Capsule with a barcode, system and use of a capsule for the preparation of a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portion capsules are often not specific to certain coffee machines, leading to safety issues and potential damage when used in incompatible machines.
Innovation Solution
A portion capsule with a deep-drawn base element and a membrane closure, featuring an identifier such as optical properties, indentations, or a barcode that ensures compatibility with specific coffee machines, preventing incorrect capsules from being used by integrating detection means within the coffee machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an identifier is provided on the membrane side, then capsule compatibility can be detected, but the identifier is at risk of damage during insertion and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the identifier on the base element instead of the membrane. This reversal protects the identifier from damage during insertion and operation, as the base element is more robust and the identifier is positioned away from the high-stress membrane area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the identifier from a two-dimensional surface on the membrane to a three-dimensional structure on the base element edge. This dimensional change allows the identifier to be more resilient and less susceptible to damage during handling and insertion.
2Ease of manufacture
If capsules are made similar and compatible with multiple machines, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but safety problems and machine damage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing the identifier only on specific portions of the capsule (the base element edge), rather than making the entire capsule structure different. This allows capsules to remain generally similar for manufacturing efficiency while incorporating localized differentiation for machine compatibility verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The identifier acts as an intermediary element that enables machine compatibility verification without requiring fundamental changes to the capsule structure. The detection means in the machine reads this intermediate identifier to determine compatibility, preventing incompatible capsules from causing machine damage.
3Reliability
If detection means are integrated in the insertion chute area, then capsule compatibility is verified before operation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical verification systems with a simpler optical or electromagnetic detection system. The detection means reads the identifier on the capsule base element to determine compatibility, eliminating the need for complex mechanical interlocks or physical key-systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means is positioned in the insertion chute area to verify capsule compatibility before the capsule reaches the brewing chamber. This preliminary verification prevents incompatible capsules from being processed, ensuring safety before the main operation begins.
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 damage and safety issues by ensuring only compatible capsules are used, allowing the coffee machine to operate correctly and securely.
Implementation Method 1
The identifier is preferably a surface area with different optical properties, for example reflection properties
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a portion capsule (1) for the production of a beverage, comprising a base element (2) which has a cavity (3) in which a beverage raw material is provided and which is closed by a membrane (4) which is attached to the base element (2).