Beverage Capsule Sealing Ring Structure for Leak-Free Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules face issues with liquid leakage during preparation due to fine sealing structures, which are difficult to produce in metal materials and problematic to recycle, and existing solutions involving silicone or absorbent materials either harm the environment or provide inadequate sealing.
Innovation Solution
A metal capsule with a sealing ring made from absorbent material, such as paper-based blotting paper, integrated with a groove and bearing surfaces to form a reliable seal, ensuring minimal leakage and easy recyclability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a silicone-based sealing ring is applied onto the lower wall of the rim, then liquid leakage is limited, but the capsule becomes difficult to recycle due to combustion issues
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is extracted as a separate, removable component from the capsule body. This allows the sealing ring to be detached before recycling the metal capsule, enabling the capsule to be recycled without the combustion problems associated with silicone rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring material is changed from silicone (petrochemical origin, harmful when combusted) to an alternative material that provides adequate sealing performance but is compatible with recycling processes. This material substitution resolves the contradiction between sealing reliability and recyclability.
2Reliability
If a sealing structure with inner and outer crowns and sealing lip is formed on metal capsules, then leakage is limited, but the very fine dimensions cannot be produced by stamping
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is segmented into distinct components (sealing ring, bearing surfaces, groove) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. The sealing ring can be produced by stamping or other suitable processes, then attached to the capsule rim, avoiding the need to form very fine complex sealing structures directly on the metal capsule.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing ring acts as an intermediary element between the capsule rim and the piston peripheral edge. This intermediary component provides the necessary sealing function without requiring the metal capsule itself to have complex fine-dimensioned sealing features that are difficult to stamp.
3Ease of manufacture
If absorbent material ring is used for sealing, then the capsule is easier to recycle, but liquid leakage risk remains significant
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing solution uses a composite structure combining an absorbent material ring with axial bearing surfaces formed on the capsule rim. This composite approach leverages the recyclability advantage of absorbent materials while adding bearing surfaces that provide mechanical guidance and enhance sealing reliability through controlled contact with the piston peripheral edge.
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 solution effectively seals the capsule during beverage preparation, minimizing liquid leakage and facilitating easy recycling with reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing ring made from absorbent materials like paper-based or cardboard, which is securely attached to the rim and forms a groove with axial bearing surfaces to ensure a tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a capsule for containing a substance for preparing a beverage by placing the capsule in the cavity of a piston. The capsule has a body with a rim and a sealing ring which is attached to the lower wall of the rim. The sealing ring has an upper face bearing on the lower wall of the ring and a free lower face. The capsule has an inner bearing surface and an outer bearing surface each projecting from the rim forming a groove that is arranged to sealingly receive the peripheral edge of the piston during the preparation of the beverage. At least the outer bearing surface is formed on an inner wall of a ring and formed in one part on the free lower face of the sealing ring.