Identified Beverage Capsule for Coffee Machine Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portion capsules are not specifically designed for particular coffee machines, leading to potential safety issues and machine damage when used incorrectly.
Innovation Solution
A portion capsule with an identifier that allows individualization, preventing unsuitable capsules from being inserted into the coffee machine, using optical properties, mechanical features, or RFID technology to ensure compatibility, and enhancing the extraction process with grooves for stability and efficient liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an identifier system is added to the capsule, then capsule compatibility and safety are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical property variations on capsule surfaces (different reflectivity, absorption, or color characteristics) as identifiers. This allows the capsule to carry identification information without adding mechanical complexity, resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical identification systems with optical detection methods. By using surface areas with different optical properties that can be detected by sensors, the system achieves capsule identification and compatibility verification without complex mechanical structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detection system is added to the coffee machine, then capsule verification capability is improved, but manufacturing cost is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a detection system using optical sensors to read identifiers on capsules. This substitution of mechanical verification with optical detection provides capsule verification capability while keeping manufacturing costs relatively low, as optical sensors are compact and can be integrated into existing coffee machine structures.
3Reliability
If mechanical means are added to the media chute, then prevention of incorrect capsule insertion is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric mechanical features in the media chute (such as gearwheels or shaped barriers) that correspond to asymmetric identifiers on compatible capsules. This asymmetric design allows simple mechanical prevention of incorrect capsule insertion without requiring complex active control systems.
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
Ensures safe operation by ensuring only compatible capsules are used, improving the extraction process with enhanced stability and efficiency, and preventing damage to the coffee machine.
Implementation Method 1
the identifier is composed of surface areas having different optical properties, for example reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A single-serve capsule for making a beverage, having: a base element with a cavity, in which a raw beverage material is provided, the base element is made of a biodegradable material, a flange extending outwardly from the base element, the flange comprising a top side and an opposing bottom side, and a cover that is fastened to the top side of the flange to close the cavity, the cover is made of a same material as the base element. The single-serve capsule is free of a filter, and has an identifier, which makes it possible to individualize the respective single-serve capsule, the identifier is provided on the bottom side of the flange.