Beverage ingredient containers, methods of making and methods of using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beverage preparation machines often face issues with powder solubility, leading to grainy textures, weak concentrations, and excessive residue due to limitations in adjusting solubility, especially with fat-containing powders, which result in inefficient ingredient usage and increased waste.
Innovation Solution
The use of compacted beverage ingredient powders or granules with uniform size, shape, and density, optimized for fluid flow and turbulence, reducing residue and improving solubility within beverage preparation machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If excess beverage ingredient powder is added to the container, then the solids content of the beverage is improved, but the amount of wasted beverage ingredient left in the container increases and fitting difficulties arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the beverage ingredient from loose powder to compressed pieces or pellets. This parameter change increases the density of the ingredient, allowing more ingredient to be packed into the same container volume, thereby improving solids content without proportionally increasing waste
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage ingredient is divided into individual pieces or pellets rather than remaining as bulk powder. This segmentation allows for better flow characteristics and more efficient packing, reducing the headspace and improving the ratio of dissolved ingredient to residual waste
2Quantity of substance
If more beverage ingredient powder is added beyond a threshold, then no further effect on solids content is achieved, but solubility is reduced due to limited headspace for mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical form of the ingredient to compressed pieces with controlled size and shape. This parameter change optimizes the balance between quantity of ingredient and available headspace, maintaining sufficient mixing volume while maximizing the amount of dissolvable ingredient in the container
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed pieces are designed to break down dynamically during the brewing process, transitioning from a compact form to dispersed particles that dissolve efficiently. This dynamic behavior ensures complete solubility even when containers are filled to optimal capacity
3Duration of action of stationary object
If incorrect storage or prolonged storage occurs, then the amount of residue increases after extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage ingredient is pre-compressed into stable pieces before storage. This preliminary action creates a physically stable form that resists degradation during storage, preventing the formation of lumps or changes in solubility characteristics that would lead to increased residue
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
This approach enhances the solubility and packing efficiency of beverage ingredients, reducing residue and improving the concentration of prepared beverages while maintaining compatibility with machine constraints.
Implementation Method 1
to dissolve, suspend and/or extract some or all of the beverage ingredient contained therein
Implementation Method 2
to dissolve, suspend and/or extract some or all of the beverage ingredient contained therein
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a beverage machine insertable container comprising pieces of compacted beverage ingredient powder or granules.