Infusion Capsule Valve Lid for Uniform Water Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for preparing beverages from interchangeable capsules result in a less rich infusion due to shorter capsule lengths and reduced contact time of water with the granular product, leading to undesirable preferential flow lines and reduced aromatic essence extraction.
Innovation Solution
A system with a truncated-cone shaped capsule and a lid structure featuring elastic deformable edges and valves that allow even distribution of pressurized water, preventing preferential flow lines and maximizing the amount of granular product, while ensuring the water's contact time with the product is optimized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the capsule is made shorter to avoid the perforation tip, then the capsule can be used with the existing receptacle, but the amount of infusion product is reduced and the infusion quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the dimensional relationship between the capsule and receptacle by introducing a raised bottom that creates vertical clearance. This allows the capsule to maintain its full length while avoiding contact with the perforation tip, thereby preserving both the quantity of infusion product and the infusion quality without requiring capsule shortening
Solution Approach 2:
The raised bottom structure is pre-formed in the capsule design before insertion into the receptacle. This preliminary structural modification ensures that when pressurized water is injected, it flows uniformly across the entire bottom surface of the capsule without being blocked by the perforation tip, thus maintaining optimal infusion conditions from the start
2Stability of the object's composition
If the capsule bottom is distant from the receptacle bottom, then preferential flow lines are avoided, but the capsule length must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the spatial conflict by utilizing the vertical dimension through a raised bottom structure. This creates sufficient clearance between the capsule bottom and receptacle bottom without reducing capsule length, thereby maintaining uniform flow distribution across the entire bottom surface while preserving full capsule length and infusion product quantity
3Length of moving object
If the capsule length is reduced, then the capsule can avoid the perforation tip, but the water contact time with the product is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The raised bottom is pre-formed in the capsule structure before use. This preliminary design ensures that when pressurized water is injected, it immediately contacts the entire bottom surface uniformly without being blocked by the perforation tip, optimizing the water contact time with the infusion product from the moment of injection without requiring capsule shortening
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
This design allows for a more aromatic and efficient infusion by increasing the amount of granular product and eliminating preferential flow lines, ensuring a richer beverage with longer water contact time without risking contamination from broken plastic fragments.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic deformable edge arranged to close the inlet section of the bottom of the capsule when the capsule is inserted in the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
pressurized hot water is injected into the cup through a first plurality of holes made on the bottom of the capsule itself. The water is mixed with the granular product in the capsule and flows out from the capsule itself
Data Source
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AI summary
"A system (100) for preparing an amount of predetermined beverage starting from an extractable product. The system comprises: (a) an interchangeable capsule (1); and (b) a percolating machine (150) for preparing infusions. A dispensing device (170) of the percolating machine (150) comprises several perforation tips (180) of the bottom (4) intended to perforate the inlet area of a traditional capsule to create an inlet opening for the fluid. The system (100) is characterized in that the inlet area (17) comprises a plurality of valves (17), and in that the perforating tips (180) are in contact with the inlet area (17) without performing any perforating action thereon."