Capsule for use in a food preparation machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines face high costs and complexity in capsule identification systems, which are essential for determining preparation parameters such as temperature and volume of ingredients.
Innovation Solution
The development of a capsule with a resilient deformable portion that deforms elastically or plastically when inserted into the machine, allowing operational data to be transmitted through pressure-sensitive mechanisms, enabling the machine to set parameters like temperature and volume based on the capsule's mechanical deformation properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional capsule identification systems are used, then preparation parameters can be determined, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical, magnetic, or RFID identification systems with a simple mechanical pressure-sensitive system. The capsule's resilient portion deforms under machine cavity pressure, and this mechanical deformation directly actuates a pressure-sensitive element in the machine to transmit identification data, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, readers, or complex signal processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule itself serves as the identification medium through its mechanical properties. The resilient portion's deformation characteristics (degree of compression, force required) inherently encode identification information about the capsule type, allowing the system to self-identify without external active components or power sources in the capsule.
2Measurement precision
If traditional capsule identification systems are used, then preparation parameters can be determined, but the system becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable capsule with an integrated resilient identification portion that can be mass-produced at low cost using standard injection molding or similar processes. The pressure-sensitive element in the machine is a simple, durable mechanical component with no moving parts or electronics, significantly reducing manufacturing costs compared to electronic identification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing expensive electronic, optical, or magnetic identification systems with a simple mechanical pressure-deformation system, the patent dramatically reduces component costs, manufacturing complexity, and maintenance requirements while maintaining reliable capsule type identification.
3Ease of manufacture
If a resilient deformable portion is added to the capsule, then data integration becomes cost-effective, but the capsule structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the capsule's structural body with the identification function by integrating the resilient deformable portion directly into the capsule housing or closure. This single integrated component serves both structural containment and data transmission functions, eliminating the need for separate identification attachments or complex multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variations in the resilient portion's physical parameters (material hardness, geometry, thickness, deformation force characteristics) to encode different capsule identification information. Different capsule types have resilient portions with distinct mechanical properties that produce unique deformation responses, allowing identification without additional components or markings.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and reliable method for integrating data into the capsule structure, allowing for accurate and efficient reading of preparation parameters, reducing the complexity of identification systems and ensuring consistent beverage preparation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one machine operational data is function of the elastic deformation properties of the resilient portion
Implementation Method 2
allowing operational data to be transmitted through pressure-sensitive mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a capsule (11) for containing a food ingredient, adapted to be functionally inserted in the cavity of a food preparation machine (1), characterized in that said capsule (11) comprises at least one resilient portion (17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 38) that is deformable when said capsule is inserted into the machine cavity, and/or when said cavity is closed, and in that at least one machine operational data is function of the elastic deformation properties of the resilient portion.