Flexible Pack Spout Resistance Sensing for Reuse Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible food or beverage packs lack a cost-effective method to detect if they have been previously used or if the spout positioning is correct, which is crucial for hygiene and product quality, as incorrect usage can lead to contamination and improper fluid injection.
Innovation Solution
A system that measures the resistance of the spout connection and movement using a control unit to convert motor current into torque values, comparing these values to reference thresholds to determine if the pack is new and if the spout is properly positioned, incorporating indents or bumps on the spout for precise resistance profiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotary encoder is used in the motor to detect spout positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotary encoder (electrical/mechanical sensing system) with a motor current measurement system. The control unit detects spout positioning by monitoring current peaks during motor operation, substituting complex mechanical sensors with simple electrical measurements. This resolves the contradiction by achieving positioning detection through electrical parameters rather than mechanical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor itself serves the dual function of driving the spout mechanism and providing positioning information through its current consumption pattern. The system uses the motor's own electrical characteristics (current peaks during movement phases) to detect positioning, eliminating the need for separate sensing components. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by making the actuator itself the sensor.
2Device complexity
If no detection system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of detecting pack usage status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes physical detection mechanisms (sensors, switches, encoders) with electrical current analysis. The control unit determines pack usage status by analyzing current consumption patterns during motor operation, achieving reliable detection without mechanical or electrical sensors. This resolves the contradiction by using the motor's electrical characteristics as the detection medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor current measurement serves multiple functions: driving the spout mechanism, detecting positioning, and determining pack usage status. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve reliable detection across multiple parameters using a single measurement approach, resolving the contradiction by making the detection system universal rather than specialized.
3Device complexity
If the spout positioning is not detected, then device complexity is reduced, but product quality deteriorates due to incorrect fluid injection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning sensors with electrical current analysis to detect spout positioning. The control unit determines correct positioning by identifying characteristic current peaks during motor operation, ensuring accurate fluid injection without complex sensing systems. This resolves the contradiction by using electrical parameters to achieve mechanical positioning precision.
4Loss of substance
If flexible packs are used instead of rigid capsules, then material usage is reduced and storage space is minimized, but the ability to detect piercing and positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods (physical sensors, switches) with electrical current analysis to detect piercing events and positioning on flexible packs. The control unit monitors motor current patterns that change when the flexible pack is pierced or positioned, enabling detection without mechanical contact sensors. This resolves the contradiction by using the motor's electrical characteristics to sense mechanical events on flexible packaging.
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
Ensures the pack is used only once, preventing contamination and ensuring correct spout positioning, thereby maintaining hygiene and product quality by stopping the preparation process if pre-used or incorrectly positioned conditions are detected.
Implementation Method 1
a beverage preparation device, in particular a motor driving the connection of the beverage preparation device to the spout of the pack and/or driving the movement of the two parts of the spout relative to each other, values of current from the motor being converted into values of motor torque
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
The invention relates to a spout (10) comprising at least two parts (11,12) relatively moveable with respect to each other such that at least one of the two parts (11,12) of the spout comprise means presenting a measurable resistance to being connected to an engaging part of a beverage preparation device and/or to the relative movement of the two parts (11,12) of the spout. Further, the invention relates to a pack (100) for preparing a food or beverage product comprising a spout (10) as described and a container (30) configured to comprise a product to prepare the said food or beverage product The invention also refers to a system for preparing a food or beverage product comprising a pack (100) as described comprising a product and a beverage preparation device that will introduce a fluid in the form of a jet inside the volume of the pack (100), and to a method for determining if a food or beverage pack has been previously used in such a system.