Reusable Beverage Capsule with Pre-Formed Inlet and Outlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-serve beverage brewing systems rely on disposable capsules that are not reusable and are costly to manufacture, with inconsistent fluid flow due to pierced inlets and outlets, limiting their suitability for various beverage ingredients and re-use.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design featuring a compressible structure with pre-formed inlets and outlets, allowing for consistent fluid flow and re-use, comprising interconnected sections that deform without piercing, and optionally using a filter bag for the beverage ingredient, enabling efficient extraction and re-use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If capsules are pierced during use to form inlet and outlet, then fluid flow path is created, but manufacturing cost increases and re-use becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet and outlet are pre-formed during capsule manufacturing rather than being created by piercing during use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for costly piercing mechanisms and allows the capsule to be reused by simply re-attaching the lid with pre-formed inlet/outlet features.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is divided into separable components (body and lid) where the lid can be removed and re-attached. This segmentation enables the capsule to be reused by replacing only the lid portion, while the pre-formed inlet and outlet in the lid eliminate piercing requirements.
2Productivity
If pierced inlets and outlets are used, then fluid flow path is created, but fluid flow consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet and outlet are pre-formed with precise dimensions and positions during manufacturing, ensuring consistent fluid flow characteristics. This eliminates the variability introduced by piercing operations and ensures reproducible beverage preparation results.
3Strength
If capsule structure is made rigid for structural integrity, then capsule strength increases, but compression for ingredient extraction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule lid is designed with localized compressible features (such as a compressible rim or flange) that allow controlled deformation during brewing to press the beverage ingredient against the filter, while the rest of the capsule body maintains rigid structural integrity for strength and reusability.
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 capsule design enhances beverage extraction, provides consistent fluid flow, and allows for re-use, reducing manufacturing costs and improving compatibility with various ingredients, while maintaining a secure seal during use.
Implementation Method 1
the capsule is compressible when the capsule is inserted into the receptacle of the beverage preparation machine by the first section of the capsule being engaged by an inlet piercer of the beverage preparation machine so as to cause movement of the first section of the capsule towards the second section of the capsule
Implementation Method 2
The deformable section may be resiliently deformable. Advantageously, the deformable section may partially or wholly recover its initial shape once the capsule is removed from the beverage preparation machine. This may make the capsule more suitable for re-use.
Data Source
AI summary
A capsule (1) for preparation of a beverage from a beverage ingredient (32). The capsule comprising a first section (12, 14) and a second section (15, 40) which together form a beverage ingredient compartment of the capsule in which is received a beverage ingredient. The first section comprising a pre-formed inlet (23) for entry of aqueous medium into the capsule and the second section comprising a pre-formed outlet (41) for beverage formed, in use, from the beverage ingredient and the aqueous medium. Wherein the capsule is compressible when the capsule is inserted into the receptacle of a beverage preparation machine by the first section of the capsule being engaged by an inlet piercer (60) of the beverage preparation machine so as to cause movement of the first section of the capsule towards the second section of the capsule without piercing of the first or second sections.