Beverage Capsule Slit Valve Prevents Dripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules for preparing coffee are complex to manufacture and result in excessive dripping after preparation, failing to prevent beverage loss and maintain crema quality.
Innovation Solution
A rotationally symmetrical capsule with a slit valve that opens under increasing liquid pressure, allowing for continuous dispensing and improved crema production, while preventing premature beverage escape and post-preparation dripping through a self-closing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a labyrinth structure is used downstream of the valve to calm the flow, then the beverage flow is calmed and mixed, but a large quantity of beverage is temporarily stored which continues to drip out after the preparation process has ended
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful function of the labyrinth structure (temporarily storing beverage that continues to drip) while retaining its useful function (calming and mixing flow). The outlet nozzle is redesigned to provide flow calming and mixing without creating a large temporary storage volume, thereby eliminating post-preparation dripping.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a labyrinth structure that creates excessive storage volume, the invention inverts the approach by designing an outlet nozzle that achieves flow calming through a different geometric configuration that minimizes temporary beverage storage, thus preventing continued dripping after preparation.
2Reliability
If a valve structure is used to prevent beverage escape, then premature beverage escape is prevented, but the structure becomes complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the valve function with the outlet nozzle structure. The outlet nozzle is designed with an integrated valve mechanism where the valve element is formed as part of the nozzle assembly, eliminating the need for separate valve components and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable beverage containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet nozzle structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the beverage discharge pathway and the valve mechanism. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall structure, reducing the number of parts and manufacturing steps while ensuring reliable prevention of premature beverage escape.
3Manufacturing precision
If a slit valve is used to generate shear forces for crema production, then crema quality is improved, but the valve design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a specific slit geometry within the outlet nozzle that generates the necessary shear forces for crema production. The slit is positioned and dimensioned to optimize shear force generation at the point of beverage discharge, achieving high crema quality without requiring complex overall valve design.
Solution Approach 2:
The slit valve design incorporates dynamic characteristics where the slit opening can vary during the brewing process in response to pressure changes. This dynamic behavior enhances crema production by optimizing shear force generation throughout the beverage flow, while the simple geometric structure maintains ease of manufacture.
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 capsule enables easy and cost-effective production, suppresses post-preparation dripping, and ensures consistent crema quality by utilizing a slit valve that opens under pressure, ensuring efficient beverage dispensing and maintaining aroma integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a slit valve (14) that opens further under increasing liquid pressure in the substance chamber (3) in such a way that the slit valve (14) opens directly into the outlet nozzle (5) and in particular generates a jet of beverages
Implementation Method 2
The design of the valve as a slit valve means that an increased shearing effect is achieved in the beverage while the cross-sectional area remains the same. In this way, an improved crema is produced, particularly when making coffee.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a capsule (1) for preparing a beverage, comprising a preferably rotation-symmetrically designed capsule body (2), which delimits a substance chamber (3), in whole or in part, for receiving at least one substance (4), a preferably centrally arranged outlet port (5) having an outlet opening (6) and a lid (8) for sealing the substance chamber (3). A liquid can be introduced into the substance chamber (3) and discharged through the outlet opening (6). A slit valve (14), which opens under a rising liquid pressure in the substance chamber (3), is arranged between the substance chamber (3) and the outlet port (5), such that the slit valve (14) opens directly into the outlet port (5) and produces a beverage stream.