Beverage Capsule Annular Trough Sealing Against Bypass Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems face challenges in achieving effective sealing during the interaction of pressurized liquid with beverage ingredients, leading to potential bypass flows and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The capsule design features an annular trough that undergoes plastic deformation upon closure, forming sealing interfaces with both the leading edge and outer face of the enclosing member, ensuring a tight seal and preventing bypass flows by conforming to the shape of grooves or indentations, thus enhancing the sealing interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated sealing member is provided on the outer surface of the capsule, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from a separate dedicated sealing member and integrated into the capsule wall itself through the annular groove feature. The groove is formed directly in the capsule wall during manufacturing, eliminating the need for additional sealing components while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the capsule wall structure. The annular groove is formed as an integral feature of the capsule wall, combining the structural function of the wall with the sealing function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If a dedicated sealing member is provided on the capsule, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from a separate dedicated sealing member and integrated into the capsule wall itself through the annular groove feature. The groove is formed directly in the capsule wall during manufacturing, eliminating the need for additional sealing components while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged with the capsule wall structure. The annular groove is formed as an integral feature of the capsule wall, combining the structural function of the wall with the sealing function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing.
3Ease of manufacture
If the capsule structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing cost, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates due to potential bypass flows
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule wall is given different local properties: the annular groove creates a localized sealing zone with enhanced sealing capability, while the rest of the capsule wall maintains its standard structure. This localized modification provides effective sealing without requiring complex changes to the entire capsule structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular groove is pre-formed in the capsule wall during manufacturing, creating a prepared sealing interface before the capsule is used. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the enclosing member closes, the sealing interface is already optimally positioned and shaped, preventing bypass flows without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
4Reliability
If the enclosing member is designed with grooves or indentations to enhance sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the capsule must be adapted to conform, increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the enclosing member conform to grooves in the capsule, the approach is inverted: the capsule is given the annular groove feature that actively receives and conforms to the enclosing member's leading edge. This reversal simplifies the enclosing member design while achieving the same sealing effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule wall is designed with specific geometric parameters for the annular groove (depth, width, positioning) that allow it to undergo controlled plastic deformation during closure. These parameter changes enable the capsule to conform to the enclosing member's shape, creating an effective sealing interface without requiring complex features in either component.
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 economical solution for beverage preparation systems, ensuring effective sealing and efficient production of beverages by preventing bypass flows and maintaining the integrity of the seal during the brewing process.
Implementation Method 1
The side wall is adapted to undergo plastic deformation during closure of the enclosing member
Data Source
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AI summary
A beverage producing system is provided comprising a capsule containing beverage ingredients and a beverage preparation machine. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body and a lid; the cup-shaped body having a base and a side wall and the lid being sealed to the cup-shaped body. Prior to insertion, the side wall comprises: - an annular trough being dimensioned to receive an enclosing member of the beverage preparation machine on movement of the enclosing member into a closed position; - a first side wall section extending between the base and the annular trough; and - a second side wall section extending between the annular trough and a rim of the capsule. A cup-shaped body, a capsule and a method are also disclosed.