Segmented Disposable Coffee Container with Tear-Off Foils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coffee portion containers are cumbersome to manufacture and use, particularly for fully automatic espresso machines, as they do not allow for easy aroma preservation and flexible coffee strength preparation, and are often limited to specific espresso machine designs.
Innovation Solution
A coffee portion container divided into two airtight and aroma-tight tear-off chambers, allowing for easy selection and use in various espresso machines, with a design that includes a hollow cylinder shape and adhesive tear-off foils for convenient handling, enabling controlled preparation of different coffee strengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If coffee is stored in a large opened package (500g), then storage capacity is sufficient, but aroma is lost during longer storage period
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee package is divided into multiple separate portion chambers (first portion chamber, second portion chamber), each hermetically sealed. This segmentation allows storing different coffee types or strengths in separate compartments, maintaining aroma freshness by preventing exposure to air until the moment of use. Each chamber can be independently opened, so the remaining chambers stay sealed and aromatic.
2Reliability
If portion capsules are adapted to specific espresso machines with clamping systems, then brewing functionality is improved, but versatility and ease of use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The portion container is designed with a universal format that can be used in different types of espresso machines (fully automatic machines with ground coffee filling chute, manual machines). The container can be opened and the coffee portion transferred to the machine's brewing chamber or filling chute, making it compatible with multiple machine types without requiring machine-specific capsule designs.
3Reliability
If ground coffee is pre-pressed in the portion capsule, then espresso preparation is improved, but ease of opening and unrestricted use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coffee ground is prepared in advance and placed in the portion chamber, but not pre-pressed in a way that complicates opening. The hermetic seal with tear-off foil allows easy opening by the consumer, while the pre-ground coffee is ready for immediate use. The container design allows the coffee to be poured or transferred easily after opening, combining preliminary preparation with ease of access.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of ground coffee are stored separately, then coffee variety is improved, but aroma preservation during storage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple sealed portion chambers, each capable of holding a different type of ground coffee. Each chamber maintains its hermetic seal independently, preserving the aroma of each coffee type until use. This allows storing multiple coffee varieties (different strengths, types) in one container without cross-contamination or aroma loss.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a coffee portion container (1) of the disposable type, made of an airtight and aroma-proof material and subdivided into a first portion chamber (3) and a second portion chamber (4). Said chambers are each closed by an airtight and aroma-proof tear-off foil (6, 7) having a grip tab (10, 11). The coffee portion container (1) that is formed as a hollow cylinder and a separating wall (5) subdividing the container are molded as a single plastic piece. The hollow cylinder comprises a circumferential, flat edge (8, 9) at each of the two ends thereof, that serve as an adhesive surface for one of the tear-off foils (6, 7).