Beverage or foodstuff container and preparation system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation machines are limited to aluminum capsules due to compatibility issues with cellulose-based materials, preventing the use of alternative materials like paper-based or pulp-based capsules, which are prone to sticking or non-reliable tightness, and cannot replicate designs such as the flange and curl of aluminum capsules.
Innovation Solution
A cellulose-based container design featuring a flange-like rim with distinct portions, including an annular force ring and a second portion supporting the closing membrane, allowing integration with existing machines and ensuring secure sealing, while being produced in a one-step process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aluminum capsule design (including flange and curl) is used, then compatibility with beverage preparation machine is achieved, but cellulose-based capsules cannot be produced with same design due to material limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the flange geometry parameters specifically for cellulose-based capsules. The flange is designed with a flat rim portion having specific width and thickness parameters that differ from aluminum capsule designs. This allows the cellulose capsule to be compatible with the beverage preparation machine while accounting for the different material properties of cellulose versus aluminum.
2Reliability
If flange and curl design is implemented for aluminum capsules, then machine engagement and sealing are reliable, but same design cannot be achieved for cellulose-based capsules due to production process limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is segmented into distinct functional portions: a rim portion that engages with the machine's closing member, a sealing surface portion that contacts the membrane, and a connection portion that joins to the capsule body. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while being manufacturable from cellulose-based material in a single production process.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the flange are given different local geometries and properties. The rim portion has a specific width and thickness for machine engagement, the sealing surface has specific roughness and geometry for reliable sealing, and the connection portion has geometry optimized for joining to the capsule body. This local differentiation achieves aluminum-like reliability with cellulose material.
3Adaptability or versatility
If total thickness at rim location is reduced to minimum for VertuoLine system compatibility, then machine compatibility is improved, but sealing capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is designed with non-uniform thickness distribution. The rim portion has reduced thickness for compatibility with the VertuoLine system's size constraints, while the sealing surface portion maintains sufficient thickness to ensure reliable sealing. This local differentiation allows the capsule to meet both compatibility and sealing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns container for use with a machine for preparing a beverage and/or foodstuff or a precursor thereof, the container including: a storage portion for containing a precursor material, a closing member to close the storage portion and an annular flange-like rim made of cellulose pulp-based material, the flange-like rim comprising an annular force ring and at least two distinct additional portions, namely-a first portion (61) connected to the annular force ring (63); and-a second portion (62) extending from the storage portion (58) on which the closing membrane (56) is sealed, said second portion (62) connecting the storage portion (58) and the closing membrane (56). The invention also concerns a set of different containers is also proposed as well as a container system and a system comprising a container and a beverage preparation machine.