Cannabis Pre-Roll Trimmer and Compressor for Density Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The physical characteristics of cannabis, such as stickiness and higher density compared to tobacco, complicate the formation of cannabis pre-rolls, rendering traditional tobacco cigarette manufacturing machinery inoperable.
Innovation Solution
A machine comprising an inlet for cannabis plant material, a trimmer to separate it into rollable and excess material, a compressor to achieve specific density zones, and a wrapper to form pre-rolls, along with optional cutters and spacers, is designed to address the unique challenges of cannabis processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional tobacco cigarette manufacturing machinery is used for cannabis pre-rolls, then the manufacturing process can be simplified, but the machinery becomes inoperable due to cannabis stickiness and higher density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key parameters of the compression system including compression force, compression duration, and roller surface properties to accommodate cannabis material characteristics. The compression rollers are adjusted to apply appropriate pressure that prevents sticking while achieving proper density, resolving the contradiction between using simplified machinery and maintaining operational reliability with cannabis-specific properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as release coatings on compression rollers and adjustment mechanisms that mediate between the cannabis material and the compression system. These intermediaries prevent direct sticking between cannabis and machinery surfaces while maintaining the overall simplicity of using adapted tobacco manufacturing equipment.
2Device complexity
If uniform compression is applied to cannabis material, then the pre-roll structure is simplified, but the smokeability deteriorates due to insufficient air flow channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform compression zones within the compression structure. Certain areas apply higher compression to achieve proper density while other areas maintain lower compression to preserve air channels for smokeability. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and functional performance.
3Manufacturing precision
If cannabis material is compressed to high density, then the pre-roll compactness is improved, but the smokeability deteriorates due to restricted air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality through zoned compression that creates regions of different density within the pre-roll. High-density zones provide compactness and proper material consolidation while low-density zones maintain air permeability for smokeability. This spatial differentiation of density resolves the contradiction between manufacturing precision and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and method for forming cannabis pre-rolls. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a feed of cannabis plant material; (b) trimming the feed of cannabis plant material to form a feed of rollable cannabis plant material having successive first zones and second zones, wherein a cross-sectional area of the first zones in a plane transverse to a feed flow direction through a trimmer is greater than a cross-sectional area of the second zones in a plane transverse to the feed flow direction through the trimmer; and (c) compressing the feed of rollable cannabis plant material to form a feed of compressed rollable cannabis plant material.