Single-serve capsule for preparing a beverage with the aid of a beverage preparation machine, beverage preparation system and method for producing a single-serve capsule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-serve capsules face issues with identification codes being damaged or difficult to apply during production due to the lid element being integrally bonded to the flange, leading to potential malfunctions and unreliable reading in beverage preparation machines.
Innovation Solution
The identification code is positioned on the side facing the bottom region, either on the flange or on a separate lid element that is fastened to the base element without direct connection to the flange, ensuring the code is not damaged during production or use, and allowing reliable detection by the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the lid element is integrally bonded to the flange, then the capsule structure is sealed and stable, but the identification code on the flange is damaged or difficult to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the lid element from the flange, making them independent components. The lid element is fastened to the capsule wall rather than being integrally bonded to the flange, which allows the identification code on the flange to remain undamaged and readable during production and use.
2Ease of operation
If the identification code is positioned on the flange, then it is easily accessible for reading, but it gets damaged during lid element bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The identification code is applied to the flange before the lid element is fastened to the capsule wall. This preliminary positioning ensures the code is applied to a stable surface that will not be subsequently damaged by bonding operations, while remaining accessible for reading by the beverage preparation machine.
Data Source
AI summary
A single-serve capsule for preparing a beverage with the aid of a beverage preparation machine is proposed, the single-serve capsule having a base element with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material, and a lid element closing the cavity, the base element comprising a bottom region, an encircling flange at the end opposite the bottom region and a capsule wall extending from the bottom region to the encircling flange, wherein the single-serve capsule has an optically detectable identification code, in particular a bit code and/or barcode, wherein either the optically detectable identification code is arranged on the side of the flange facing the bottom region, or the lid element is fastened to the flange.