Compostable Beverage Capsule Cover with Insulating Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capsules for infusion and soluble beverages are not fully biodegradable or compostable due to non-biodegradable aluminum closures and gluing issues with compostable materials during thermo-welding, leading to environmental concerns and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A capsule with a containing body made of compostable/biodegradable material and a cover composed of a thermally sensitive layer interposed between an insulating inert layer, allowing for thermo-welding without gluing issues, using a combination of compostable polyester layers and a fibrous insulating layer like pure cellulose paper, which are connected through a welding interface without external glues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aluminum foil or plastic coverage is used for capsule closure, then sealing and protection are improved, but biodegradability and compostability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the closure from non-biodegradable aluminum or plastic to biodegradable and compostable materials such as paperboard or natural fibers, while maintaining the sealing function through appropriate design of the closure structure and welding interface
Solution Approach 2:
The closure is designed as a composite structure combining biodegradable materials (paperboard, natural fibers) with appropriate coatings or treatments that provide sealing properties without compromising compostability, creating a multi-layer composite that achieves both protection and environmental compatibility
2Object-affected harmful factors
If compostable materials are used for closing layer, then biodegradability is improved, but thermo-welding reliability deteriorates due to material sensitivity to high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective layer or coating on the compostable closure material that acts as a thermal barrier during welding, preventing direct contact between the hot welding punch and the temperature-sensitive compostable material, thus avoiding gluing while maintaining welding effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the thermal parameters of the closure material by selecting compostable materials with appropriate thermal resistance properties or by applying thermal protective treatments, allowing the material to withstand welding temperatures without deforming or sticking to the welding punch
3Reliability
If multiple films joined through gluing substances are used for closing layer, then sealing is improved, but biodegradability and compostability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the non-biodegradable gluing substances from the multi-film closure structure and replaces them with heat-sealing methods or mechanical interlocking mechanisms that join the films without requiring external adhesives, thereby maintaining sealing while achieving full biodegradability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sealing function and the joining function into a single thermal sealing process, where the same heat application that seals the closure also joins the multiple films together without requiring separate gluing substances
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 results in a wholly compostable and biodegradable capsule that can be easily disposed of in domestic composting, maintaining functionality equivalent to traditional capsules while avoiding environmental impact and thermo-welding complications.
Implementation Method 1
a cover (5) made by overlapping at least one first layer (5a) composed of at least one compostable and/or biodegradable polyester and of at least one second, insulating inert layer (5b) made of a compostable and/or biodegradable material, wherein the first layer (5a) is interposed between the second layer (5b), for example exposed towards outside the capsule (1), and the internal volume (V)
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule (1) is described, for preparing infusion or soluble beverages, in particular coffee or milk or chocolate, comprising at least one containing body (2) made of a compostabile/biodegradabile and or material having at least one base (3) and at least one opening (4) opposite to the base (3) and adapted to be closed by least one cover (5), the containing body (2) comprising at least one internal volume (V) adapted to contain at least one substance to be infused or solubilized, the cover (5) being made by overlapping at least one first layer (5a) composed of at least one compostabile/biodegradabile and or polyester and of at least one second, insulating inert layer (5b) made of a compostabile/biodegradabile and or material, wherein the first layer (5a) is interposed between the second layer (5b) and the internal volume (V).