Frustoconical Die Centering for Capsule Membrane Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for manufacturing membranes for capsules containing anhydrous materials, such as coffee or tea, are cumbersome, dangerous due to the use of cutting edges, and not portable, necessitating a more versatile and safer method.
Innovation Solution
A portable, manually operated device using frustoconical portions for centering and tensioning a sheet of packaging material without a cutting edge, allowing for clean and efficient cutting of membranes to fit cup-shaped bodies, eliminating the need for bulky dies and hazardous tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a die with a cutting edge is used to manufacture membranes, then the membrane cutting operation is functionally effective, but the operation becomes dangerous and the equipment becomes bulky and non-portable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the cutting edge from the die structure. Instead of using a traditional die with a sharp cutting blade, the patent employs a die without a cutting edge that shapes the membrane through compression and deformation forces. This removes the hazardous element while maintaining the membrane shaping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical cutting system with a compression-based shaping system. Instead of using a cutting edge to sever the membrane material, the die applies compressive forces to mold the membrane into the desired shape, substituting a dangerous cutting mechanism with a safer deformation mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional die is used for membrane manufacturing, then the cutting function is effective, but the device becomes bulky and loses portability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the unnecessary bulk from traditional dies by eliminating the cutting edge structure. The simplified die design retains only the essential shaping surfaces, dramatically reducing the overall size and weight of the device while maintaining its membrane shaping capability, thereby enabling portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a simple, lightweight die structure that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The die is designed as a compact, portable tool rather than a heavy-duty industrial equipment, making it suitable for field use and manual operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If a cutting edge is used in the die, then the membrane can be cut effectively, but the operation becomes hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potentially harmful cutting action into a beneficial compression action. By applying controlled compressive forces through the die, the membrane is shaped precisely without the need for cutting edges. The force that would otherwise be dangerous is transformed into a safe and effective shaping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the cutting mechanism with a compression-based shaping mechanism. Instead of using a sharp edge to cut the membrane, the die uses distributed compressive forces to mold the membrane into the desired shape, eliminating the hazard while maintaining manufacturing precision.
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 device enables reliable, inexpensive, and versatile production of membranes for capsules, ensuring safe operation and adaptability to different capsule formats without the use of sharp cutting edges, enhancing portability and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
the frustoconical portions (18, 19) are configured to contact respectively the sheet (4) and the cutting tooth (16), and to center the axis B with the axis C, and to tension the sheet (4)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention refers to a device (1, 1') for manufacturing membranes (2) for capsules (3) adapted to contain an anhydrous material for the production of a beverage starting from a sheet (4) of packaging material, the device (1, 1') comprises: a base body (8) having a first longitudinal axis (B) and including a supporting base (10) and a raised portion (11) extending coaxially from the supporting base (10) up to an axial end surface (12) thereof and configured to receive on said axial surface (12) the sheet (4); a cutting body (13) including a main portion (14) having a second longitudinal axis (C) and a peripheral portion (15) extending coaxially from the main portion (14); a cutting tooth (16, 16') having a closed-line endless profile and carried coaxially by one of said raised portion (11) and main portion (14); and a groove (17, 17') having a closed-line endless profile and carried coaxially by the other of said raised portion (11) and main portion (14); the cutting body (13) can be coupled, releasably, to said base body (8) so that the peripheral portion (15) at least partially accommodates the raised portion (11) and so that the cutting tooth (16, 16') engages the groove (17, 17') to determine a cut of the packaging material; the raised portion (11) comprises a first frustoconical portion (18) extending from the supporting base (10) coaxially to the first axis (10); the peripheral portion (15) comprises a second frustoconical portion (19) extending from the main portion (14) coaxially to the second axis (C); the first (18) and second (19) frustoconical portions are configured to slidably cooperate with one another during the coupling to determine a centring of the first axis (B) with the second axis (C).