Cartridge, machine and system for the preparation of beverages and process for manufacturing the cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beverage cartridges are often specific to particular machines, limiting their compatibility and the range of beverages that can be produced, and they typically use non-compostable materials that can cause issues during perforation and material interaction.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge designed to be compatible with different machine types, made from biodegradable and compostable materials, featuring a cup-shaped body with annular formations and microholes for water introduction and beverage extraction, which allows for the production of various beverages like espresso and filter coffee without requiring interaction with machine perforating components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cartridges are designed for specific machines with machine-specific components, then the reliability of the cartridge-machine system is improved, but the adaptability of cartridges to different machines deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed with a standardized structure that can be used across different machine types. The envelope contains a beverage product dose that can be processed by various machines without requiring machine-specific cartridge modifications, enabling one cartridge design to serve multiple machine functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes machine-specific components from the cartridge design, such as perforating elements and sealing components, and relocates these functions to the machine side. This extraction allows the cartridge to become a universal container while the machine provides the specialized processing capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If cartridges use non-compostable materials, then the manufacturing precision and durability of the cartridge are improved, but the environmental harm generated by the cartridge deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge envelope is made from compostable materials such as biodegradable plastics or plant-based materials instead of traditional non-compostable materials. This parameter change in material composition maintains sufficient manufacturing precision while eliminating environmental persistence and enabling composting disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a single-use disposable product made from compostable materials. After use, the entire cartridge can be disposed of in composting facilities, transforming the waste management approach from long-term pollution to biodegradable decomposition, aligning with the disposable nature of single-serve beverage products.
3Productivity
If cartridges require interaction with machine perforating components, then the productivity of beverage preparation is improved, but the complexity of the cartridge structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Perforating elements and sealing components are removed from the cartridge structure and relocated to the machine. The cartridge becomes a simpler container that holds the beverage product dose, while the machine provides the perforating and sealing functions, reducing cartridge complexity without affecting preparation productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge envelope acts as an intermediary that contains the beverage product and interfaces with machine components. By designing the envelope with simple structural features that interface universally with machine mechanisms, the system achieves efficient beverage preparation without requiring complex integrated structures in the cartridge.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The cartridge (1) according to the invention comprises an envelope (2) having a first and a second end wall (4, 5) connected together by an annular lateral wall (6) and defining an inner chamber (7) containing a quantity or dose of a substance (S) for preparation of the beverage. The envelope (2) has at least one first and at least one second permeable wall (6a, 5) acting as an inlet for the introduction of a flow of water into the chamber (7) and as an outlet from it respectively for outflow of the beverage from chamber (7). Between the first and the second permeable walls (6a, 5) the envelope (2) has an outwardly projecting annular formation (3g). A portion of the permeable inlet wall (6a) for the introduction of water into the chamber (7) is made in the annular lateral wall (6) of the envelope (2). The annular formation (3g) extends from the second end wall (5) in a direction substantially opposite to the first end wall (4).