Liquid Capsule Separator Dispensing for Clean Beverage Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems require compressing the container to discharge the substance, leading to messiness and cumbersome cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design with a liquid discharging portion and a slidably mounted separator, where the separator is actuated through an accessing region to discharge the liquid without compressing the container body, using a break-off closure or peeling mechanism for unsealing the dispensing channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the container body is compressed to discharge the substance, then the substance can be expelled from the container, but the dispensing apparatus becomes messy and requires frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into distinct functional zones: a sealing portion with a break-off closure that can be separated from the body, and a dispensing portion. This segmentation allows the sealing mechanism to be detached and discarded separately, preventing contamination of the dispensing apparatus and eliminating cleaning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing closure is extracted as a separate, removable component from the container body. The break-off closure can be detached and removed entirely after use, taking any residual substance or contamination with it, thereby preventing messiness in the dispensing apparatus.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a break-off closure is used to seal the dispensing channel, then the liquid can be discharged cleanly, but the container structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The break-off closure is applied locally only at the dispensing channel opening rather than sealing the entire container. This localized sealing approach provides the necessary function of clean discharge while minimizing structural complexity to only where it is most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The break-off closure is pre-configured with a fracture line or weakening feature that allows it to be easily broken off at the point of use. This preliminary preparation enables simple, clean discharge without requiring complex opening mechanisms.
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
Enables clean and efficient dispensing of liquid substances without compressing the container, reducing mess and simplifying the cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
the separator can be actuated to slide in a liquid discharging direction in order to discharge the liquid substance through the liquid discharging portion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a capsule containing a liquid substance for the preparation of edible/drinkable products, said capsule comprising: a) a body defining a filling cavity filled with the liquid substance, said body having i) a liquid discharging portion, provided at a first end of said body, through which said liquid substance can be discharged from said body, and ii) an accessing region provided at a second end of said body! and b) at least one separator slidably mounted in said body, wherein said separator can be actuated to slide in a liquid discharging direction in order to discharge said liquid substance through said liquid discharging portion, wherein the actuation of said separator is applied through the accessing region.