Infusion Capsule Bottom Wall Tearable Inlet Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsules for infusion products often fail to ensure effective water entry and may experience issues with water inlet openings during storage and infusion, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a cup-like structure with a bottom wall that includes tearable portions and a hinge portion, allowing for efficient water inlet through the bottom wall instead of the lid, which can be torn either manually or by pressure, and is made of biodegradable plastic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If holes are made in the lid for water inlet, then water can enter the capsule, but it causes problems during storage and infusion
Solution Approach 1:
The tearable portions are pre-configured in the bottom wall but remain intact during storage. When water pressure is applied during infusion, the tearable portions automatically tear open to create water inlet openings, ensuring reliable sealed storage while enabling effective water inlet during use
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making holes in the lid for water inlet as in conventional capsules, this invention places tearable portions in the bottom wall, inverting the traditional location of water inlet openings. This allows the lid to remain sealed during storage while enabling water entry from the bottom during infusion
2Strength
If the bottom wall is made thick for structural strength, then the capsule is more durable, but water cannot penetrate through effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall is segmented into different regions: thick hinge portions for structural strength and durability, and thin tearable portions for effective water penetration. This segmentation allows each region to fulfill its specific function optimally
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bottom wall have different thicknesses tailored to their specific functions. The hinge portions are thickened to provide structural support, while the tearable portions are thinner to facilitate easy tearing and effective water inlet when activated
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 provides a reliable and versatile water inlet system, ensuring efficient infusion and compatibility with various beverage extraction machines, regardless of their perforation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
hot water is injected under pressure into the cup through holes made in the lid
Implementation Method 2
said bottom wall at least one tearable portion defining an opening for inlet of the water
Data Source
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AI summary
A capsule for infusion products (1) of the type comprising a cuplike structure (2) made of plastic material defined by a bottom wall (4) and by a side wall (3), and a lid (6), which is set for closing the cuplike structure (2) and through which the infusion prepared exits. The bottom wall (4) comprises at least one tearable portion (7) defining an opening for inlet of the water and a hinge portion (9), about which the tearable portion (7) turns.