Rotatable Platform Filler for Compostable Single-Serve Pods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-serve coffee pods do not allow users to increase the amount of coffee, leading to rapid degradation of subtle flavors, and existing packaging systems are not capable of efficiently filling and sealing compostable pods with varying food products.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system comprising a rotatable platform with pod holders, a filler with multiple augers, a sealer with a film winder and heater block, and a controller to fill and seal compostable pods made from materials like polylactic acid, capable of handling different food products and allowing for adjustable coffee amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-serve coffee pods use fixed amount of coffee, then packaging is simple, but flavor quality degrades rapidly over time
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system transforms from fixed to dynamic by implementing adjustable coffee filling amounts through programmable control. The system can vary coffee quantities based on pod size and beverage type requirements, allowing optimization of flavor extraction while maintaining package simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of coffee amount from fixed to variable by implementing programmable filling mechanisms. Different coffee amounts can be precisely controlled based on pod specifications and desired beverage characteristics, directly addressing flavor quality degradation issues.
2Adaptability or versatility
If packaging system uses fixed filling mechanism, then device complexity is low, but it cannot handle varying food products and compostable pods
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system achieves universality by designing a multi-functional apparatus that can handle various food products (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, powdered milk) and different pod types including compostable materials. A single system performs multiple functions through programmable control and adjustable filling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static to dynamic operation by implementing programmable control that adapts filling parameters, auger speeds, and sealing temperatures based on the specific food product and pod type being processed, enabling versatile handling without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Productivity
If existing packaging systems are used, then device complexity remains low, but productivity and efficiency are insufficient for modern demands
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system implements self-service through automated pod detection, filling amount calculation, and sealing parameter adjustment. The programmable controller automatically configures the system based on input parameters, reducing manual intervention while significantly increasing productivity and filling/sealing efficiency.
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
Enables efficient filling and sealing of compostable pods with various food products, including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, while maintaining flavor quality by allowing adjustable coffee amounts and using 100% compostable materials, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the heater block assembly is aligned with a top of the pods to apply and seal the heat sealable film to a top of the pods
Implementation Method 2
multiple augers capable of filling the pods with a ground food product, wherein the multiple augers having multiple spouts to deliver the ground food product to the pods
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and packaging system for filling single-serve pods is described. The apparatus includes a base for supporting a rotatable platform comprising multiple pod holders, a filler mounted on the base and adjacent to the rotatable platform comprising a container filled with food product and multiple augers capable of filling the pods with food product, a sealer mounted on the base comprising a film winder, and a controller directing rotation of the rotatable platform, filling of the food product from the filler, and sealing and trimming of the sealed film tops of the single-serve pods.