Frustoconical Beverage Capsule With Foamed Sealing Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage capsules face challenges in providing effective sealing and structural rigidity during the preparation of beverages, particularly when subjected to high-pressure hot water injection, leading to potential leaks and structural weakness.
Innovation Solution
The development of a perforable beverage capsule with a frustoconical body, a piercable inlet wall, a sealing ring formed from a foamed material, and a faceted sidewall structure for enhanced rigidity and sealing, along with a unique rim pattern for improved sealing, addresses these issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional beverage capsule structure is used, then the capsule is simple in design, but it lacks effective sealing and structural rigidity under high-pressure hot water injection
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule structure is divided into distinct functional segments: a sealing rim with sealing elements at the inlet wall, a conical body, and a base. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function - the sealing rim provides effective sealing under pressure while the conical body maintains structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing elements in the rim are formed from elastomeric or thermoplastic sealing materials that can deform under pressure to maintain effective sealing. The capsule body uses a conical geometry with faceted surfaces that provide both structural rigidity and pressure distribution during hot water injection
2Strength
If the capsule wall is made thinner to reduce material usage, then manufacturing cost decreases, but structural rigidity and resistance to high-pressure injection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule body is designed with a conical geometry rather than a cylindrical one. This conical shape with its sloping walls provides inherent structural rigidity and stress distribution, allowing the wall thickness to be minimized while maintaining strength during high-pressure hot water injection
Solution Approach 2:
The conical body has asymmetric wall thickness distribution - thicker at the base where pressure is highest and thinner toward the apex. This asymmetric design optimizes material usage by placing material where it is most needed for structural support during pressure injection
3Reliability
If a smooth capsule surface is used, then manufacturing is easier, but sealing effectiveness against high-pressure injection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing rim features localized sealing elements (protrusions and recesses) at critical sealing locations, while the main conical body maintains a smooth surface for easy manufacturing. This local quality approach provides effective sealing where needed without complicating overall manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing elements in the rim are pre-formed during capsule manufacturing, creating ready-to-seal protrusions and recesses before the capsule is filled and used. This preliminary formation of sealing features ensures effective sealing without requiring complex post-manufacturing modifications
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 enhanced sealing and structural integrity, preventing leaks and ensuring consistent beverage preparation by maintaining the integrity of the capsule under high-pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing ring (35) formed from a foamed material
Data Source
AI summary
A perforable beverage capsule is provided and comprises a generally frustoconical body having a sidewall closed at one end by a piercable inlet wall through which hot water can be injected in use. The end of the sidewall opposite the inlet wall has a rim, and a scaling ring is provided.