Cannabis Extraction Apparatus with Integrated Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing the quality and potency of cannabis-containing products are costly and require specialized expertise, making it difficult for cottage businesses and medical marijuana patients to reliably assess their cannabis-infused products, as they necessitate precise measurements and controlled environments with multiple sequential steps for extraction and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A streamlined apparatus and method for extracting cannabinoids using a solvent-based infusion process, followed by filtration and analysis with light spectrometry, which includes a graded cylindrical container, filter-funnel assembly, and plunger for serial infusion, agitation, and filtration, allowing for easy cleaning and reproducible results, and utilizing light spectrometry across UV, visible, and infrared spectra for compound identification and concentration calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If light spectrometry is used for analysis, then cost is reduced and accessibility is improved, but measurement precision and reliability are worsened compared to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary extraction process using solvents to prepare samples for light spectrometry analysis. This intermediary step transforms the complex matrix of cannabis products into a simplified solution form that can be reliably analyzed by light spectrometry, bridging the gap between the inexpensive analysis method and the need for accurate results
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the sample through controlled extraction processes, converting solid cannabis materials into liquid solutions with specific concentrations. This parameter transformation enables the sample to be compatible with light spectrometry while maintaining measurable accuracy for potency determination
2Reliability
If multiple sequential extraction steps are performed manually, then extraction quality can be controlled, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sequential extraction operations into a single integrated device that can perform successive extractions without disassembly. The device combines infusion chamber, filtration components, and cuvette preparation functions into one unified system, reducing complexity while maintaining reliable extraction quality through standardized protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction device is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple operations: infusion of solvents, agitation of mixtures, filtration of extracts, and preparation of analysis samples. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate equipment for each step, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring consistent extraction quality
3Productivity
If extraction equipment is used repeatedly, then productivity increases, but cleaning time and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable cuvette system where the analysis container is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for cleaning between samples. This approach trades the cost of disposable components against the time saved by eliminating cleaning procedures, thereby increasing productivity and reducing time loss
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
Facilitates reproducible and cost-effective extraction and analysis of cannabis compounds, enabling reliable identification of plant varieties and potency assessment without the need for high-level scientific expertise, while simplifying the process and reducing equipment cleaning requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Organic solvents such as alcohols and hydrophobic molecules effectively dissolve cannabinoids and other psychoactive and physiologically active compounds in cannabis flowers
Implementation Method 2
Light spectrometry generates a unique profile of a cannabis flower's psychoactive and physiologically active compounds
Implementation Method 3
comparing absorption spectra from sample in (d) to reference absorbance and transmittance spectra and using Beer's Law and mathematical methods such as unsupervised and supervised machine learning to identify varieties of marijuana flowers
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes an infusion chamber to receive a selected amount of extraction solvent and a sample to be analyzed. The reagents are incubated in the infusion chamber, which is sealed at both ends by rubber stoppers and filter baskets. The reagents are agitated and incubated at the desired temperature for a specified length of time. One end of the infusion chamber is then replaced with a filter-funnel assembly, and a plunger is slidingly received in the opposite end of the infusion chamber to pressurize it and expel the contents of the infusion chamber. The filter-funnel assembly holds back solid matter while allowing the solution to pass through a funnel and either into a spectrometric cuvette. Spectrometry is used to identify compounds, varieties of cannabis, and calculate potencies of edible cannabis-infused products. This system serializes the infusion, extraction, filtration, spectroscopic analysis and can be operated by non-experts.