Spring-Loaded Piston Plug Capsule Prevents Dripping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage preparation capsules often experience dripping after dispensing, which is messy and unclean, and are sensitive to temperature and pressure differences, with known solutions being either expensive or unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A capsule with a rigid flow-conducting channel and a spring-mounted piston plug that moves between closed and dispensing positions based on pressure, ensuring no dripping occurs by sealing the channel when pressure is below a predetermined limit, and using a pierceable wall and piercing means for controlled fluid release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a capsule uses a simple open dispensing opening, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but liquid dripping occurs after dispensing causing mess and uncleanness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane as a closure element that can deform under pressure. The membrane acts as a thin film barrier that seals the dispensing opening during storage and opens automatically when pressure differential exceeds a threshold, preventing dripping while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing opening incorporates a dynamic closure mechanism where the membrane transitions from a sealed state to an open state in response to pressure changes. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt between preventing drips during transport and enabling flow during dispensing
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a capsule uses a pressure-sensitive opening mechanism to prevent dripping, then dripping is prevented, but the mechanism becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane closure mechanism is self-actuating based on pressure differential alone, without requiring external control systems, sensors, or complex actuation mechanisms. The system automatically opens when internal pressure exceeds external pressure by a certain margin and closes when pressure equalizes, eliminating the need for additional controlling components
Solution Approach 2:
The opening mechanism exploits changes in pressure parameters to trigger the transition from closed to open state. By designing the membrane with specific mechanical properties, the system responds to pressure parameter changes naturally, converting a physical parameter change into a functional state change without additional complexity
3Device complexity
If a capsule uses conventional opening means, then the structure is simple, but the capsule is sensitive to temperature and pressure differences causing unreliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane is inherently adaptable to temperature and pressure variations due to its elastic properties. The membrane can expand, contract, and deform to accommodate environmental changes while maintaining its sealing function, making the system reliable across varying conditions without requiring compensation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is constructed from composite materials that combine different properties to achieve both mechanical strength and elastic flexibility. This composite structure allows the membrane to withstand temperature fluctuations and pressure differences while maintaining its functional performance and sealing capability
4Reliability
If a capsule uses a rigid flow-conducting channel with spring-mounted piston plug, then dripping is completely prevented and reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-mounted piston plug creates a dynamic sealing mechanism that automatically adjusts to pressure changes. The spring allows the piston to move and seal against the channel wall under pressure, then return to allow flow when pressure decreases, providing reliable drip-free operation through dynamic adaptation rather than static structure
Solution Approach 2:
The opening mechanism utilizes pressure differential (pneumatic principle) to actuate the piston plug. The pressure difference between internal and external environments provides the force needed to overcome spring resistance and open the flow channel, enabling control without mechanical linkages or complex actuation systems
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 solution effectively prevents dripping across various preparation conditions, is food-safe, and cost-effective, with the spring-mounted piston plug being reliable at high temperatures and pressures, and the design ensuring no spillage even after use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-mounted rigid piston plug that is movable in said channel between: (i) a closed position where said cavity pressure is below a first predetermined pressure PC
Implementation Method 2
the piston spring is elastically deformed and the piston plug is moved away from the channel walls
Implementation Method 3
the piston plug seals against a sealing portion of the channel walls
Implementation Method 4
a pierceable wall and piercing means for controlled fluid release
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a capsule (11) containing a beverage ingredient, adapted to be functionally inserted in a food preparation machine (1), said capsule comprising walls (12) that define a cavity wherein said beverage is prepared by mixing said ingredient with a fluid injected therein under pressure by said machine, said capsule further comprising a dispensing opening (13), and opening means that open upon effect of the rise of pressure within said cavity, characterized in that said opening means comprise a flow-conducting channel (14) able to connect the capsule cavity to the dispensing opening (13) and a spring-mounted piston plug (15) that is movable in said channel between: (i) a closed position where said cavity pressure is below a first predetermined pressure Pc, the piston spring (16) is at rest, and the piston plug (15) seals against a sealing portion (19) of the channel walls, (ii) a dispensing position where said cavity pressure is equal or superior to Pc, the piston spring (16) is elastically deformed and the piston plug (15) is moved away from the channel walls so that beverage can flow outside of said capsule through said channel (14).