Compostable Beverage Pod With Rigid Support For Machine Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compostable beverage capsules may not be compatible with standard coffee machines designed for non-compostable pods, leading to inconsistencies in beverage quality and preparation.
Innovation Solution
A beverage pod configuration featuring a compostable pouch, ring-shaped support, and lid, designed for use in standard coffee machines, ensuring high-quality beverage preparation and compatibility with existing machinery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If compostable materials are used for beverage pods, then environmental sustainability is improved, but compatibility with standard coffee machines and beverage preparation quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pod is divided into three separate components: a compostable pouch containing coffee grounds, a rigid support structure providing mechanical stability, and a lid enabling beverage dispensing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the pouch for compostability, the support for machine compatibility, and the lid for extraction quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pod combines different materials with complementary properties: biodegradable polymers for the pouch, rigid structural elements for support, and specialized materials for the lid that enable both machine compatibility and compostability. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials that satisfy both environmental and functional requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If compostable materials are used for beverage pods, then environmental sustainability is improved, but compatibility with existing non-compostable machine designs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pod design incorporates universal features that enable it to function in standard coffee machines designed for non-compostable pods. The rigid support structure and lid geometry are optimized to fit existing machine clamps and extraction mechanisms, while the pouch material remains compostable. This multi-functionality allows the pod to work in both compostable and non-compostable machine contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support structure acts as an intermediary between the compostable pouch and the machine's non-compostable clamping mechanism. It provides the mechanical interface required by standard machines while the pouch itself remains environmentally degradable, bridging the gap between incompatible material systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid support structure is added to the compostable pod, then machine compatibility is improved, but the simplicity and full compostability of the pod deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pod is divided into three separate components: a compostable pouch containing coffee grounds, a rigid support structure providing mechanical stability, and a lid enabling beverage dispensing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the pouch for compostability, the support for machine compatibility, and the lid for extraction quality.
4Reliability
If the pod is designed for proper extraction in standard machines, then beverage quality is improved, but the ease of composting deteriorates due to separation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction mechanism utilizes the pod's own structural features - the lid and pouch design - to enable automatic separation during the brewing process. The machine's extraction force naturally separates the spent coffee grounds from the pouch structure, eliminating the need for manual intervention and making composting as easy as disposal.
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 solution ensures high-quality and consistent beverage preparation while being fully compatible with widespread machines, allowing for proper extraction and easy composting of non-reusable pod components.
Implementation Method 1
the pod is configured for receiving liquid through the pouch such that the liquid is mixed with beverage preparation ingredients inside the pouch for forming a beverage
Implementation Method 2
The lid is configured to be pierced by a pyramid plate... These elements are configured to tear open the lid for creating a plurality of openings in the lid under the effect of rising pressure of the liquid injected into the pod
Data Source
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AI summary
A beverage pod (10, 11) configured for preparing a beverage upon injection of liquid into the pod (10, 11) is provided. The pod (10, 11) comprises: a pouch (12) configured for holding beverage preparation ingredients therein; a ring-shaped support (14) extending at least partially around a top portion of the pouch (12), wherein the ring-shaped support (14) provides a top opening (16) of the pod (10, 11); and a lid (18) connected to the support (14) and/or the pouch (12) for closing the top opening (16), wherein the pod (10, 11) is configured for receiving liquid through the pouch (12) such that the liquid is mixed with the beverage preparation ingredients inside the pouch for forming a beverage, and wherein the lid (18) is configured for dispensing the beverage from an inside of the pouch (12) to an outside of the pod (10, 11).