Coffee Capsule Internal Separation for Filter Coffee and Espresso
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee machines that use portion capsules are not suitable for brewing both filter coffee and espresso, as they require different machines and capsule sizes, which is inefficient and limits users who want to prepare both types of coffee.
Innovation Solution
A portion capsule design with a separating element and liquid channels that allows for brewing both filter coffee and espresso using the same machine, by separating an empty area from an extraction material area, preventing the coffee powder from being discharged with the beverage and allowing for different brewing pressures without increasing the pump capacity or volume of the capsule.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single coffee machine is designed to brew both filter coffee and espresso, then the machine's versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need to accommodate different brewing volumes and pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is designed with a universal structure that accommodates both filter coffee and espresso brewing. The separating element creates distinct chambers (first area for filter coffee, second area for espresso) within a single capsule, allowing one machine to handle both beverage types without requiring separate machines or complex interchangeable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule interior is segmented into a first area and a second area by a separating element. This segmentation allows different coffee quantities and brewing parameters to be contained within separate zones, enabling the same machine to brew both large-volume filter coffee and small-volume espresso by controlling water flow to the appropriate area.
2Volume of stationary object
If larger capsules are used to accommodate filter coffee volumes, then the capsule volume is increased, but the machine's brewing chamber and pump capacity must also be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into a first area with larger volume for filter coffee and a second area with smaller volume for espresso. The separating element enables this volume segmentation, allowing the same capsule to provide appropriate brewing volumes for both beverage types without requiring the machine pump to be oversized for large volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the capsule are designed with different volumes and characteristics. The first area has larger volume suitable for filter coffee, while the second area has smaller volume for espresso. This local differentiation allows the machine to brew both types without needing variable pump capacity.
3Device complexity
If the capsule is designed without a filter, then the capsule structure is simplified, but the piercing mechanism must prevent extraction material discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is segmented into a first area containing extraction material and a second area that can receive brewed beverage. The separating element acts as an implicit filter that prevents extraction material from entering the second area while allowing liquid to pass, eliminating the need for additional filter components and simplifying the overall structure.
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
Enables the preparation of both filter coffee and espresso using the same coffee machine and capsule system, without the need for separate machines or larger capsules, maintaining the quality of espresso brewing while accommodating larger coffee volumes.
Implementation Method 1
a separating element, which separates an empty area from an extraction material area
Implementation Method 2
The distribution or collection element is provided with a large number of liquid channels for distributing the water or collecting the drink
Implementation Method 3
An extraction liquid - generally hot water - is introduced on the first side. On the second side, the extraction product is discharged from the capsule. Depending on the beverage to be prepared and the system, a considerable pressure of 5-20 bar, for example, must prevail inside the capsule.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one aspect of the invention, a coffee capsule (1) is provided, the outer dimensions of which are matched to the size of a filtered-coffee capsule, but which has a separating element (22) that separates an empty area (32) from an extraction-material area (31). Furthermore, at least one liquid channel (33) is provided, which passes through the empty area for example. The liquid channel or liquid channels and the extraction-material area are designed in such a way that water introduced into the capsule at an injection location or a beverage produced in the capsule substantially does not enter the empty area.