Angled Roller Biomass Removal System for Hemp Stems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for harvesting CBD-bearing hemp plants are inefficient, particularly when stems have knots, as they require pre-processing and can only process one stem at a time, leading to time-consuming and inefficient biomass removal.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a conveyor mechanism with angled rollers that apply a rubbing force to remove biomass from stems, accompanied by a tensioning system to hold the stem in place, allowing for quick and effective processing of multiple stems regardless of diameter or length, including those with knots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a draw plate is used to remove biomass from stems, then the equipment is simple and inexpensive, but it can only process one stem at a time and cannot handle stems with knots
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the stem processing into multiple parallel channels, each with its own draw plate mechanism. Multiple stems are fed simultaneously through separate openings in the draw plate, allowing concurrent processing of multiple stems without increasing the complexity of individual processing units
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple draw plate mechanisms into a single integrated processing unit. The draw plate is designed with multiple openings that accommodate several stems simultaneously, merging the function of multiple single-stem processors into one cohesive system that maintains simplicity while increasing throughput
2Device complexity
If a draw plate is used to remove biomass from stems, then the equipment structure is simple, but stems with knots require pre-processing which is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary loosening action on stems with knots before they enter the draw plate. A loosening mechanism positioned upstream of the draw plate pre-treats stems by separating tightly bound biomass, allowing the subsequent draw plate processing to handle knotted stems without requiring separate pre-processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous processing by integrating the loosening mechanism directly with the draw plate in a seamless workflow. Stems are continuously fed through the loosening mechanism and immediately into the draw plate, eliminating idle time and ensuring that the useful action of biomass removal continues without interruption even for knotted stems
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional methods are used to process stems, then equipment is simple, but processing efficiency is low for large quantities of stems
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the biomass removal function across multiple draw plate openings, allowing parallel processing of multiple stems simultaneously. Each opening acts as an independent processing channel, increasing overall throughput while maintaining the simplicity of the basic draw plate design
Solution Approach 2:
The draw plate is designed as a universal processing unit that can handle multiple stem types and sizes through its multiple openings. The system performs the same biomass removal function across all channels simultaneously, providing multi-functional capability without requiring different equipment for different stem varieties
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 system enables rapid and efficient removal of biomass from large quantities of stems, accommodating a wide range of stem diameters and lengths, significantly improving processing speed and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of rollers which exert a rubbing force between each other for removing the biomass from the stem
Data Source
AI summary
A system for removing biomass from a stem includes a frame, a conveyor mechanism which moves the stem in a horizontal conveying direction, a pair of rollers which exert a rubbing force between each other for removing the biomass from the stem, and a tensioning system arranged to exert a force which holds the stem to the conveyor mechanism. A first axial end of each roller is connected to an inlet end side of the conveyor mechanism, and a second axial end of each roller is connected to a transmission such that the rollers are angled downward from the first axial ends to the second axial ends. The conveyor mechanism moves the stem so as to pass between the rollers such that the rubbing force removes the biomass from the stem, and such that the rubbing force moves downward along the stem as the stem moves in the conveying direction.