Portion capsule for producing a beverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portion capsules face challenges with filter clogging and increased production costs due to the use of plastic injection molding or deep-drawing processes, which require smaller sieve holes to retain coffee particles but can lead to clogging issues and material inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A portion capsule with a filter element made from a deep-drawn non-woven fiber material, such as a fleece, which has a larger filtering area and is resistant to clogging, allowing for better liquid flow and extraction efficiency without the need for additional support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic injection molding or deep-drawing processes are used to produce filter elements with small sieve holes, then coffee particles are retained effectively, but the sieve holes become clogged and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous press filter made of compressed natural or synthetic fibers (such as coffee grounds, wood fibers, or cellulose) instead of traditional plastic injection-molded screens. This porous structure provides effective particle retention while maintaining open pathways that prevent clogging, as the variable pore sizes and fibrous nature allow for better flow distribution and reduced pressure buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed as a disposable, single-use component made from inexpensive, readily available materials like compressed coffee grounds or wood fibers. This eliminates the need for expensive, precision-manufactured plastic screens and their supporting structures, reducing production costs while maintaining effective filtration for each brewing cycle.
2Reliability
If small sieve holes are used in filter elements, then coffee particles are retained, but the filter becomes clogged and requires additional support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The press filter utilizes a three-dimensional porous matrix of compressed fibers that naturally retains particles through its variable pore structure. This eliminates the need for rigid support screens, as the compressed fibrous material itself provides both structural integrity and filtration function, reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is constructed from composite materials such as compressed coffee grounds mixed with binding agents, or combinations of natural and synthetic fibers. This composite structure provides both mechanical strength to support brewing pressure and effective particle retention, eliminating the need for separate support structures.
3Area of stationary object
If deep-drawn non-woven fiber material is used for the filter element, then filtering area increases and clogging resistance improves, but material selection becomes more specific
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies deep-drawn non-woven fiber materials with controlled porosity and pore size distribution to optimize both filtration area and clogging resistance. The deep-drawing process creates a three-dimensional porous structure that increases effective filtering area while maintaining material flexibility through selection of various natural and synthetic fiber types.
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 use of deep-drawn non-woven fiber materials reduces the risk of clogging and enhances extraction efficiency, maintaining optimal mixing and drainage behavior while minimizing material costs and production complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a filter element (7) made from a deep-drawn non-woven fiber material, in particular from a deep-drawn fleece (10), is arranged in the cavity (100)
Implementation Method 2
A preparation liquid, preferably hot water, is then conveyed under pressure into the portion capsule. The preparation liquid flows through the beverage substrate and extracts and/or releases the substances required for beverage production from the beverage substrate
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~7
Figure 8a~10
AI summary
The present invention relates to a portion capsule for preparing a beverage, comprising a capsule body 2 with a capsule base 3 and a lid, with a cavity for receiving a powdered or liquid beverage substrate being formed between the capsule base 2 and the lid, and with a filter element 7 being arranged in the cavity is, wherein the filter element is connected to the capsule body 2 and has at least one fold 24 in its connection area.