Closed-Chamber Mechanical Cannabinoid Extraction for Odor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical extraction methods for botanical cannabinoids, such as rosin pressing, are labor-intensive, hazardous, cause parasitic losses of desirable constituents, and produce pungent odors, necessitating a more efficient, safe, and odorless extraction process.
Innovation Solution
A chamber with a cylindrically shaped cavity and a movable plug that reduces volume through axial displacement, combined with a motive means to extract rosin efficiently and safely, using automated control of parameters, and optional coextraction fluids or decarboxylation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional open press chamber rosin pressing is used, then extraction of botanical cannabinoids can be achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an enclosed press chamber that creates a controlled environment for rosin extraction. This enclosed chamber eliminates the open press chamber hazards by containing the extraction process, preventing exposure to potential hazards while maintaining extraction efficiency. The chamber can be sealed to contain any volatile substances during the pressing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a receiving container as an intermediary component between the press chamber and the operator. This receiving container collects the expressed rosin automatically, eliminating the need for manual scraping operations and reducing labor intensity. The intermediary container serves as a buffer that separates the extraction process from the collection process.
2Productivity
If traditional rosin pressing with manual scraping is used, then extraction can be performed, but the process becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving container acts as an intermediary that automatically collects expressed rosin during the pressing operation. Instead of requiring manual scraping after pressing, the rosin is funneled or directed into the receiving container during the pressing cycle itself, eliminating the separate manual collection step and reducing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent design allows the pressing and collection operations to occur simultaneously and continuously. The receiving container is positioned to receive rosin as it is expressed during pressing, maintaining continuous flow of the extraction process without interruption for manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity and reducing cycle time.
3Productivity
If heated pressing plates are used to extract rosin, then extraction efficiency improves, but pungent odors are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosed press chamber creates a contained environment that prevents pungent odors from escaping into the surrounding area. By sealing the chamber during the heated pressing operation, any volatile compounds or odors generated by the heated biomass are contained within the chamber rather than being released into the workspace, maintaining extraction efficiency while eliminating odor pollution.
4Quantity of substance
If traditional filter bag removal process is used, then rosin can be collected, but parasitic loss of desirable constituents occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving container serves as an intermediary collection point that receives rosin directly from the press chamber through controlled discharge. This eliminates the need to remove and handle the filter bag, which is a source of parasitic loss in traditional methods. The rosin is transferred directly to the receiving container, preserving all desirable constituents that would otherwise be lost during filter bag manipulation.
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
Enables efficient, safe, and odorless extraction of rosin from botanical biomass without parasitic losses, using automated control and optional coextraction fluids or decarboxylation.
Implementation Method 1
a means of reducing the volume of the pressing chamber... the motive means causing the displacement of the movable plug along the axis of the cylindrically shaped cavity of the pressing chamber with sufficient force to cause the rosin of the botanical biomass to migrate
Implementation Method 2
a motive means capable of causing the displacement of the movable plug along the axis of the cylindrically shaped cavity of the pressing chamber with sufficient force to cause the rosin of the botanical biomass to migrate
Implementation Method 3
cause the rosin of the botanical biomass to migrate from within the botanical biomass, through the permeable filter bag
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus that allows for the efficient, safe, and odorless extraction of botanical cannabinoids from botanical biomass by utilizing a closed pressing cavity that may optionally include decarboxylation and coextraction features. The closed pressing cavity mitigates parasitic losses of desirable constituents and is a solventless extraction process making it environmentally friendly.