Infusion Capsule Sealing Membrane for Pressure-Opened Beverage Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injection moulded or thermoformed capsules for infusion products are cumbersome, expensive, and difficult to produce, often not hermetically sealed, leading to product quality deterioration and accidental leakage.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design where water pressure opens a sealing element, allowing beverage flow through an internal through hole, with features like a peeling barrier film sealing membrane and a conical internal outflow duct for easy production and high-quality beverage preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex internal out flow duct designs are used, then beverage flow control is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into distinct functional zones: a simplified conical out flow duct for water flow, a separate sealing element for hermetic sealing, and an infusion product chamber. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the duct remains simple for easy manufacturing while the sealing element provides reliable flow control through its lifting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from the out flow duct structure itself and implemented as a separate removable sealing element. This allows the duct to maintain a simple conical shape for easy manufacturing, while the sealing element provides the necessary flow control through its ability to lift under water pressure.
2Reliability
If hermetic sealing is implemented, then product quality is preserved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element automatically performs its sealing and unsealing functions based on water pressure conditions. During storage, the sealing element remains in place providing hermetic sealing. When water is injected, the pressure automatically lifts the sealing element to allow flow, eliminating the need for complex manual or mechanical unsealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element's position changes in response to water pressure parameter changes. Under low pressure (storage), it maintains contact with the duct for sealing. Under high pressure (brewing), it lifts to open the flow path. This parameter-driven behavior provides reliable sealing without complex control mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple capsule structures are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but hermetic sealing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is integrated with the out flow duct through adhesion, combining the sealing function with the existing duct structure. This merging approach adds minimal complexity compared to separate sealing systems while maintaining effective hermetic sealing. The conical duct shape itself is kept simple for easy manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed as a disposable component that is replaced with each capsule. This allows the use of simple, cost-effective materials and designs that provide reliable sealing for the capsule's lifetime without requiring durable, complex, or expensive sealing mechanisms.
4Reliability
If sealing element adhesion to duct is strong, then accidental leakage is prevented, but water pressure cannot lift the sealing element
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesion between sealing element and duct is optimized for the specific operating conditions. The sealing element adheres strongly enough to prevent leakage during storage and handling, but the adhesion force is within the range that can be overcome by the force generated when water pressure builds during brewing. This local optimization of adhesion properties resolves the contradiction between sealing integrity and lift capability.
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 is easily and inexpensively produced, ensuring high-quality beverages by maintaining organoleptic properties and preventing accidental leakage during storage and handling, with efficient water flow control for optimal infusion.
Implementation Method 1
by injecting water under pressure into the capsule, the sealing element is lifted becoming detached from the top of the internal out flow duct
Implementation Method 2
the sealing element comprises a peeling barrier film sealing membrane. The membrane can be easily warped by the water under pressure injected inside the capsule
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a capsule (1) for obtaining infusions, such as espresso, or beverages from water-soluble products, comprising an internal out flow duct (3) and being adapted to be hermetically sealed by means of a sealing element (10), wherein, by injecting water under pressure into the capsule (1), the sealing element (10) is lifted becoming detached from the top (7) of the internal out flow duct, opening the internal through hole (4) of the internal out flow duct (3) so that the infusion or beverage flows outwards through the internal through hole (4). Moreover, the present invention relates to a machine (17) for using capsules (1) according to the present invention and comprising housing means for housing at least one capsule during the dispensing phase and injection means (11) for injecting water under pressure into the capsule through the sidewall (2) of the capsule so as to obtain an infusion or beverage flowing out from the capsule through the internal through hole of the capsule.