Beverage Capsule Opening and Mixing for Fast Residue-Free Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage dispensing systems face challenges with slow flow rates, contamination, and residue issues when mixing powder with liquid, particularly in cold beverage systems, leading to poor quality output and unsightly residue.

Innovation Solution

A single-serve beverage system using a proprietary capsule-based system that mixes powder or liquid with filtered water, featuring a cracking and peeling mechanism to efficiently open the capsule, ensuring effective mixing and minimal residue, with optional features like encoded information for recipe adjustment and a dispenser design that minimizes contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a filter is provided in a sealed receptacle with a support member that supports the filter, then the filter is supported and structured to release filtered beverage, but when the filter is wetted it sags and conforms with the support member which blocks the output of the filter, providing low flow rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter support structureVSAvoidbeverage flow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional filter support approach by positioning the filter above the support member rather than having the support member beneath the filter. This inversion prevents the filter from sagging onto the support member's opening, maintaining unobstructed flow path while still providing structural support through the support member's peripheral engagement with the filter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If only the bottom area of the receptacle is available for filtration flow, then the device can be used upright, but the filtration process becomes slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupright usageVSAvoidfiltration speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from vertical-only filtration (bottom area only) to multi-directional filtration by enabling the receptacle to function in inverted orientation. This dimensional change allows the top area to become the filtration surface when inverted, effectively doubling the available filtration area and speed while maintaining upright usability through the support member's stable engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If a disposable container with a large reservoir on top is used, then the device can be disposable and simple, but the coffee is exposed to air where it can easily get stale or contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisposable simple designVSAvoidair exposure contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible foil lid that seals the beverage compartment and can be punctured by the support member. This thin film approach maintains the disposable simplicity while providing an airtight seal that prevents contamination until the moment of use, when the puncture creates a controlled opening for beverage dispensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Loss of time

If powder is mixed with cold liquid in a capsule, then the beverage can be prepared quickly, but the powder will not dissolve effectively leading to poor quality output and residue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage preparation timeVSAvoidpowder dissolution quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a vibrating element that contacts the powder in the capsule during the mixing process. This mechanical vibration agitates the powder-liquid mixture, significantly enhancing dissolution efficiency and preventing residue formation while maintaining rapid beverage preparation, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and dissolution quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 provides convenient, cost-effective, and hygienic production of various beverages, reducing waste and carbon emissions, while ensuring improved hydration and space savings, with capsules costing significantly less than traditional bottled beverages.

Implementation Method 1

The mixing stream creates a vortex within the capsule to mix the mixing stream with the slurry and further dissolve the mixing agents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

The pre-wetting stream mixes with the dry powder in the capsule to create a slurry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS9320382B2Capsule based system for preparing and dispensing a beverage

Publication Date: 2016.04.26 ADG DEVELOPMENT LLC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for dispensing of a substance from a capsule . More specifically, (1) a capsule, (2) a beverage dispenser for receiving the capsule, and (3) mechanisms within the beverage dispenser that automatically open the capsule and rotate the capsule while mixing a beverage within the capsule to pour into a user beverage container or glass. The apparatus and method for cracking and peeling open the capsule provides a more hygienic approach to capsule-based beverage systems.