Cannabis Bucker Insertion Plate Angled Funnel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cannabis bucking machines are limited in processing larger cannabis plant bunches, leading to inefficiencies and the need for additional preparation and cutting, which decreases overall harvesting efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cannabis bucking system with an insertion plate featuring angled surfaces and recesses/channels that function as a funnel, allowing for the efficient insertion and processing of larger bunches by increasing the distance to the choke point through an elevated initial angle and subsequent lowering of the bunch into the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flat die plates with fixed hole diameters are used, then small to medium sized cannabis stems can be processed, but larger cannabis bunches cannot be fed without clogging or impeding the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a flat, two-dimensional die plate to a three-dimensional conical funnel structure. The funnel receives bunches at the top opening and gradually narrows toward the die plate, allowing large bunches to be inserted without clogging while still processing them effectively. This dimensional change enables the system to handle a wider size range of bunches.
Solution Approach 2:
The die plate is segmented into multiple holes of varying diameters, and the funnel is divided into sections with different angles and dimensions. This segmentation allows different sized bunches to be directed to appropriate openings, optimizing processing for each size category while maintaining overall system versatility.
2Quantity of substance
If larger cannabis bunches are inserted into conventional buckers, then processing capacity is maintained, but clogging or impeding of the process occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The conical funnel provides a three-dimensional insertion path that gradually reduces in diameter, allowing large bunches to be fed in without causing clogging. The gradual transition prevents the sudden obstruction that occurs in conventional flat die plates, maintaining process continuity while handling larger quantities of material.
3Reliability
If additional preparation and cutting of larger cannabis plants is performed before bucking, then machine clogging is prevented, but the efficiency of the overall process decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conical funnel performs a preliminary sizing and guiding action on the bunches before they reach the die plate. By receiving and gradually narrowing the bunches in advance, the funnel prepares them for processing without requiring additional cutting or preparation steps, thus maintaining overall process efficiency while ensuring smooth machine operation.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple feeders are used to handle larger bunches, then processing capacity is maintained, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conical funnel provides a single, unified three-dimensional insertion path that can accommodate large bunches without requiring multiple feeders or complex positioning mechanisms. The gradual narrowing geometry naturally guides the bunch through the system, simplifying the overall device configuration while maintaining the ability to process large quantities of material.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to an insertion plate disposed on an external surface of a cannabis bucking machine configured to receive cannabis plants containing stems and buds. The insertion plate includes a top surface, a first angled surface, a second angled surface, and a bottom surface. One or more additional angled surfaces may also be included. The first angled surface includes a plurality of insertion recesses and the second angled surface includes a plurality of insertion channels. The insertion recesses and channels are substantially conically shaped to function as a funnel for receiving larger cannabis bunches. The unique correspondence between the angle of the surfaces and the shape of the recesses allows feeders to efficiently insert larger cannabis bunches and continue to feed as the bunches are levered down from the insertion recesses to the insertion channels.