Portion capsule having an identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portion capsules for coffee machines are not specifically designed for certain machines, leading to potential safety issues and damage when used inappropriately.
Innovation Solution
A portion capsule with an identifier that allows individualization, preventing unsuitable capsules from being inserted into the coffee machine, using optical properties, mechanical features, or RFID chips to ensure compatibility, and incorporating grooves for stability and efficient liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an identifier system is added to the capsule, then compatibility control and machine safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies optical property variations on capsule surfaces (different reflectivity, absorption, or color characteristics) as identifiers. This allows the capsule to carry identification information without adding mechanical complexity, resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical identification systems with optical detection methods. By using surface areas with different optical properties that can be detected by sensors, the system achieves reliable capsule identification without complex mechanical structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detection systems and sensors are integrated into the coffee machine, then capsule verification capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical verification mechanisms with optical sensing systems. The detection system uses optical properties of capsule surfaces to identify compatibility, which is simpler and more versatile than mechanical verification methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical surface properties as an intermediary carrier of identification information. Instead of direct mechanical or electronic communication between machine and capsule, the optical properties serve as a passive intermediary that conveys compatibility information to the detection system.
3Reliability
If mechanical means such as gearwheels are added to the media chute, then prevention of incorrect capsule insertion is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of repair increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical prevention mechanisms (gearwheels in the media chute) with optical detection and identification methods. This substitution simplifies the media chute structure, making it easier to repair while maintaining reliable prevention of incorrect capsule usage through optical verification.
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
Ensures safe operation by ensuring only compatible capsules are used, preventing damage to the coffee machine and improving the extraction process with enhanced stability and turbulence control.
Implementation Method 1
the identifier is composed of surface areas having different optical properties, for example reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A beverage system for producing a beverage. The beverage system includes a portion capsule and a beverage machine. The portion capsule includes a lid sealed to a base element having a cavity within which a beverage raw material is provided. The base element has a circumferential flange having a top side and a bottom side with a barcode located on the bottom side. The beverage machine includes a detector to read the barcode, a media chute configured to receive and support the portion capsule, and a pump controlled to push water into the portion capsule only upon a determination that the read barcode agrees with a stored reference.