Beverage Capsule Sealing Flange for Grooved Brewer Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems face challenges in maintaining a reliable fluid-tight seal between the capsule and the enclosing member, especially when the annular end surface of the enclosing member has radially extending open grooves, which can lead to leakage at low fluid pressures and inadequate sealing at higher pressures.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a deformable sealing ring portion integrated into the flange with support members that allow local deformation to accommodate the shape of the annular end surface, ensuring a reliable seal at both low and high clamping pressures, even with radially extending open grooves on the enclosing member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the annular end surface of the enclosing member is provided with radially extending open grooves to facilitate capsule removal, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to potential leakage at low fluid pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure utilizes a flexible flange made of elastomeric or plastomeric material that can deform to accommodate the grooves on the annular end surface. This flexible membrane approach allows the seal to conform to the grooved surface while maintaining fluid-tight sealing, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation (grooves for removal) and sealing reliability (preventing leakage).
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure changes its physical state from undeformed to deformed under fluid pressure. At low pressures, the flange remains relatively flat for easy capsule insertion and removal. At operating pressures, the flange deforms to seal against the grooves, transforming the sealing interface dynamically based on pressure conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a deformable sealing structure is used to accommodate variations in enclosing member surface shape, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to the need for consistent deformation behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is constructed from elastomeric or plastomeric materials with controlled physical properties that ensure predictable deformation behavior. This flexibility allows adaptation to various enclosing member surface configurations while the material consistency maintains reliable sealing performance across production batches.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure may incorporate composite construction combining elastomeric/plastomeric materials with reinforcing elements or layered structures. This composite approach provides both the necessary flexibility for adaptation and the structural consistency required for predictable manufacturing performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the flange is made of elastomeric or plastomeric material to enable deformation for sealing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but structural strength deteriorates compared to rigid materials
Solution Approach 1:
The flange utilizes elastomeric or plastomeric materials that can be easily molded and formed during capsule manufacturing, significantly simplifying production compared to rigid materials. These materials provide sufficient functional strength for the sealing application while maintaining the flexibility needed for deformation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the flange material are optimized for the specific operating conditions. The elastomeric/plastomeric materials exhibit appropriate strength, elasticity, and deformation characteristics that balance manufacturing ease with operational requirements, providing sufficient strength for sealing while remaining manufacturable.
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 design provides an effective sealing contact during both initial and high-pressure stages of brewing, allowing up to 4% leakage without compromising the beverage preparation process, making it suitable for a wide range of commercially available devices and manufacturing at low costs.
Implementation Method 1
the deformable sealing ring portion has at least one support member between the inner and outer wall portions, which support member allows the bridge portion to accommodate to the shape of the annular end surface when clamped between the annular end surface and the closing member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A capsule containing a substance for the preparation of a beverage by supplying a fluid under pressure into the capsule. The capsule has an aluminum capsule body with an outwardly extending flange and a cover sheet attached to the flange and hermetically closing off the capsule. A deformable sealing ring portion of the flange projects axially from base portions of the flange, to which said cover is attached. The deformable sealing ring portion has an inner wall portion extending from and contiguous with an inner base portion of the flange, an outer wall portion extending from and contiguous with an outer base portion of said flange and a bridge portion interconnecting the inner wall portion and the outer wall portion. The bridge portion is located axially spaced from the base portions of the flange. A support member is arranged between the inner and outer wall portions.