Single-Serve Capsule Filter Sealing to Reduce Positioning Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing single-serve capsules for beverage production require precise positioning of the filter element during production due to the sealing seam being close to the outer periphery, making them difficult and costly to manufacture without compromising beverage quality.
Innovation Solution
A single-serve capsule design featuring a filter element sealed to a carrier element via an annular sealing seam with an outside diameter of 55-75% of the filter element's diameter, allowing for less precise positioning and using nonwoven or felt materials with optimized diameters and treatments to maintain beverage quality and reduce production complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the sealing seam is located close to the outer periphery of the filter element (84-94% of diameter), then foam formation at the beverage surface is reduced, but precise positioning of the filter element relative to the sealing tool is necessary during production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of sealing seam location from the periphery (84-94% of diameter) to the center region (55-75% of diameter). This parameter shift moves the sealing seam away from the outer periphery, which surprisingly maintains low foam formation while dramatically reducing positioning precision requirements during manufacturing.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the sealing seam is located close to the outer periphery of the filter element, then foam formation is reduced, but the production process becomes more difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the sealing seam location parameter to 55-75% of the filter element diameter, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process. The central location is more tolerant to positioning variations, making the production process easier and less costly while still achieving the goal of reduced foam formation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the outside diameter of the sealing seam is reduced to 55-75% of filter element diameter, then positioning precision requirements are reduced, but the active filter area available in the center of the nonwoven-based filter element is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the sealing seam diameter parameter to 55-75% of the filter element diameter. This intermediate value balances two competing requirements: it is large enough to provide adequate sealing and structural support, yet small enough to leave sufficient active filter area in the center region for effective beverage production.
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
This design simplifies and cost-reduces the production of single-serve capsules while maintaining high beverage quality, as the reduced precision requirements and specific material treatments ensure effective extraction and minimal foam formation.
Implementation Method 1
the filter element comprises a nonwoven
Implementation Method 2
the filter element is sealed to the base or to a carrier element by a substantially annular sealing seam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a single serve capsule for preparing a beverage, comprising a side wall and a bottom, which together define a space, a filter element being sealed to the bottom within said space.