Portion Capsule Flange Code Placement to Prevent Structural Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portion capsules face issues with structural damage to the flange due to the application of optically detectable identification codes, leading to errors in code detection and compatibility with beverage preparation machines.
Innovation Solution
The identification code is positioned on the side facing the base area, either on the flange underside or on a separate lid element, and the lid element is attached to the capsule wall without direct connection to the flange, ensuring the code is not damaged during production or use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the identification code is printed on the flange and the lid element is bonded to the flange during production, then the capsule structure is sealed, but the flange suffers structural damage that damages or complicates subsequent application of the identification code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capsule into base element and lid element that are not directly bonded together. The lid element is positioned on the base element without direct bonding, allowing the identification code to be applied to the flange of the base element without interference from the lid element attachment process. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the sealing function from the code application surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach where the lid element is held in position by friction or mechanical interference rather than direct bonding to the flange. This intermediary positioning method allows the identification code to be applied to the flange surface without damage, while still achieving the sealing function through the intermediary positioning mechanism.
2Reliability
If the lid element is bonded to the flange during production, then the capsule is sealed, but the identification code reading becomes unreliable due to structural damage to the flange
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the capsule structure so that the lid element is not directly bonded to the flange, the patent preserves the integrity of the flange surface where the identification code is located. This segmentation ensures that the code detection process is not interfered with by bonding operations, while still achieving capsule sealing through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the identification code to the flange before the lid element is positioned or bonded. This preliminary action ensures that the code is applied to an undamaged surface, guaranteeing reliable detection later, while the sealing function is achieved through the subsequent lid element positioning without compromising the already-applied code.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the identification code is applied to the flange, then machine compatibility checking is enabled, but the code is damaged during lid element attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the assembly process so that the lid element attachment does not involve direct bonding to the flange. This segmentation protects the identification code on the flange from damage during the lid attachment process, while still enabling machine compatibility verification through the preserved code.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification code is applied to the flange in advance, before the lid element is attached. This preliminary action ensures that the code is established on an intact surface, allowing subsequent lid attachment to proceed without damaging the code, thereby maintaining machine compatibility verification capability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3
AI summary
A portion capsule for preparing a beverage with the aid of a beverage preparation machine is proposed, wherein the portion capsule has a base element with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a lid element closing the cavity, wherein the base element comprises a base region, a circumferential flange at the end opposite the base region and a capsule wall extending from the base region to the circumferential flange, wherein the portion capsule has an optically detectable identification code, in particular a bit and/or barcode, wherein either the optically detectable identification code is arranged on the side of the flange facing the base region, or the lid element is fastened to the flange.