Capsule Perforation Geometry for Uniform Centrifugal Beverage Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage preparation devices using centrifugation suffer from blocked flow due to membrane accumulation on perforating members, which hinders the homogeneous distribution of the beverage exiting the capsule.

Innovation Solution

The use of perforating members with cutting edges arranged essentially parallel to the central axis, featuring a displacement portion and pressure release means, prevents membrane accumulation and ensures efficient drainage by creating clean, evenly distributed outlet openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If pyramidal or conically shaped perforating members with low angle of inclination are used, then the membrane can be perforated, but the membrane accumulates on the surface of the perforating member and blocks the beverage flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperforation qualityVSAvoidbeverage flow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the perforating member by providing cutting edges arranged essentially parallel to the central axis (angle of inclination between 80-100 degrees), rather than using traditional low-angle conical shapes. This parameter change prevents membrane accumulation while maintaining effective perforation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces asymmetric features through the displacement portion that is offset from the central axis, creating an asymmetric overall shape that prevents membrane material from accumulating on the surface while maintaining effective cutting action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional perforating members are used, then perforation can be achieved, but homogeneous beverage distribution is prevented due to blockages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperforation creationVSAvoidflow distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the angle parameter of the cutting edge to be essentially parallel to the central axis (80-100 degrees), the invention ensures clean perforations without membrane accumulation, thereby ensuring reliable and uniform beverage distribution through all outlet openings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the perforating member into distinct functional portions: a cutting edge portion for creating perforations and a displacement portion for preventing blockages. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its specific function without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If membrane accumulation occurs on perforating members, then perforation function is maintained, but beverage extraction efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperforation capabilityVSAvoidbeverage extraction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potentially harmful membrane accumulation into a beneficial displacement action. The displacement portion is specifically designed to push membrane material away from the outlet, transforming what would be a blockage into a mechanism that enhances beverage flow and extraction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 arrangement ensures a homogeneous beverage flow and prevents blockages, enhancing the efficiency of beverage extraction by minimizing residue adherence and optimizing centrifugal force utilization.

Implementation Method 1

The principle consists in preparing a beverage by passing a liquid through beverage ingredients contained in the capsule using centrifugal forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP2906087B1Beverage production device with perforating means and method for extracting a beverage from such device
Publication Date: 2016.08.31 NESTEC SA
  • EP2906087B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2906087B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2906087B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a beverage production device for preparing a beverage by means of extracting a food substance contained in a capsule (10), the device comprising capsule enclosing means (29,30) for housing a dedicated capsule (10) within the device, water supply means (25,27,28,29) for providing liquid to the enclosing means (29,30) and perforating means (20) provided within the enclosing means (29,30) for perforating the capsule (10) in order to produce outlet openings in the capsule for guiding the produced beverage out of the capsule, wherein the perforating means comprise at least two perforating members (20), each of the perforating members (20) comprising a cutting edge (1)formed by two outer cutting surfaces (2,3) joined at the cutting edge, wherein the cutting edge (1) is arranged essentially parallel to a central axis (X) of the enclosing means (29,30).