Cannabis Cone Compaction System with Protective Collar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated processes for compacting cannabis in paper cones often separate delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and result in non-uniform filling, making it difficult to achieve an efficient joint while preserving the integrity of the cannabis cone.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a cone gripper, a reciprocable compaction rod with a protective collar, and a cone-raising mechanism that applies controlled pressure to compact cannabis within the cone, ensuring uniform filling and minimizing THC separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If strong or moderate vibrations are applied to even out cannabis filling in cones, then the uniformity of filling is improved, but THC separation occurs and product quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibrating tray to achieve uniform cannabis distribution in cones. The vibration mechanism oscillates the tray at controlled frequencies, causing cannabis particles to redistribute evenly across all cone positions, thereby improving filling uniformity without causing THC separation when properly calibrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies process parameters including vibration amplitude, frequency, and duration to optimize the filling process. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves uniform cannabis distribution while preventing the harmful effect of THC separation that occurs with excessive vibration intensity.
2Productivity
If cannabis is injected into each cone and compacted, then filling efficiency is improved, but THC separation occurs and uniformity along the cone length deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mechanical vibration during the injection and compaction process to maintain uniform cannabis distribution along the cone length. The vibration prevents cannabis particles from settling unevenly during high-speed injection, thereby maintaining both productivity and uniformity without causing THC separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic vibration cycles synchronized with the injection process. The vibration is applied in controlled pulses during cannabis injection and compaction, creating periodic disturbances that prevent particle settling and maintain uniform distribution throughout the cone length while preserving filling efficiency.
3Productivity
If enough pressure is applied to compact cannabis efficiently, then joint formation quality is improved, but the integrity of the cannabis cone is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration during the compaction process to achieve efficient joint formation without excessive pressure. The vibration facilitates cannabis particle rearrangement and densification through oscillatory motion, reducing the need for high static pressure that would otherwise deform or break the paper cone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compaction method from pure static pressure to a combination of controlled pressure and vibration. By adjusting pressure levels down and adding vibrational components, the system achieves effective compaction for joint formation while preserving cone integrity through reduced mechanical stress on the paper structure.
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
The system effectively compacts cannabis, maintaining the integrity of the cone and ensuring uniform THC distribution along the length, enhancing the quality and consistency of cannabis joints.
Implementation Method 1
a compaction rod, having a tip, for compacting cannabis in the cannabis cone; the compaction rod being reciprocable along an axis between a retracted position, wherein the tip is out of the cannabis cone, and an extended position, wherein the tip is inserted in the cannabis cone
Implementation Method 2
a protective collar that is movable within the cannabis cone, coaxially thereof, near the open top thereof, so as to define a barrier between the compaction rod and the cannabis cone when the compaction rod reciprocates in the cannabis cone
Implementation Method 3
a cone gripper that is movable between an open position and a closed position around the cannabis cone; wherein, while in the closed position, the cone gripper holding the cannabis cone
Data Source
AI summary
A system for compacting cannabis in a cannabis cone comprises i) a cone gripper that is movable between an open position and a closed position around the cannabis cone; wherein, while in the closed position, the cone gripper applies pressure onto the cannabis cone that is sufficient to hold the cannabis cone; ii) a compaction rod, having a tip, for compacting cannabis in the cannabis cone, the compaction rod being reciprocable along an axis between a retracted position, wherein the tip is out of the cannabis cone, and an extended position, wherein the tip is inserted in the cannabis cone; and iii) a protective collar that is movable within the cannabis cone, coaxially thereof, near the open top thereof, so as to define a barrier between the compaction rod and the cannabis cone when the compaction rod reciprocates in the cannabis cone.