Capsule Rim Seal Formation for Leak-Free Beverage Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage production systems face issues with sealing engagement between the liquid inlet and beverage draining side, leading to potential leaks and reduced pressure build-up, which affects the quality of extracted beverages, especially in espresso-style coffee production.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to apply a resilient rubber-elastic sealing composition onto the capsule, specifically onto the rim portion, which migrates towards the side wall upon heating, forming a continuous L-shaped sealing portion for effective water-tight sealing, reducing the need for built-in sealing means in the production device and minimizing material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If built-in sealing means are integrated into the beverage production device, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of integrating sealing means into the beverage production device, the invention inverts the approach by providing sealing means as integral parts of the capsules themselves. The capsule includes sealing portions that engage with the device's enclosing means, transferring the sealing function from the device to the disposable capsule.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing means are provided as part of the disposable capsule rather than as permanent components of the expensive beverage production device. Each new capsule includes fresh sealing portions that ensure reliable sealing, eliminating the need for maintenance of sealing components in the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If sealing composition is applied precisely at the intersection of rim and side wall, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but application precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidapplication precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing composition is applied to the rim portion at a predetermined distance from the side wall intersection before the capsule is used. This preliminary application allows the composition to migrate to the correct position during heating, ensuring proper sealing without requiring precise application at the final location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes temperature as a parameter to control the migration of sealing composition. By heating the capsule, the sealing composition migrates from its initial application position to the side wall intersection, where it cures to form the sealing portion. This temperature-driven migration simplifies the application process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If heating is applied to migrate sealing composition towards side wall, then sealing position accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing position accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing composition undergoes a phase transition or mobility change when heated, allowing it to migrate from the rim portion to the side wall intersection. The heating provides the energy needed for this migration, after which the composition cures to form the final sealing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 ensures a proper and hygienic sealing process with reduced maintenance and cleaning requirements, maintaining beverage quality by preventing leaks and ensuring sufficient pressure build-up within the capsule during extraction.

Implementation Method 1

heating said applied sealing composition such that the sealing composition at least partially migrates towards the side wall until it reaches the side wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal migration: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

curing the sealing composition after the migration towards the side wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCuring: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS8980347B2Method for applying a liquid seal rubber to a capsule

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE SA

AI summary

The present invention proposes a method for providing a rubber-elastic sealing member onto a capsule (1) intended for producing a beverage in a beverage production device, wherein the capsule has a body portion (3) having a side wall (3a) and a flange-like rim portion (2), wherein the rim portion (2) extends from the side wall (3a) of the body portion (3), the method comprising the steps of: —applying an uncured sealing composition (4) in a liquid or viscous state onto the rim portion (2) of the capsule (1), —heating said applied sealing composition (4) such that the sealing composition at least partially migrates towards the side wall (3a) until it reaches the side wall, and—curing the sealing composition (4) after the migration towards the side wall (3a).