Compacted coffee tablet, system including said tablet and production process thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compacted coffee tablets lack optimal structural resistance and efficient coffee extraction due to suboptimal shape configurations and material distribution, which affects the preparation of coffee beverages like espresso.
Innovation Solution
A compacted coffee tablet design with a majority of its volume in a transversal region extending to the total height, featuring distinct upstream and downstream cavities, and a mass distribution optimized for better extraction efficacy, along with a production process using compaction molds and punching tools to achieve specific dimensions and cavity configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the compacted coffee tablet uses a traditional shape configuration, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the structural resistance is insufficient and material distribution is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The tablet is divided into distinct regions: a first portion with a first cavity configuration and a second portion with a second cavity configuration. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for specific functions (structural support vs. extraction efficiency) while maintaining overall structural integrity and improving material distribution throughout the tablet.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cavity configurations are applied to different portions of the tablet. The first portion has a cavity structure optimized for structural resistance, while the second portion has a cavity structure optimized for coffee extraction. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the whole.
2Productivity
If the compacted coffee tablet uses a traditional shape configuration, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the coffee extraction efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tablet is divided into distinct regions: a first portion with a first cavity configuration and a second portion with a second cavity configuration. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for specific functions (structural support vs. extraction efficiency) while maintaining overall structural integrity and improving material distribution throughout the tablet.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cavity configurations are applied to different portions of the tablet. The first portion has a cavity structure optimized for structural resistance, while the second portion has a cavity structure optimized for coffee extraction. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the whole.
3Volume of moving object
If the compacted coffee tablet has uniform mass distribution, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the exposure of coffee volume to flow is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tablet features non-uniform mass distribution with different cavity configurations in different portions. The second portion has a cavity structure that maximizes coffee volume exposure to the flowing beverage, while the first portion maintains structural integrity. This localized optimization of mass distribution improves extraction efficiency without compromising manufacturing feasibility.
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 design enhances structural resistance and extraction efficacy by ensuring a larger coffee volume exposure to the flow direction, leading to improved coffee extraction and stability in beverage preparation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a compacted coffee tablet presenting a configuration optimized for structural resistance and extraction efficacy
Implementation Method 2
provide a cavity on the upstream-oriented side so as to enable a temporary accumulation of beverage inside a package associated with said tablet
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a compacted coffee tablet (1), in particular a tablet of compacted roast and ground coffee beans, presenting an advantageous configuration in terms of compaction process, maintenance of shape and efficiency of coffee extraction, in particular of espresso type coffee. The present invention further discloses beverage preparation systems including said compacted coffee tablet (1), and production processes thereof.