Method and system for producing beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage production systems using capsules with reinforcement rings often experience leaks from the interface between the reinforcement ring and the container, leading to soiled equipment and compromised beverage quality and quantity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that provide a seal between the side wall of the reinforcement ring and the inner surface of the container, using various configurations such as the lower portion or entire side wall of the ring to prevent leaks, allowing for versatile designs regardless of the container's shape, and ensuring the beverage is collected properly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the reinforcement ring is made smaller to fit in the container, then the capsule can be housed in the container, but the beverage leaks from the interface between the reinforcement ring and the container
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the sealing interface by extending the reinforcement ring downward to form a side wall that contacts the container's inner surface. This transforms the sealing problem from a horizontal interface issue to a vertical contact problem, allowing the ring to seal effectively without increasing its horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall of the reinforcement ring is pre-configured to contact the inner surface of the container before beverage dispensing begins. This preliminary contact establishes the seal in advance, preventing leaks from occurring during the beverage production process.
2Reliability
If the upper edge of the container has a specific profile to match the reinforcement ring, then sealing may be improved, but the system becomes less adaptable to different container shapes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the container's upper edge profile to match the reinforcement ring, the invention inverts the approach by making the reinforcement ring's side wall conform to the container's inner surface. This reversal allows the capsule component to adapt to various container shapes rather than requiring container modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The side wall configuration of the reinforcement ring creates a universal sealing mechanism that can accommodate different container shapes and sizes. This single design feature enables the capsule system to work with multiple container types without requiring shape-matching profiles.
3Ease of manufacture
If beverage leaks from the container interface, then the system becomes complicated to clean and maintain, but preventing leaks requires additional sealing elements
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement ring's side wall performs dual functions: it provides structural reinforcement for the capsule and simultaneously creates the seal with the container. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate sealing elements, maintaining system simplicity while preventing leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the reinforcement function and sealing function into a single integrated structure - the reinforcement ring with its extended side wall. This combination eliminates the need for separate sealing components, keeping the system simple while effectively preventing beverage leakage.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are a method and a system for the production of beverages by means of a capsule (C1, C2, C3, C4) and a container (A) adapted to house the capsule during the production. The capsule comprises a reinforcement ring (102, 202, 302, 402) which comprises a side wall (103, 203, 303, 403) and a ledge (104, 204, 304, 404) protruding from the side wall. A seal is provided between at least a portion of the side wall of the reinforcement ring and at least a portion of the inner surface (17) of the side wall (5) of the container so as to avoid the leak of the beverage from the interface between the reinforcement ring and the container.