Capsule Sealing Element Retention via Pressurized Sidewall Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsules for preparing edible products, such as espresso coffee, face challenges in maintaining a fluid-tight seal during pressurized fluid flow due to lack of effective retention mechanisms for sealing means, leading to inefficiencies in construction and material usage.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a separate, ring-like sealing element with a first portion that contacts the rim region and a second, collar-like portion that fits onto the container part's sidewall, providing secure retention under pressurized conditions, allowing for simpler and more reliable sealing without additional geometric modifications or materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing means are provided as separate pieces requiring retention mechanisms, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing means are merged with the rim region to form an integral, unitary structure. The sealing means comprise a first portion in direct contact with the rim region and a second portion extending upstream, both formed as a single piece that is structurally integrated with the container part, eliminating the need for separate retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The rim region serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the lid part, creates a sealing surface, and acts as an integral retention structure for the sealing means. The sealing means themselves serve dual purposes by providing both sealing contact and structural integration with the container
2Reliability
If sealing means are retained under pressurized fitting on sidewall, then sealing reliability is improved, but material and energy usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention structure is merged with the rim region itself, which is already a necessary structural component of the capsule. The second portion of the sealing means extends upstream and is retained under pressurized fitting on the sidewall, but this retention function is achieved through the existing rim geometry rather than additional material
Solution Approach 2:
The rim region performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sealing surface for the sealing means, maintains structural integrity of the capsule opening, and serves as the retention structure for holding the sealing means in position under pressurized conditions
3Device complexity
If sealing means are provided as integral piece, then construction simplicity is improved, but ease of manufacture and reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing means are formed as an integral piece with the rim region through a single injection molding process. The container part and sealing means are created in one operation, ensuring structural integrity while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The injection molding process creates a multi-functional structure that simultaneously forms the container part, the rim region, and the sealing means with their various functions (containment, sealing, retention) all in a single manufacturing step
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 design ensures a more effective and reliable fluid-tight seal during beverage preparation, reducing material and energy usage while maintaining a simpler construction, ensuring consistent performance in beverage preparation devices.
Implementation Method 1
the second portion extends in a collar-like design upstream from the first portion and is adapted so that can be retained under pressurized fitting on the sidewall of the of the container part in the vicinity of the rim region
Implementation Method 2
the first portion is configured to be impinged by one of the capsule confining parts of said product preparation device being thereby pushed relative to the side wall of container part and pressed upon the rim region
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention refers to a capsule (1) adapted for containing an edible substance in sealed manner relative to oxygen and to be used in a beverage preparation device (10), whereby said capsule (1) presents a container part (2) and a sealing element (4) of annular shape provided as a loose piece, so that can be displaced along the side wall (22) and in the proximity of the upstream oriented surface of the rim region (24) of said container part (2), whereby said sealing element (4) is adapted so that can be pressed against said upstream-oriented surface of said rim region (24) when said capsule (1) is inside a product preparation device (10) in a position of readiness for preparing the product. The present invention further refers to a process of manufacturing a capsule (1) according to the present invention.