Portion capsule with barcode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portion capsules are not specifically designed for particular coffee machines, leading to safety risks and potential damage when used in incompatible machines.
Innovation Solution
A portion capsule with a unique identifier that ensures compatibility with specific coffee machines, featuring a base element with a cavity sealed by a membrane, and incorporating features like optical properties, mechanical fits, and RFID chips to prevent incorrect capsule insertion and ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portion capsules are made similar and compatible with multiple manufacturers, then ease of operation is improved, but safety and machine damage risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
An identifier (barcode, RFID tag, or optical pattern) is introduced as an intermediary element on the capsule that mediates between the capsule and the coffee machine. This identifier enables the machine to recognize and verify capsule compatibility before operation, preventing incompatible capsules from causing damage while still allowing broad compatibility through standardized identification protocols.
2Reliability
If identification markings are added to capsules, then safety and compatibility control are improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The identification function is extracted from the capsule's structural design and implemented as a separate, dedicated marking element (barcode, RFID tag, or optical pattern). This separation allows the capsule body to remain simple while the identification system provides the necessary reliability for compatibility verification.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the capsule's physical structure for identification, a simplified representation (barcode pattern, RFID signal, or optical reflectivity pattern) is used to encode compatibility information. This copying approach maintains capsule simplicity while enabling reliable identification through standardized reading mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If barcode is placed on lid film, then manufacturing ease is improved, but identifier damage risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier is placed on the lid film in a localized area that is less susceptible to damage during handling and insertion. Specifically, the barcode or optical pattern is positioned on the outer surface of the lid film in a region that maintains contact with the machine's reading mechanism while minimizing exposure to mechanical stress and fluid contact.
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
Prevents the use of unsuitable capsules, ensuring safe operation by allowing only compatible capsules to be recognized and used by the coffee machine, thereby reducing safety risks and damage.
Implementation Method 1
the identifier is provided in the membrane. Preferably, the identifier is a layer or partial layer of the membrane. This type of identifier can, for example, be an optically detectable material, such as a fluorescent material.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a portion capsule 1 for producing a beverage, comprising a deep-drawn base element 2 with a cavity 3 containing a beverage raw material. The portion capsule has a rim 2.4 provided on the base element 2, and the cavity is sealed by a membrane 4 attached to the rim 2.4 of the base element. The portion capsule has an identifier that allows for individualization of each portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a barcode provided on the side of the rim 2.4 of the base element 2 facing away from the membrane, and wherein the identifier is a machine-readable imprint using a food-grade ink.