Gelatin-Based Portion Capsule Seal for Pressure-Tight Brewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portion capsules are difficult to dispose of environmentally and cost-effectively after use, and their manufacturing process is not optimized.
Innovation Solution
A portion capsule with a base element made of metallic material and a seal containing gelatin or biopolymers, which is partially plastic and elastic, allowing for easy disposal and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional deep-drawn or thermoformed base elements made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and/or metal are used, then the base elements are mechanically stable and gas- and liquid-tight, but they are difficult to dispose of environmentally and cost-effectively after use
Solution Approach 1:
The portion capsule is divided into two distinct parts: a reusable brewing unit and a disposable seal with base element. The seal containing the base element is designed to be discarded after a single use, while the brewing unit can be reused. This segmentation allows the expensive, environmentally problematic base element to be replaced only when necessary, reducing overall waste and disposal costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal with base element is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive disposal infrastructure and simplifies environmental management. The low cost of the disposable seal makes the system economically viable while reducing the burden of post-use disposal.
2Reliability
If traditional rigid base elements are used, then gas- and liquid-tightness is achieved, but the seal does not provide adequate sealing effect under high pressure during brewing
Solution Approach 1:
The seal material's physical parameters are specifically adjusted to be partially plastic and partially elastic, with a Shore A hardness of 10-40. This optimized parameter range allows the seal to deform plastically under high brewing pressure to create an effective seal, while still maintaining gas- and liquid-tightness. The partial elasticity enables the seal to return somewhat to its original shape, maintaining sealing effectiveness across multiple brewing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is made from a composite material system combining plastic and elastic properties in a single material formulation. This composite approach integrates the benefits of both material types: the plastic component provides structural integrity and gas-liquid tightness, while the elastic component enables deformation under pressure for effective sealing. The gelatin content of 10-70% by weight contributes to this composite behavior.
3Ease of operation
If the seal is made fully elastic to return to original shape, then sealing consistency is improved, but the sealing effect decreases under high closing pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The seal material's mechanical parameters are precisely controlled, with Shore A hardness set to 10-40 and gelatin content at 10-70% by weight. This parameter optimization creates a material that is sufficiently soft to deform under high closing pressure (providing strong sealing effect) but retains enough elasticity to return partially to its original shape (maintaining sealing consistency). The balance between these opposing requirements is achieved through careful parameter selection.
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 capsule provides a good sealing effect during brewing and facilitates easy disposal, while being manufactured using renewable and biodegradable materials.
Implementation Method 1
the seal deforms partially plastically when the brewing chamber closes. This achieves a good sealing effect, and the sealing effect is maintained at least partially even when the closing pressure of the chamber parts decreases
Implementation Method 2
the seal is designed to be partially plastic and/or partially elastic. Preferably, the return to its original shape is 10–40% of the maximum impression produced by the brewing chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a single serve capsule (1) for preparing a beverage in a beverage preparation machine, said single serve capsule (1) having a liquid-tight base element (2) having a cavity (3) for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule cover (4) sealing the cavity (3).