Centrifugal Coffee Capsule Pressure Release for Consistent Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee preparation systems using centrifugal forces face challenges with manual handling, inconsistent quality due to uncontrolled dosing and freshness of coffee powder, and difficulty in mastering extraction parameters, leading to suboptimal cup quality and commercial success.
Innovation Solution
A capsule system with a single-use, removably insertable capsule that uses a water injection head and capsule holder for controlled centrifugation, featuring a water injector and piercing members for precise water introduction and liquid delivery, along with a valve system for pressure regulation and filtration, to enhance coffee extraction and crema creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual dosing of coffee powder in a non-removable receptacle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of dosing and freshness control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the coffee preparation system into separate components: a removable capsule containing pre-dosed coffee powder and a holder that receives the capsule. This segmentation allows precise factory dosing in the capsule while keeping the brewing device simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Coffee powder is pre-dosed and sealed in capsules during manufacturing before use. This preliminary action ensures precise dosing control without requiring complex dosing mechanisms in the brewing device.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling and scraping of coffee waste is required, then ease of operation deteriorates, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The used capsule containing coffee waste is easily removed from the holder as a complete unit. This extraction of the waste capsule eliminates the need for manual scraping and significantly reduces cleanup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable capsules that are discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for cleaning and waste removal operations, greatly improving ease of operation and reducing time loss.
3Ease of operation
If centrifugal brewing with removable holder is used, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves multiple functions: it receives and secures the capsule, connects to the driving mechanism for centrifugal brewing, and facilitates easy removal of the capsule. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
The system provides improved control over coffee extraction parameters, resulting in higher quality, consistent coffee with better crema stability and convenience, while reducing manual handling and ensuring freshness through precise dosing and controlled interaction of water with coffee grounds.
Implementation Method 1
by passing water through the substance in the capsule, comprising a water injection head in the capsule and a capsule holder for holding the capsule in the device, characterized in that it comprises: a water injector, as part of the water injection head, arranged for introducing water along a central axis relative to the capsule holder
Implementation Method 2
means for driving the capsule holder in centrifugation around an axis of rotation (I) aligned with said central axis of the capsule holder
Data Source
AI summary
A single-use capsule for preparing a food liquid from a food substance contained therein. The capsule has an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall connecting the upper and lower walls, wherein the walls form an enclosure that contains the food substance. The capsule also has a sealed interface connecting the upper and lower walls and a liquid collecting cavity located between the side wall and sealed interface. The sealed interface is configured to open under a predetermined fluid pressure in the capsule to allow the food liquid to leave the capsule. Also, a method for preparing a food liquid from the capsule by passing water through the food substance using centrifugal forces for producing the food liquid.