Beverage Capsule Outlet Valve for Reduced Residual Dripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The issue of residual liquids and solids leaking from capsules after beverage production, leading to cross-contamination in machines used for different beverages, due to air entering the capsule and promoting the egress of liquids and solids from the water inlet side.
Innovation Solution
The capsule design incorporates valve means that selectively block or open the flow path between the ingredient compartment and the beverage outlet, using internal or external control mechanisms to manage pressure and airflow, and features such as contoured plates, flexible lips, and self-closing materials to prevent fluid and air flow after the production process is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the capsule is opened at the beverage outlet side to allow beverage extraction, then the beverage can flow out, but air enters the capsule and promotes residual liquid and solid egress from the water inlet side
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into two separate opening mechanisms: one at the water inlet side and one at the beverage outlet side. The valve means at the outlet side can be opened for beverage extraction while the inlet side remains sealed, preventing air entry that would cause dripping. This segmentation allows independent control of each opening to eliminate the harmful effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Valve means are introduced as intermediary components at the beverage outlet side to control air and liquid flow. These valves act as mediators that allow beverage extraction while preventing air from entering the capsule and promoting residual liquid egress. The valve means selectively block or open the flow path based on pressure conditions.
2Loss of substance
If residual liquids and solids leave the capsule after beverage production, then the capsule is emptied, but cross-contamination occurs in machines used for different beverages
Solution Approach 1:
The valve means are designed to prevent air from entering the capsule before the beverage production process completes. By blocking the outlet side during and after water injection, the system prevents the air pressure differential that would otherwise force residual liquids and solids out of the inlet side, thereby preventing cross-contamination before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is designed with pre-positioned valve means and flow path configurations that enable controlled opening and closing sequences. The valve means are arranged to close the outlet side before residual liquid can be forced out, and the inlet face is designed to close automatically after water injection, ensuring no residual material remains to cause contamination.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If valve means are added to control flow path selectively, then residual liquid and solid egress is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve means are designed to operate automatically based on pressure differential without requiring external control mechanisms. The valve opens when water injection creates positive pressure and closes when pressure equalizes or reverses, using the system's own pressure dynamics to control the flow path. This self-service operation minimizes additional complexity while achieving the desired flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is designed as a single-use disposable component with integrated valve means. Rather than creating a complex reusable system with sophisticated valve control mechanisms, the invention incorporates simple valve structures into a disposable capsule that is discarded after one use. This approach achieves effective flow control without the complexity of精密 reusable components.
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
This design significantly reduces the risk of residual liquids and solids leaving the capsule, minimizing cross-contamination by ensuring airtight closure and controlled fluid flow, thereby maintaining cleanliness and efficiency across different beverage production processes.
Implementation Method 1
A face of the ingredient compartment is designed for the release of beverage out of the ingredient compartment under the effect of the pressure building up inside the ingredient compartment
Implementation Method 2
slit or orifice valve formed as a pad or disc of resilient material and which opens under the pressure of the percolation fluid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~6c
AI summary
Capsule (1) containing ingredients for producing a beverage, wherein - the ingredients are housed in a compartment (3), - internal perforation means (5) are provided designed for opening the lower face (4) of the ingredient compartment (3) by having, caused by pressure inside ingredient compartment (3), the lower face (4) act against the internal perforation means (5), the capsule (1) being provided with valve means (15) arranged for selectively blocking the flow path from the lower face (4) of the ingredient compartment (3) to a beverage outlet (7) of the capsule (1) wherein, the valve means (15) are arranged to co-operate with a wall (6) of the capsule (1).