System, method and capsule for preparing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reproducibility of beverage quality is poor due to instability, deformation, rupture, and uncontrolled opening of filters in existing capsule systems under fluid pressure, leading to inconsistent coffee preparation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer filter system is introduced, where a first layer with higher tear strength and a second layer with higher stiffness are bonded together to prevent rupture and deformation, ensuring consistent fluid pressure and filter integrity during beverage preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer filter is used in the capsule lid, then the device complexity is low, but the filter stability and beverage quality reproducibility are poor due to deformation and rupture under fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is constructed as a multi-layer composite structure where at least one layer is made of a material different from the others. This composite structure combines the advantages of different materials to achieve both high stability/resistance to rupture and controlled permeability, thereby improving beverage quality reproducibility without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is divided into multiple distinct layers, each potentially serving different functions (e.g., one layer for structural integrity, another for filtration). This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for specific properties, preventing deformation and rupture while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
2Productivity
If the filter openings are made larger to improve fluid flow, then the brewing speed increases, but the filter becomes more prone to rupture and deformation under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer composite filter structure allows for larger openings while maintaining strength because the composite nature distributes stress across different materials with complementary properties, preventing rupture even with increased opening size for faster brewing
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions or layers of the filter have different properties optimized for specific functions: some layers are designed with larger openings for fluid flow while other layers provide structural reinforcement, achieving both fast brewing and high strength through localized optimization
3Strength
If a thicker filter layer is used to prevent rupture, then the filter strength increases, but the deformation of openings widens and beverage quality consistency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer composite filter uses materials with different mechanical properties where one layer provides strength and rigidity to prevent opening deformation, while another layer maintains permeability. This composite approach achieves both high strength and consistent opening dimensions that single-layer filters cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is segmented into multiple layers with distinct functions: one layer is optimized for preventing rupture (higher strength material), while another layer is optimized for maintaining opening geometry (higher stiffness material). This functional segmentation prevents both rupture and deformation, ensuring consistent brewing quality
4Ease of manufacture
If a single-material filter is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the filter cannot simultaneously resist rupture and prevent opening deformation under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-layer composite filter combines materials with different properties (e.g., one layer for tear resistance, another for stiffness) to simultaneously achieve rupture resistance and opening deformation prevention. While slightly more complex than single-material filters, the manufacturing process remains feasible through standardized lamination techniques
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 multi-layer filter system enhances the reproducibility and quality of the prepared beverage by maintaining filter integrity and controlling fluid pressure, resulting in a consistent brewing experience from capsule to capsule.
Implementation Method 1
the first layer has a higher tear strength than the second layer and wherein the second layer has a higher stiffness than the first layer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system, method and capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The exchangeable capsule comprises a circumferential wall, a bottom, and a lid. The wall, bottom and lid enclose an inner space comprising the extractable product. The receptacle comprises bottom piercing means intended for piercing an entrance area of an alternative capsule for creating at least one entrance opening for supplying the fluid to the extractable product. The entrance area of the capsule according to the invention comprises an entrance filter for supplying the fluid to the extractable product there through. In use, the entrance filter is positioned at a distance from the bottom piercing means, such that the capsule of the system is not pierced by the bottom piercing means. The filter is a multi-layer filter comprising at least a first layer and a second layer bonded together. The first layer has a higher tear strength than the second layer and the second layer has a higher stiffness than the first layer.