Beverage Capsule Peeling and Vibration Mixing for Clean Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage dispensing systems face challenges with slow filtration rates, contamination, and residue issues, especially when dispensing cold drinks, as powder does not dissolve effectively, leading to poor quality output and unsightly residue in machines.

Innovation Solution

A single-serve beverage system using proprietary capsules that mix powder or liquid with filtered water, employing a peeling mechanism to access the capsule contents, ensuring effective mixing and minimal residue, with optional vibration for complete mixing and a finishing stream for uniform distribution in the glass.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If powder is mixed with cold liquid in a capsule, then the beverage can be dispensed quickly and hygienically, but the powder does not dissolve effectively leading to residue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage dispensing speedVSAvoidpowder dissolution completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibration element that contacts the capsule during the mixing process. This vibration agitates the powder-liquid mixture inside the capsule, enhancing dissolution and preventing residue formation while maintaining quick dispensing speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters of the mixing process by introducing vibration frequency and amplitude as additional parameters. This transforms the mixing mechanism from simple fluid agitation to a multi-parameter process involving mechanical oscillation, improving dissolution effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a filter is provided in a sealed receptacle with a support member, then the filter structure is stable, but the flow rate of beverage is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter structure stabilityVSAvoidbeverage flow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the filtration system by separating the filter element from the support structure. The filter is positioned to hang freely into the capsule cavity without a rigid support member behind it, allowing the filter to conform to the cavity shape while maintaining structural integrity through proper positioning and support at key points only.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of supporting the filter from below with a rigid structure, the patent inverts the approach by allowing the filter to be supported primarily from above and at its edges, letting it drape into the capsule cavity. This inversion of the support concept eliminates the blocking effect while maintaining filter stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Loss of time

If the capsule is opened by puncture or pressure mechanism, then the capsule can be opened quickly, but powder residue remains and cross-contamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapsule opening timeVSAvoidpowder residue and cross-contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful effects of traditional opening mechanisms by eliminating puncture and pressure-pop methods. Instead, it uses a peeling mechanism that removes the capsule lid in a controlled manner, extracting the lid from the capsule body without forcing contents out violently, thus preventing residue and contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a peeling mechanism as an intermediary between the capsule and the user. This mechanism gently separates the lid from the capsule body through a peeling action rather than direct force, mediating the opening process to avoid spilling powder contents and creating contamination risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 beverage dispensing with improved hydration options, reducing carbon emissions and waste, while being eco-friendly and easy to recycle, with no cross-contamination and easy cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

A mixing stream mixes the capsule contents with water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid agitation: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

optional vibration for complete mixing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS9526371B2Capsule based system for preparing and dispensing a beverage

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 ADG DEVELOPMENT LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to dispensing of a substance from a container by means of a dispensing apparatus. Specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to (1) a container and (2) the automated method for opening such container and (3) the automated method of dispensing of the contents from such container into a customer receptacle or glass.