Single-Dose Coffee Unit with Fine Particle Granulometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-dose coffee pods and capsules are costly due to their disposable containers and strain on the amount of powdered coffee, which affects the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of coffee preparation.
Innovation Solution
A single-dose unit of powdered coffee with a grain size between 10 µm and 500 µm, optimized for enhanced water percolation and solute extraction, allowing better migration of essential oils and reducing the amount of coffee needed per serving, thereby improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a standard amount of powdered coffee (7-8 grams) is used in single-dose units, then the desired cup coffee quality is achieved, but the cost increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the granulometric parameter of coffee particles, specifically reducing the median grain size to below 450 μm (preferably below 400 μm, more preferably below 350 μm, most preferably around 300 μm or 280 μm). This parameter change increases the surface area to volume ratio, improving water percolation efficiency and extraction rate, thereby reducing the total coffee amount needed per serving while maintaining beverage quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using less than the standard 7-8 grams of coffee per serving. The reduced amount (with at least 30% reduction compared to standard doses) is sufficient to produce acceptable coffee due to the enhanced extraction efficiency from the optimized fine particle size distribution
2Quantity of substance
If a standard amount of powdered coffee (7-8 grams) is used in single-dose units, then the desired cup coffee quality is achieved, but the environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the median grain size parameter to below 450 μm, the patent improves extraction efficiency, allowing reduction of coffee quantity per serving. This directly reduces waste material requiring disposal, thereby mitigating environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
Using only the necessary minimum amount of coffee (at least 30% less than standard) to achieve acceptable beverage quality reduces the volume of disposable waste, including both the coffee grounds and the associated packaging materials
3Productivity
If fine powdered coffee particles are used to improve extraction efficiency, then the amount of coffee needed is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a clear granulometric parameter range (median grain size below 450 μm, preferably below 400 μm, more preferably below 350 μm, most preferably around 300 μm or 280 μm) that can be achieved through standard coffee grinding and classification processes, balancing extraction efficiency with manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific size distribution profile where particles are concentrated in the fine range (median below 450 μm), ensuring optimal extraction characteristics in the critical extraction zone while maintaining overall process simplicity
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 solution results in a more efficient and cost-effective coffee preparation process with improved solute extraction and a 30% reduction in coffee amount per serving, leading to a more pleasant and less bitter espresso with lower caffeine content, while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
enhanced water percolation and solute extraction
Implementation Method 2
allowing better migration of essential oils
Implementation Method 3
improved solute extraction and a 30% reduction in coffee amount per serving
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a single-dose unit of coffee comprising a container and a preset amount of powdered coffee contained in the container, wherein the powdered coffee has a granulometric distribution having at least one among statistic median, statistic mean and statistic mode, one independently from another, with a value lower than 450 μm, preferably lower than 400 μm, more preferably lower than 350 μm, still more preferably lower than or equal to about 300 μm, still more preferably lower than or equal to about 280 μm, still more preferably comprised between about 275 μm and about 278 μm.