Capsule Water Distributing Element for Uniform Beverage Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules often result in incomplete dissolution of powdered substances due to inadequate water distribution, leading to unsatisfactory infusion in coffee-making and other soluble food preparations.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a water distributing element with peripheral holes or channels that creates a turbulent flow by directing water at high speed to the powdered substance, facilitated by a partition wall with a convex surface that enhances hydraulic sealing and prevents displacement under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If water is distributed through central holes or channels, then water flow path is simple and device structure is simple, but water distribution uniformity is poor and complete wetting of powdered substance cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional water distribution approach by placing holes or channels in the perimetric region rather than the central region of the water distributing element. This inversion causes water to enter from the periphery and flow toward the center, creating a vortex-type flow pattern that ensures complete wetting of the powdered substance without requiring complex distribution structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the kinetic energy and directional flow of water entering through peripheral holes to create a vortex-type flow pattern. This rotational flow pattern acts as a form of mechanical agitation that enhances water distribution uniformity and ensures complete contact between water and powdered substance, achieving effective mixing without additional mechanical components
2Productivity
If water enters at high speed through limited passages, then turbulent flow is produced improving wetting, but displacement of water distributing element under pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric design where the water distributing element features a convexity on its first face that is asymmetric relative to the hole distribution pattern. This asymmetry creates a geometric interlocking mechanism between the water distributing element and the capsule walls, preventing displacement under high water pressure while maintaining the peripheral hole configuration that generates effective vortex flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a convexity (curved surface) on the first face of the water distributing element. This curvature works in conjunction with the peripheral hole arrangement to stabilize the element's position during operation. The convex shape distributes water pressure more evenly across the element surface, reducing the likelihood of displacement while maintaining high-speed water flow through the peripheral passages
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple holes or channels are provided, then water distribution coverage is improved, but device complexity and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water flow path into multiple peripheral holes or channels distributed around the perimetric region of the water distributing element. This segmentation allows water to enter at multiple points simultaneously, creating a comprehensive vortex flow pattern that ensures complete coverage and wetting of the powdered substance, maximizing extraction efficiency and minimizing residual powder
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
Ensures complete wetting and solubilization of the powdered substance, maximizing ingredient utilization and maintaining structural integrity under high pressures, thereby improving beverage quality.
Implementation Method 1
This is useful for producing a turbulent water flow in the region where the powdered food substance is situated, thus facilitating the complete wetting of the latter
Implementation Method 2
the water distributing element has a partition wall, which extends between the central region and the perimetric region... The first face of the partition wall has a convexity facing the water infeed section
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a capsule (1) for making a beverage, comprising a water distributing element (3) positioned in an inner chamber of the capsule (1), in a position interposed between a water infeed section and a powdered food substance (27). The water distributing element (3) comprises: a central region (35) intended, in use, to receive the water fed in; a perimetric region (37) which is in contact with a lateral wall (20) of the capsule (1); a partition wall (39) which extends between the central region (35) and the perimetric region (37) and has a first face (31) facing the water infeed section and a second face (32) facing the powdered food substance (27). The partition wall (39) comprises one or more holes or channels (40, 45) which pass through the partition wall (39) and put the first face (31) and the second face (32) in communication with each other, said one or more holes or channels (40, 45) being far from the central region (35) and near the perimetric region (37) and forming the only passages for the water, in use, from the water infeed section towards the powdered food substance (27). Relative to a reference plane (10) which is perpendicular to the central axis (29), the first face (31) of the partition wall (39) is slanting relative to the reference plane (10) or is formed of portions which are slanting relative to the reference plane (10). The first face (31) of the partition wall (39) has a convexity facing the water infeed section.