Automated Cannabis Packaging System with Weigh Buckets and Sorting Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cannabis producers face challenges in accurately and automatically weighing cannabis buds to ensure packages do not exceed predetermined weight limits, which is crucial for compliance with laws and regulations.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system comprising at least one weigh bucket, a sorting apparatus, a reject funnel, an accept funnel, and a memory bucket, which accurately weighs cannabis buds and directs them to appropriate packages based on weight, ensuring compliance with weight regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual weighing and sorting of cannabis buds is performed, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but accuracy and compliance with weight limits cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic weighing, sorting, and packaging of cannabis buds without human intervention. The weigh buckets automatically detect weight, the sorting apparatus automatically directs buds to appropriate packages, and the system self-regulates to ensure compliance with weight limits, eliminating the need for manual operations while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical weighing and sorting operations with an automated electronic measurement and control system. Electronic sensors in the weigh buckets detect weight precisely, and an automated sorting mechanism directs buds based on weight data, substituting human judgment and manual handling with electronic measurement and automated mechanical action.
2Productivity
If multiple cannabis buds are placed in a package without precise weighing, then packaging speed is increased, but weight limit compliance is violated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary weighing of individual buds or small groups of buds in weigh buckets before final packaging. By pre-sorting and pre-weighing buds into weight-appropriate groups, the system ensures that when buds are placed into final packages, the weight limit is already satisfied, enabling high-speed packaging without compromising precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the weight of buds in weigh buckets and provides feedback control to the sorting apparatus. Based on real-time weight data, the system adjusts which buds are directed to which packages, ensuring that each package remains within weight limits while maintaining high packaging speed through automated decision-making.
3Reliability
If automated weighing systems are implemented, then accuracy and compliance are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the packaging process into distinct functional segments: weighing (via weigh buckets with sensors), sorting (via the sorting apparatus), and packaging. Each segment handles a specific task with dedicated components, making the overall complex system manageable through modular functional division while ensuring reliable compliance at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting apparatus serves multiple functions: it sorts buds by weight, directs them to appropriate packages, and can handle variations in bud size and shape. The weigh buckets not only measure weight but also temporarily hold and present buds for sorting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task, managing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes a method of packaging a product using a packaging system. The packaging system includes at least one weigh bucket, at least one sorting apparatus, at least one reject funnel, at least one accept funnel, and at least one memory bucket. The method includes loading the product into the packaging system, weighing the product with the at least one weigh bucket, determining that the product meets or exceeds a predetermined weight amount, dropping the product from the at least one weigh bucket into the at least one sorting apparatus, and directing the product from the at least one sorting apparatus into the reject funnel, the accept funnel, or the memory bucket, responsive to determining that the product meets or exceeds a predetermined weight amount.