Composite Capsule with Ribbed Base Wall for High Pressure

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capsules made from synthetic bio-polymers for preparing beverages face challenges with increased material costs and reduced structural resistance, particularly under high hydraulic pressures, which necessitate substantial structural reinforcement and increased material usage.

Innovation Solution

A capsule design featuring a composite material comprising bio-polymers and natural fibers, such as sugarcane, cassava, and coffee grounds, with a base wall and sidewall reinforcement configuration that includes ribs and strategically placed flow passage zones to optimize structural resistance and reduce material needs, using a thermoplastic matrix like PLA and polyethylene, and natural fibers like coffee silverskin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If capsules are made from synthetic bio-polymers, then environmental sustainability is improved, but structural resistance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidstructural resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining synthetic bio-polymers with natural fibers (coffee silverskin, sugarcane, cassava) to create a composite substance that maintains compostability while significantly improving structural resistance. The composite material includes a thermoplastic matrix (PLA, polyethylene) reinforced with natural fibers, creating a hybrid structure that leverages the environmental benefits of bio-polymers and the mechanical strength of fiber reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by implementing non-uniform wall thickness distribution and strategic reinforcement placement. The base wall has increased thickness in specific regions (central region with 3-5mm thickness, peripheral region with 1-2mm thickness) to withstand hydraulic pressure where needed most. Rib structures are positioned at specific locations (radial ribs, circumferential ribs) to provide localized strengthening without uniformly increasing material usage throughout the entire capsule.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If structural reinforcement is increased, then structural resistance is improved, but material usage is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural resistanceVSAvoidmaterial usage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing non-uniform wall thickness distribution and strategic reinforcement placement. The base wall has increased thickness in specific regions (central region with 3-5mm thickness, peripheral region with 1-2mm thickness) to withstand hydraulic pressure where needed most. Rib structures are positioned at specific locations (radial ribs, circumferential ribs) to provide localized strengthening without uniformly increasing material usage throughout the entire capsule.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the reinforcement structure into distinct functional elements: radial ribs that extend from the central region outward, circumferential ribs that provide hoop strength, and flow passage zones that are segmented into multiple regions. This segmented approach allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently, optimizing structural resistance while minimizing material usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If wall thickness is increased, then structural resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing non-uniform wall thickness distribution and strategic reinforcement placement. The base wall has increased thickness in specific regions (central region with 3-5mm thickness, peripheral region with 1-2mm thickness) to withstand hydraulic pressure where needed most. Rib structures are positioned at specific locations (radial ribs, circumferential ribs) to provide localized strengthening without uniformly increasing material usage throughout the entire capsule.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies composite materials by combining synthetic bio-polymers with natural fibers (coffee silverskin, sugarcane, cassava) to create a composite substance that maintains compostability while significantly improving structural resistance. The composite material includes a thermoplastic matrix (PLA, polyethylene) reinforced with natural fibers, creating a hybrid structure that leverages the environmental benefits of bio-polymers and the mechanical strength of fiber reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3922578B1Capsule of composite material having reinforced side and base wall

Publication Date: 2022.09.14 NOVADELTA - COMERCIO E IND DE CAFES UNIPESSOAL LDA

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AI summary

The present invention discloses a capsule (1) in a composite material, said capsule (1) being adapted for containing an edible substance, such as for example roasted ground coffee beans, and for being flow through by a pressurized flow with a flow pressure bigger than 4 bar, preferentially bigger than 8 bar, said capsule (1) presenting a container part (11) that is provided in a composite material that includes polymers associated with natural vegetable substances, and that is configured so as to resist to internal pressures of at least 4 bar, preferentially of at least 8 bar.