element integrated into the side wall automatically provides stable positioning for the dispensing nozzle through its structural design, eliminating the need for additional support mechanisms within the receiving chamber. This self-service approach ensures reliable nozzle positioning while maximizing the available volume for starting material.
Data Source
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AI summary
A capsule (1) for preparing a liquid foodstuff comprises a preferably rotationally symmetrical capsule body (2), a side wall (3), and a base (4), which is formed integrally with the side wall. The capsule (1) further comprises a lid (5) covering the capsule body (2) to form a receiving chamber (6) for at least one starting material for preparing the liquid foodstuff. A dispensing nozzle (7) with an inlet opening (8) and an outlet opening (9) is held in the capsule body (2) for dispensing the liquid foodstuff from the capsule (1). The outlet nozzle (7) is directed with its outlet opening (9) towards the inside of the lid (5). The outlet nozzle (7) may be held in the capsule body by at least one support element (10).The support means (10) engages the capsule body (2) at a side wall (3), in particular in an edge area (11), preferably at an inner shoulder (12) or at an inner edge (13).