Beverage Capsule Internal Volume Reduction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules have a fixed internal volume that cannot be adjusted to accommodate different amounts of substance without changing their external size, making them incompatible with various brewing machines.
Innovation Solution
The capsule features internal reducing means, such as an internal chamber with a micro-holed closing layer and a labyrinthine structure on the base, allowing the internal volume to be reduced while maintaining the external shape, enabling the use of varying substance quantities without modifying the machine's infusion chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the internal volume of the capsule is reduced to accommodate different amounts of substance, then the adaptability for different beverages is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for internal reducing means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing an internal containing chamber (15) inside the main containing body (3). This internal chamber can be removed or adjusted to modify the internal volume, allowing the same capsule to accommodate different amounts of substance for different beverages while maintaining a simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is segmented into a main containing body (3) and a removable internal containing chamber (15). This segmentation allows the internal volume to be adjusted by removing or retaining the internal chamber, providing versatility for different beverage types without requiring complete redesign of the capsule structure
2Quantity of substance
If the internal volume is reduced using an internal containing chamber, then the quantity of substance can be adjusted, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal containing chamber (15) is designed as a nested component that can be separately manufactured and then inserted into the main containing body (3). This allows the internal chamber to be produced using standard molding techniques and assembled through simple insertion and welding operations, maintaining manufacturing ease while enabling quantity adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the internal volume to be modified through the presence or absence of the internal containing chamber (15). The chamber can be manufactured with different volumes to accommodate different quantities of substance, and the standardized design keeps manufacturing processes simple and scalable
3Adaptability or versatility
If the capsule maintains unchanged external sizes, then the compatibility with brewing machines is improved, but the internal volume flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nested internal containing chamber (15) allows the capsule to maintain its external dimensions for machine compatibility while providing internal volume flexibility. The internal chamber can be removed or adjusted without changing the outer shape, enabling the same capsule to hold different quantities of substance for different beverage types
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the internal volume into a removable chamber (15) within the fixed containing body (3), the patent achieves both machine compatibility (through unchanged external dimensions) and internal volume flexibility (through chamber removal or adjustment)
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 solution allows for the efficient preparation of different beverages by adjusting the internal volume of the capsule without altering its external dimensions, ensuring compatibility with existing brewing machines and enhancing the brewing process by controlling the flow of hot water through the use of a labyrinthine structure and exit cone.
Implementation Method 1
at least one closing layer 17 made of a micro-holed material connected to the related perimeter edge
Implementation Method 2
integrated structure with labyrinth path, having functions and shapes substantially known in the art in order to create a turbulent motion of the flow of hot water inside the substance to be infused or to be solubilized
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A capsule (1) is described for preparing beverages, in particular coffee, comprising at least one containing body (3) having at least one base (5) and at least one opening (6) opposite to such base (5) and adapted to be closed by at least one cover, the containing body (3) internally defining at least one internal volume (VI), such capsule (1) comprising means for reducing the internal volume (VI) adapted to define inside the containing body (3) at least one reduced internal volume (VINF) adapted to contain at least one substance to be infused or to be solubilized, where VINF <VI