Portion package and a sistem for preparation of beverages using said cartridges and a process using it
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portion packages for beverage preparation, such as espresso coffee, face issues with irregular flow passageways, contamination risks, and inadequate oxygen tightness due to asymmetric construction and perforation methods, leading to suboptimal beverage quality and production complexity.
Innovation Solution
A portion package with envelope elements featuring zones of weakened material that rupture under pressure to create flow passageways, ensuring consistent interaction with pressurized fluid flow and enhanced oxygen tightness, applicable to both rigid and flexible constructions, simplifying production and improving beverage quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If zones of weakened material are provided in both entry and exit sides of the flow, then consistent flow interaction and beverage quality are improved, but construction complexity and production difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing zones of weakened material only on the upstream (entry) side of the envelope, while the downstream (exit) side maintains intact material structure. This asymmetric configuration simplifies construction compared to having zones on both sides, while still achieving consistent flow interaction through the controlled rupture pattern on the entry side that directs flow through the beverage substance.
2Reliability
If additional materials or means are used to ensure oxygen tightness, then oxygen tightness is improved, but risks of dragging by pressurized flow and construction complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible envelope made of plastic material that provides oxygen tightness through its inherent barrier properties. The envelope layers (31, 41) are designed as flexible membranes that maintain oxygen sealing without requiring additional oxygen barrier materials or complex multi-layer structures, thereby avoiding dragging issues and construction complexity.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical perforation of the recipient envelope is used, then flow entry is achieved, but irregular flow passageways, contamination risks, and envelope fragment dragging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming zones of weakened material (51, 61) in the envelope during manufacturing. These zones are prepared in advance with reduced thickness or altered material properties, so that when pressurized flow is applied, they rupture in a controlled and regular manner to create consistent flow passageways, eliminating the irregularities and contamination risks associated with mechanical perforation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If asymmetric construction with different flow entry and exit mechanisms is used, then flow control is achieved, but construction simplicity and production ease are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the envelope into distinct functional zones: the upstream side (3) with zones of weakened material for controlled flow entry, and the downstream side (4) with intact structure for flow exit. This segmentation allows different flow control mechanisms on each side while maintaining overall construction simplicity through the use of a single envelope structure with differentiated zones.
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 solution provides a simpler, more efficient production process with improved oxygen tightness and consistent flow interaction, resulting in higher quality beverages by ensuring precise control over flow entry and exit mechanisms without the need for additional materials or perforation, enhancing the overall preparation process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one envelope layer (31, 41) provided with a plurality of zones of weakened material (51, 61), which break so as to provide a flow passageway when submitted to a given upstream flow pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention refers to a portion package (1) adapted for preparation of edible products that is distinguished by presenting two construction elements distingue (3, 4) respectively adapted for the entry and exit of a pressurized fluid flow and that present a respective outside envelope layer (31, 41) of substantially similar form and size and presenting zones of weakened material (51, 61) in a different form and/or density, so that it results simpler in constructive terms and enables an enhanced interaction with the respectively upstream pressurized fluid flow, resulting more effective in terms of the quality of beverage obtained and without the need for means for perforating the package envelope. The present invention further refers to a system for preparation of beverages including coffee of the espresso type, tea and similar, comprising said portion package (1), a beverage preparation machine (10) with at least one extraction device (7) configured for injecting a pressurized flow on said portion package (1) and collecting a beverage flow therefrom, and to a process of preparation of beverages based upon said portion package (1).