Capsule, method and system for preparing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules made of non-compostable materials face challenges in recycling and composting, while those made of compostable materials struggle with dimensional accuracy and sealing under high pressure.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a compostable shell that expands by at least 15% in the transverse direction upon wetting, allowing for optimal sealing and deformation to fit brewing chambers, while maintaining structural integrity and being home compostable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If capsules are made of compostable materials, then environmental sustainability is improved, but dimensional accuracy and sealing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying precise physical properties for the capsule shell material, including a Young's modulus between 0.1-10 GPa and an elongation at break of至少 15% after wetting. These parameter specifications enable the compostable material to achieve both environmental sustainability and the dimensional accuracy needed for proper sealing in brewing chambers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If capsules are made of compostable materials, then environmental sustainability is improved, but sealing capability under high pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the sealing capability issue by changing the material parameters to include a specific elongation at break of至少 15% after wetting and a Young's modulus in the 0.1-10 GPa range. These parameter changes allow the compostable shell to deform sufficiently to seal against brewing chamber walls while maintaining integrity under high pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-wetting the capsule shell before brewing. This preliminary wetting action causes the compostable material to expand and become more pliable, enabling it to conform to the brewing chamber walls and create an effective seal before the high-pressure brewing process begins.
3Reliability
If capsule shell is made deformable for better sealing, then sealing capability is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through carefully selected material parameters: a Young's modulus of 0.1-10 GPa provides sufficient flexibility for sealing, while an elongation at break of至少 15% after wetting ensures the shell can deform without tearing. This parameter combination maintains structural integrity even as the shell becomes deformable for sealing purposes.
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
Ensures a tight seal and efficient beverage extraction without leakage, supports various capsule sizes and geometries, and allows for easy composting, reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The capsule has, in particular after wetting or rinsing with water, in a breaking strength test, a maximum percentage expansion in a direction transverse to a pressing direction relative to the original state of at least 15%
Implementation Method 2
Depending on the design of the shell, its deformability can be influenced by wetting or rinsing with water
Implementation Method 3
the capsule can conform to the shape of the brewing chamber when the brewing chamber is closed or when a brewing liquid, typically hot water, is introduced
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a capsule (1) for preparing a beverage, comprising—a core material (3) having a pressed product and—a shell (2) enclosing the core material, the capsule (1) having in a breaking strength test a maximum percentage expansion of at least 15% in a direction transverse to a pressing direction.