Automated Fatty Compound Extraction and Encapsulation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting and processing fatty compounds, such as those from biological materials like cannabis, lack automation and efficiency in solvent extraction, evaporation, and encapsulation, leading to suboptimal yields and safety concerns with flammable vapors.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for automatic extraction, storage, and encapsulation of fatty compounds, featuring a controller-driven system with an extraction unit, evaporation and reaction unit, storage unit, and fluid conduits, which includes a solvent supply, diluting liquid supply, and a deformable filter for efficient solvent removal and chemical reaction control, ensuring safe operation by separating electrical components from flammable vapors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual extraction and processing methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and manufacturing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate operations (extraction, evaporation, encapsulation) into a single integrated automated device. The extraction unit, evaporation unit, and encapsulation unit are merged into one system that automatically processes fatty compounds from biological material through all stages without manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform extraction, evaporation, and encapsulation operations autonomously without requiring continuous manual operation. The system automatically controls the extraction process, evaporates solvents, and fills capsules based on pre-set parameters, enabling self-service operation that enhances productivity while reducing the need for complex manual control systems.
2Productivity
If automated extraction and processing systems are implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes flammable solvents from the system through an integrated evaporation unit that operates automatically during the extraction process. By continuously evaporating and removing solvent vapors, the system prevents accumulation of flammable atmospheres, thereby maintaining high productivity while mitigating safety risks associated with automated processing of fatty compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful flammable solvent vapors into a beneficial byproduct of the extraction process. The evaporation unit captures and removes these vapors, preventing safety hazards while simultaneously completing the solvent removal necessary for high-quality encapsulation, thus transforming a safety risk into an essential process function.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple processing units are integrated, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the extraction unit, evaporation unit, and encapsulation unit into a single integrated device with coordinated automatic control. This integration ensures precise timing and parameter control across all processing stages, improving manufacturing precision for encapsulation quality while managing complexity through unified system architecture rather than separate standalone units.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device is designed with multi-functional units that perform multiple operations. For example, the evaporation unit serves both solvent removal and temperature control functions, while the encapsulation unit handles both filling and sealing operations. This multi-functionality improves manufacturing precision by maintaining consistent process parameters while reducing the number of separate components needed.
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 solution enables efficient and automated extraction and encapsulation of fatty compounds, improving yield and safety by controlling the extraction process and separating flammable vapors, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing risks.
Implementation Method 1
control evaporation of the solvent from the liquid mixture in the evaporation and reaction unit
Implementation Method 2
control the heating element to heat the liquid mixture above a specified temperature value to induce at least one component of the liquid mixture undergo a specified chemical reaction
Data Source
AI summary
A device for automatic extraction, storage and encapsulation of fatty compounds, the device may include: an extraction unit configured to provide a liquid mixture comprising fatty compounds extracted from biological material and a liquid solvent; an evaporation and reaction unit; a storage unit comprising one or more storage outlet ports; and a controller configured to: control delivery of the liquid mixture from the extraction unit to the evaporation and reaction unit; control evaporation of the solvent from the liquid mixture in the evaporation and reaction unit; control delivery of the liquid mixture from the evaporation and reaction unit to the storage unit; detect safe connection of each of at least one of one or more capsules to one of the one or more storage outlet ports of the storage unit; and control filling of at least one of the one or more connected capsules with the liquid mixture.