Capsule Packaging Vacuum Degassing Coffee Aroma
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Solution Overview
Problem
The packaging of coffee beverage powders in capsules leads to gas evolution, which can cause pressure buildup and aroma loss due to degassing before sealing, resulting in compromised flavor and shelf life.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves creating a vacuum within the capsule before sealing to compensate for the pressure generated by evolved gases, allowing limited degassing to occur within the sealed capsule, thereby preserving aroma and flavor while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If coffee is hermetically sealed without prior degassing, then aroma compounds are preserved, but gas pressure buildup may cause container rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter inside the container by creating a vacuum (reducing pressure) to compensate for the gas pressure generated by coffee degassing. This allows the container to maintain integrity while preserving aroma compounds, resolving the contradiction between preventing rupture and avoiding prior degassing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by creating a vacuum inside the container before sealing, which counteracts the future gas pressure buildup from coffee degassing. This preemptive measure prevents container rupture while allowing the coffee to retain its aromatic compounds.
2Reliability
If coffee is degassed before packaging, then gas pressure buildup is prevented, but aromatic compounds are lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing gas through degassing, the patent changes the pressure parameter by creating a vacuum inside the container. This compensates for gas pressure buildup while keeping aromatic compounds inside the container, thus preventing both rupture and aroma loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of gas pressure buildup into a beneficial situation by using the vacuum to accommodate the gas. The gas that would normally cause rupture is now contained within the vacuum environment, preserving both container integrity and aroma.
3Reliability
If degassing time is extended, then gas pressure is reduced, but volatile aromatic compounds are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for extended degassing time by changing the pressure parameter through vacuum creation. This allows immediate sealing after minimal degassing, preserving aromatic compounds while controlling gas pressure through the vacuum environment.
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 approach reduces degassing time, preserves volatile compounds, and ensures a stable internal pressure compatible with a 12-month shelf life, enhancing the flavor and aroma of the coffee beverage.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum is created within the capsule before sealing
Data Source
Figure 1A~1H
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for packaging in a capsule a beverage powder tending to evolve a gas, said capsule comprising a capsule body (103) defining a cavity (106) containing a quantity of beverage powder, said cavity being hermetically sealed up comprises the following steps: - providing a quantity of said beverage powder evolving a gas within said cavity (106) of said capsule body (103); - applying a vacuum into said cavity (106) of the capsule body (103), so that the internal pressure in the cavity (106) is below atmospheric pressure; - sealing the capsule to hermetically close said cavity (106), while maintaining the internal pressure in the cavity (106), below atmospheric pressure; and - keeping said gas emanating into the cavity (106) of the capsule so that the internal pressure in the sealed-up capsule is above atmospheric pressure. Use for packaging in a capsule a ground coffee.