Disposable capsule for machines for the dispensing of infused beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
The preparation of infused beverages with multiple ingredients using traditional disposable capsules is expensive and inconvenient due to the need for multiple capsules and sequential infusion processes, which complicates the construction of dispensing machines.
Innovation Solution
A disposable capsule with a main cavity and at least one inner cavity, each containing a different food product, with selectively activatable dispensing openings that allow sequential infusion and dispensing without piercing the cover or using separate infusion flows, utilizing a shaped closing element that floats and seals within the beverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate capsules are used for multi-ingredient beverages, then beverage variety is improved, but device complexity and operation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into multiple separate compartments (first compartment, second compartment, third compartment) that are fluidically isolated from each other. Each compartment can contain different food products (coffee, milk, sugar) and be infused independently through separate openings, allowing multi-ingredient beverages to be prepared from a single capsule without requiring complex machine modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule structure nests multiple compartments within a single outer shell. The first, second, and third compartments are arranged concentrically or adjacently within the same capsule body, with each compartment containing specific food products. This nested arrangement allows multiple ingredients to be delivered sequentially through a single capsule insertion, simplifying the dispensing machine while maintaining beverage variety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate capsules are used for multi-ingredient beverages, then beverage variety is improved, but operation convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into multiple separate compartments (first compartment, second compartment, third compartment) that are fluidically isolated from each other. Each compartment contains different food products and has its own dispensing opening, allowing users to prepare complex multi-ingredient beverages from a single capsule without needing to manually handle multiple separate capsules or follow complicated procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is pre-configured with multiple compartments containing pre-measured food products (coffee, milk, sugar) in specific quantities and arrangements. The openings and internal structure are designed in advance to enable sequential infusion and dispensing, so users simply need to insert the capsule and press a button without needing to understand the complex internal mechanics or perform manual operations.
3Reliability
If sequential infusion of multiple ingredients is implemented, then beverage quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is divided into multiple separate compartments (first compartment for coffee, second compartment for milk, third compartment for sugar) that are fluidically isolated from each other during storage. Each compartment has its own opening for infusion, allowing the dispensing machine to infuse each ingredient sequentially through simple sequential opening and infusion operations, ensuring proper beverage quality without requiring complex mixing mechanisms or precise timing controls.
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 configuration simplifies the infusion unit by allowing autonomous sequential infusion and dispensing of multiple ingredients, reducing the need for complex machine perforation and separate liquid flows, while maintaining the separation of different beverages to prevent contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The shaped element is made of a material having a density higher than that of water and lower than that of the food product contained in the respective cavity or chamber. This allows the shaped element to float in the infused beverage when it is dispensed through the dispensing opening of the cavity or chamber and to subsequently close the dispensing opening when the cavity or chamber is filled by the infusion liquid.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a disposable capsule (100) for the preparation of infused beverages, said capsule (100) comprising a body (110) comprising a main cavity or chamber (111) in turn comprising a first dispensing opening (115) adapted to put said main cavity or chamber (111) in fluid communication with the external environment, wherein said main cavity or chamber (111) contains a measured dose of a first food product (FP1) in a granular or particulate form. The capsule also comprises a cover (120) tightly fixed to a flange (114) of said body (110). At least one inner cavity or chamber (116) is formed in the main cavity (111), said inner cavity or chamber (116) comprising a second dispensing opening (117) and containing a measured dose of at least one second food product (FP2) in granular or particulate form. The main cavity or chamber (111) and the inner cavity or chamber (116) are arranged in fluid communication with one another. The disposable capsule (100) also comprises closing means (130) of one between the first dispensing opening and the second dispensing opening (115, 117), said closing means (130) being configured to be selectively activated upon emptying of the first or of the second food product (FP1, FP2) contained in the main cavity or the chamber (111) or in the inner cavity or chamber (116), respectively.