Collapsible Dry Trim Bag with Spring-Actuated Sifting Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
The labor-intensive and costly process of trimming cannabis and other flowering plant materials to separate buds from stems and leaves, which increases production costs and is inefficient in existing methods.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible multi-chamber screen partitioned dry trim and sift bag apparatus with a compression spring mechanism, a sifting screen, and ergonomic handle assemblies that allows for efficient trimming and sifting of plant materials through various motion series, reducing manual labor and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual trimming is used to separate buds from stems and leaves, then product quality is maintained, but labor time and production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus utilizes vibration generated by collapsing the flexible sidewalls through compression springs to automatically separate and sift plant material. The vibratory motion causes buds to detach from stems and leaves, and simultaneously sifts the trimmed material through screen partitions, eliminating the need for manual trimming while maintaining product quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs dynamically collapsing and expanding flexible sidewalls to create motion that performs both trimming and sifting functions. The sidewalls transition between expanded (loading) and collapsed (trimming/sifting) states, using the dynamic mechanical action to process plant material efficiently without manual intervention.
2Productivity
If traditional trimming methods are used, then product can be processed, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus combines multiple functions (trimming, sifting, and material separation) into a single integrated device. The flexible sidewall collapse mechanism simultaneously performs bud separation and material sifting through screen partitions, eliminating the need for separate manual operations and reducing overall process complexity despite the apparatus structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to perform trimming and sifting operations automatically through its own mechanical action. The compression springs self-generate the vibratory motion needed for separation and sifting without external power sources or complex control systems, making the device self-sufficient and operationally simple.
3Productivity
If manual sifting is performed after trimming, then product separation is achieved, but additional time and labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The same vibratory motion that performs trimming also performs sifting simultaneously. As the flexible sidewalls collapse, the vibration causes trimmed material to be automatically separated through screen partitions, eliminating the need for separate manual sifting operations and reducing total processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs trimming and sifting as continuous simultaneous operations rather than sequential steps. The vibratory action continuously processes material through both functions in one motion cycle, maximizing productivity and eliminating idle time between operations.
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 significantly reduces the time and labor required for trimming and sifting, lowering production costs and improving efficiency, while maintaining the natural contours of the product and allowing for quick and easy unloading of trimmed and sifted materials.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring operatively coupled to the hollow body and configured to hold the hollow body in an expanded configuration and to be collapsed under compression to a collapsed configuration
Implementation Method 2
a sifting screen operatively coupled within the hollow body and partitioning the interior of the hollow body into a trim chamber for product to be trimmed and a sift chamber for sifted product
Data Source
AI summary
A dry trim and sift bag apparatus comprising a hollow body having open axial ends; a pair of selectively openable and closable end caps respectively sealing the open axial ends; a compression spring operatively coupled to the hollow body and configured to hold the hollow body in an expanded configuration and to be collapsed under compression to a collapsed configuration; and a sifting screen operatively coupled within the hollow body partitioning the interior of the hollow body into a trim chamber for product to be trimmed and a sift chamber for sifted product, the trim chamber having a greater volume than the sift chamber. Additionally, the dry trim and sift bag apparatus comprises multiple handle assemblies for ergonomic and efficient motion series of operation.