Method and system for the production of beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage production systems using capsules with reinforcement rings face difficulties in preventing leakage during the production process, making it challenging to extract the capsule after use due to the capsule being pressed against the support portion, requiring significant force.
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 to prevent beverage leakage, allowing the reinforcement ring to act both as a support and a sealing element, ensuring the capsule can be easily removed after use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the capsule is pressed against the support portion to prevent leakage, then the sealing performance is improved, but the capsule becomes difficult to extract requiring significant force
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement ring is divided into functionally distinct portions: a first portion that forms a seal with the container wall to prevent leakage, and a second portion that protrudes to engage with the cover for easy capsule extraction. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the reinforcement ring are designed with different geometries and properties: the first portion has a geometry optimized for sealing against the container wall, while the second portion has a protruding geometry optimized for mechanical engagement with the cover. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between sealing and extraction.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the reinforcement ring protrudes between container walls to enable capsule holding and water injection, then the beverage leakage from the interface is prevented, but the capsule cannot be easily removed after use
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement ring is segmented into a sealing portion and an extraction portion. The first portion seals against the container wall to prevent beverage leakage, while the second protruding portion engages with the cover to facilitate easy capsule removal. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between preventing leakage and enabling easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement ring serves multiple functions: it reinforces the capsule body, seals against the container wall to prevent leakage, and provides an engagement structure for the cover to enable easy extraction. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by integrating both sealing and extraction capabilities into a single component.
3Productivity
If the capsule uses filtering material to allow beverage to pour out through the entire outer surface, then the beverage production efficiency is improved, but the system requires additional sealing elements to prevent leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the reinforcement ring structure. The first portion of the reinforcement ring directly forms a seal with the container wall, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements. This merging reduces system complexity while maintaining the efficiency benefits of filtering material that allows beverage to pour out through the entire outer surface.
Data Source
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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.