Deformable Sealing Ring for Grooved Capsule Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation systems face challenges in maintaining a reliable fluid-tight seal between the capsule and the enclosing member, especially when the annular end surface of the enclosing member has radially extending open grooves, which can lead to leakage issues at low fluid pressures and inadequate sealing at higher pressures.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a deformable sealing ring portion integrated into the flange, comprising a resilient layer between the aluminum material and the cover, which accommodates the shape of the annular end surface during clamping, ensuring a seal even with radially extending open grooves, and is manufactured using multilayer materials for cost-effectiveness and ease of production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the annular end surface is provided with radially extending open grooves to facilitate capsule removal, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to potential leakage paths
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is made from elastomeric material that can deform and conform to the grooved annular end surface, creating effective seals while allowing the grooves to remain open for capsule removal. The flexibility of the elastomeric material enables it to bridge across the grooves and maintain sealing contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring incorporates a resilient layer that can change its physical state through compression and expansion. During brewing, the resilient layer compresses to seal against the grooved surface; during removal, it expands to allow the capsule to be pulled away from the device.
2Reliability
If the sealing structure is made rigid to maintain seal at high pressure, then sealing reliability is improved, but adaptability to surface variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring uses elastomeric material with inherent flexibility to adapt to the grooved surface geometry while maintaining sealing capability at high brewing pressures. The material's elastic properties allow it to deform around the grooves and maintain continuous sealing contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring combines elastomeric material with a resilient layer to create a composite structure that provides both flexibility for surface adaptation and sufficient structural integrity to maintain seals under high brewing pressures up to 20 bar.
3Reliability
If the sealing structure is made complex to ensure sealing with grooves, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is manufactured as a single elastomeric component that inherently seals against grooved surfaces through its material properties rather than requiring complex mechanical features. This simple monolithic structure reduces manufacturing steps and costs while ensuring reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is designed as a disposable component integrated into the single-use capsule, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, reusable sealing mechanisms. The low-cost elastomeric material can be easily molded and discarded after one use.
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 provides an effective seal with minimal leakage (up to 4% liquid volume) across varying fluid pressures, ensuring proper beverage preparation while being cost-efficient and compatible with various beverage preparation devices.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient layer between the layer of aluminum material and the cover, which accommodates the shape of the annular end surface when the sealing structure is clamped between the annular end surface and the closing member
Implementation Method 2
the sealing structure is clamped between the annular end surface of the enclosing member and the closing member of the beverage preparation device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A capsule for the preparation of a beverage by supplying a fluid under pressure to a substance in the capsule. The capsule has an aluminum capsule body and a cover sheet attached to a flange of the capsule. A sealing structure of the capsule is deformable for providing a fluid sealing contact with an annular end surface of an enclosing member of a beverage preparation device if the capsule is positioned in the enclosing member and the sealing structure is clamped between the annular end surface and the closing member. The sealing structure includes a portion of the flange with a layer of aluminum sheet material contiguous with the side wall and a resilient layer between the layer of aluminum material and the cover or on a side of the flange facing away from the cover and the entire outer surface of the capsule body.