Multilayer Paper Beverage Pod Design for Consistent Extraction Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biodegradable beverage pods made of paper exhibit inconsistent quality in beverage preparation due to differences in mechanical properties before and after extraction, leading to variations in beverage quality over time.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer paper material comprising a layer of paper assembled with a layer of compostable plastic, with a protective layer on the external surface having a surface tension inferior to 40 dyne/cm, is used for the pod walls, and an extraction device with upstream and downstream piercing arrangements to ensure consistent beverage quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable paper pods are used, then environmental sustainability is improved, but beverage quality consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pod is constructed with a multilayer composite structure comprising an inner paper layer for biodegradability and an outer plastic layer for mechanical stability. This composite approach allows the pod to maintain consistent structural properties throughout the extraction process, ensuring reliable beverage quality while preserving environmental benefits through the biodegradable inner layer.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If paper material is used for pod walls, then biodegradability is improved, but mechanical property stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pod wall is segmented into distinct functional layers: an inner paper layer that provides biodegradability and an outer plastic layer that provides mechanical stability. Each layer performs its specific function, allowing the pod to be biodegradable while maintaining consistent mechanical properties during extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of paper and plastic in a multilayer structure creates a composite material that exhibits both biodegradability from the paper component and mechanical stability from the plastic component, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
3Productivity
If liquid is supplied through opened bottom wall, then extraction efficiency is improved, but pod structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall is pre-opened during pod manufacturing to create precise openings for liquid injection. This preliminary action ensures that the openings are properly positioned and sized, allowing efficient liquid supply while maintaining the structural integrity of the surrounding pod walls during extraction.
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 multilayer paper material ensures consistent beverage quality by maintaining the same extraction pressure and preventing soggy surfaces, thereby eliminating variations in beverage quality over time.
Implementation Method 1
the external surface of said protective layer presents a surface tension inferior to 40 dyne/cm, preferably inferior to 38 dyne/cm, even more preferably inferior to 36 dyne/cm
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a system comprising an extraction device of a beverage preparation machine and a pod, wherein—the pod comprises a pod body and a top lid, and—the extraction device comprises: —upstream and downstream pod enclosing parts relatively translatable between an open position for inserting and/or ejecting the pod and a closed position for forming an extraction chamber enclosing the pod during extraction, the downstream part comprising a downstream plane piercing arrangement for opening the lid of the pod, and wherein the body and the lid of the pod are made of a multilayer paper material comprising a layer of paper coated with at least a layer of plastic, and the external surface of the multilayer paper material of the top lid is covered by a layer presenting a surface tension inferior to 40 dyne/cm.