CO2 Flash-Freezing Extraction Assembly for Vegetation Byproduct Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vegetation byproduct harvesting systems lack regulation of carbon dioxide flow and mechanical agitation forces, leading to inefficient extraction and classification of plant byproducts, which results in lengthy processing times and complex equipment usage.
Innovation Solution
A vegetation material byproduct harvesting apparatus that utilizes a regulated flow of carbon dioxide for flash freezing and dry mechanical agitation, with a size adjustable nozzle and agitation motor to dislodge and classify byproducts based on size and composition, facilitated by a supportive apparatus frame and classifier system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If unregulated carbon dioxide flow is used for flash freezing, then the freezing process is simpler, but the extraction efficiency and byproduct classification quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a regulated carbon dioxide flow system with adjustable flow rates and timing controls, allowing the freezing process to be dynamically optimized for different vegetation materials and desired byproduct classifications, thereby improving extraction efficiency without requiring overly complex fixed infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of carbon dioxide flow parameters (rate, duration, pressure) to optimize the flash freezing process for different vegetation types and byproduct sizes, enabling efficient extraction while maintaining manageable equipment complexity through parameter control rather than structural complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If unregulated mechanical agitation forces are applied, then the agitation process is simpler, but the separation precision and byproduct classification quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a regulated mechanical agitation system with controllable force and duration, allowing precise separation of byproducts based on size and composition while maintaining manageable device complexity through controlled dynamic action rather than complex static structures
Solution Approach 2:
The agitation process is segmented into controlled phases with specific force levels and durations, enabling progressive separation of different byproduct sizes and compositions, thereby achieving high classification precision through process segmentation rather than complex equipment
3Loss of time
If traditional liquid extraction processes are used, then the extraction method is simpler, but the processing time and chemical usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional liquid chemical extraction processes with a mechanical flash freezing and agitation system, dramatically reducing processing time and eliminating chemical usage while maintaining manageable device complexity through mechanical rather than chemical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transitions of carbon dioxide (gas to liquid to gas) for flash freezing and sublimation, enabling rapid extraction without chemicals and reducing processing time while keeping equipment complexity manageable through exploitation of natural phase change properties
4Productivity
If flash freezing with unregulated carbon dioxide is applied, then the freezing process is faster, but the dehydration control and mechanical separation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements regulated carbon dioxide flow parameters (rate, pressure, duration) during flash freezing to precisely control dehydration levels, enabling rapid harvesting while maintaining optimal dehydration control for subsequent mechanical separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms to monitor and adjust carbon dioxide flow during flash freezing, ensuring optimal dehydration control is maintained throughout the rapid freezing process, thereby achieving both high harvesting speed and precise dehydration control
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 apparatus efficiently extracts and classifies vegetation byproducts through controlled flash freezing and mechanical agitation, reducing processing time and eliminating the need for messy chemicals and labor-intensive methods, while accommodating various types of vegetation material.
Implementation Method 1
flash freezing with carbon dioxide involves dehydrating the vegetation material to facilitate mechanical separation
Implementation Method 2
The flash freezing process with carbon dioxide involves dehydrating the vegetation material
Implementation Method 3
flash freezing refers to the process in various industries whereby objects are frozen in a few hours by subjecting them to cryogenic temperatures, or in direct contact with dry ice (carbon dioxide)
Implementation Method 4
mechanical agitation can be used to separate and break down organic material, such as vegetation
Implementation Method 5
The agitation often occurs through at least one of the following: forcible gyratory motion, reciprocal motion, oscillating motion, centrifugal forces
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for harvesting vegetation material byproduct enables regulated flow of carbon dioxide and mechanical agitation to create flash frozen vegetation material byproduct, followed by selective collection of the byproducts based on size and composition. An apparatus frame and a pivotally mounted extraction assembly mount frame provide structural support. An extraction assembly includes a container that is carried by the extraction assembly mount frame. The container contains the vegetation material. A carbon dioxide vessel contains a carbon dioxide that flash freezes the vegetation material. A conveyor and a size adjustable nozzle regulate flow rate and quantity of carbon dioxide flowing from a carbon dioxide vessel to the container. An agitation motor mechanically engages the flash frozen material in the container. A classifier having a classifier mesh with multiple mesh openings is carried by the container. The classifier segregates the agitated byproduct, which is captured by a collection pan.