Pressure-Expandable Drink Capsule for Delayed Bottom Piercing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee capsules face challenges in withstanding high pressure for espresso production and risk filter damage due to deformation, and are not compatible with different machine operating logics.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a semi-rigid main body with lengthening means that allow movement of the bottom and lateral walls under increased pressure, preventing filter damage and enabling use in various machine types by adjusting the piercing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the capsule wall is deformed to enable delayed opening under pressure, then the capsule can be used in machines with delayed opening mechanism, but the filter may move or be damaged compromising coffee powder retention
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule wall is divided into a rigid portion and a deformable portion, allowing the rigid portion to maintain filter stability while the deformable portion enables delayed opening in different machine types
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the capsule wall have different mechanical properties: the first portion is rigid to prevent filter movement, while the second portion is deformable to enable delayed opening, allowing each part to serve its specific function
2Strength
If the capsule is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the capsule can withstand high pressure for espresso production, but it cannot be pierced in advance and cannot achieve delayed opening
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule wall is segmented into rigid and deformable portions, allowing the rigid portion to withstand high pressure while the deformable portion can be pierced by different mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule has localized deformable regions that can be pierced in advance or delayed, while the rest of the structure remains rigid to maintain pressure integrity for different brewing methods
3Ease of operation
If the capsule bottom is deformed against fixed piercing spikes, then delayed opening is achieved, but the filter may be accidentally damaged or moved
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule structure is divided into rigid and deformable portions, with the rigid portion positioned to protect the filter from deformation forces while the deformable portion interacts with the piercing spikes
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable portion is specifically located away from the filter area, allowing bottom deformation for delayed opening while the rigid portion near the filter prevents its movement or damage
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
Enables high-pressure brewing without filter compromise and compatibility with diverse machine operating logics, ensuring consistent drink quality and ease of production.
Implementation Method 1
penetration of pressurised hot water and/or steam into the capsule
Implementation Method 2
penetration of pressurised hot water and/or steam into the capsule
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~11
AI summary
A capsule for making a drink comprises a cup-shaped main body (6) forming a housing chamber (7) containing a powdered or liquid substance (2). The main body (6) comprises a bottom wall (8) and a lateral wall (9) which has a lower portion (10) connected to the bottom wall (8) and an upper portion (11 ) delimiting an opening which is closed by a cover element (17). The capsule also comprises lengthening means (18) which, following an increase in the capsule (1 ) internal pressure, allow a movement away from the cover element (17) by the lower portion (10) of the lateral wall (9) and the bottom wall (8) connected to it. Also claimed is a method which comprises feeding water and/or steam into the capsule (1 ) to increase the capsule (1 ) internal pressure and so cause the movement of the lower portion (10) of the lateral wall (9) and the bottom wall (8) away from the cover element (17) until the bottom wall (8) is torn against external piercing means, thus allowing the drink to be supplied through the bottom wall (8).