Sealed Lid Valve for Cannabis Curing Humidity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for curing cannabis and other organic plants fail to effectively preserve cannabinoids and terpenes, leading to potential loss of potency and harsh smoking experiences due to incomplete drying and degradation of volatile compounds.

Innovation Solution

A lid and pump system for containers that creates a controlled environment by sealing the container, removing stale air, and allowing controlled air exchange to maintain optimal humidity and prevent bacterial growth, using a valve and pump mechanism with integrated date tracking and humidity management features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If quick drying under warm conditions is used, then the drying speed is improved, but the cannabinoids and terpenes degrade and potency is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrying speedVSAvoidcannabinoids and terpenes

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts temperature and humidity parameters within the container to optimize the curing process. By maintaining low temperatures (avoiding warm conditions that cause degradation) and controlling humidity levels, the system achieves effective drying while preserving cannabinoids and terpenes through parameter optimization rather than extreme conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a controlled atmosphere environment within the sealed container, removing or reducing oxygen exposure that causes oxidative degradation of terpenes and cannabinoids. This inert or modified atmosphere allows for preservation of volatile compounds while still achieving the desired drying effect through controlled air exchange cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Reliability

If the container is sealed to prevent air entry, then preservation is improved, but air exchange for curing is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepreservationVSAvoidcuring process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic air exchange cycles where the seal is temporarily opened or adjusted to allow controlled air entry for curing purposes, then sealed again for preservation. This periodic action balances the conflicting needs of maintaining a sealed environment for protection while periodically allowing air exchange to support the curing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses automated sensors and control mechanisms to monitor internal conditions and automatically manage air exchange timing and duration. This self-service approach optimizes the balance between sealing for preservation and opening for curing without requiring constant manual intervention, achieving both preservation reliability and curing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manual monitoring of curing progress is used, then simplicity is maintained, but precision and consistency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidcuring progress monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor temperature, humidity, and other curing parameters, providing real-time feedback to a control system. This automated feedback mechanism ensures precise measurement and consistent control of curing progress, eliminating the imprecision of manual monitoring while maintaining reasonable system complexity through integrated control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 ensures a slow cure at low temperatures, preserving cannabinoids and terpenes, preventing mold, and maintaining potency over long storage periods, with the ability to monitor curing progress and maintain optimal conditions.

Implementation Method 1

pumping out air from the one or more containers via the valve and pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

the lids include one or more valves configured to prevent air from entering the container when the lid is secured to the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 3

The lid includes a gasket located on the bottom side of the lid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS11821683B2System and method for curing plants in a container with a sealed lid

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 BURP LIDS LLC

AI summary

A lid for curing organic plants. The lid is configured to be secured onto a contain with an open top, wherein the lid includes a gasket located on the bottom side of the lid, wherein the lid further includes one or more valves configured to prevent air from entering the container when the lid is secured, wherein the valve is further configured to allow air to escape the container and enter the container when actuated, wherein the lid includes a plurality of numbers associated with a calendar date and a calendar month annularly arranged on a top surface of the lid, and wherein the lid further includes a plurality of tabs, wherein the plurality of tabs are configured to move bi-directionally and include an opening configured to align and display the plurality of numbers.