Single Serve Capsule with Transparent Flange for Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single serve capsules for beverage preparation machines lack an efficient and easily applicable optically detectable feature that can be read from both the lid film and the flange, limiting the configuration options for beverage preparation machines.
Innovation Solution
A single serve capsule design where the optically detectable feature is placed on the side of the capsule lid facing away from the flange, with the flange and lid being at least partially transparent, allowing for easier application and reading by a detector, even when backlit through the lid film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the optically detectable feature is printed on the flange or lid film as in prior art, then the feature can be read by a detector, but the application process becomes complex and reading is limited to specific detector positions
Solution Approach 1:
The optically detectable feature is disposed on the side of the capsule lid facing away from the flange, utilizing the outer surface dimension. This positioning combined with the transparent flange and lid film allows the feature to be readable from multiple directions (through the transparent materials from the flange side, and directly from the lid side), providing versatility for detector configuration while maintaining ease of application during capsule production
Solution Approach 2:
The flange and lid film are configured to be at least partially optically transparent in the region of the optically detectable feature. This localized transparency property enables optical reading through the flange and lid film while maintaining the structural integrity and sealing properties of these components in other regions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flange and lid film are made transparent to allow reading from both sides, then more detector configurations are possible, but the materials and manufacturing become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flange and lid film are configured to be at least partially optically transparent in the region of the optically detectable feature, rather than making the entire components transparent. This localized transparency approach enables detector configuration flexibility while maintaining structural integrity and reducing manufacturing complexity compared to fully transparent components
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 enhances the ease of application and reading of the optically detectable feature, providing more configuration options for beverage preparation machines and ensuring compatibility verification before brewing.
Implementation Method 1
the flange and the capsule lid being configured to be at least partially optically transparent
Data Source
AI summary
A single serve capsule for preparing a beverage with aid of a beverage preparation machine, the single serve capsule having a base element with a cavity for receiving a beverage raw material and a capsule lid which closes the cavity; the base element including a capsule base, an encircling flange, and a capsule wall which extends from the capsule base to the encircling flange; the capsule lid being fastened to the flange; the single serve capsule having an optically detectable feature which is optically detectable by a detector of the beverage preparation machine; the optically detectable feature being disposed on a side of the capsule lid facing away from the flange, the flange and the capsule lid are configured to be optically transparent at least in a region of the optically detectable feature.