Microwave-Controlled Infusion Appliance for Faster Plant Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional household herbal extractors are time-consuming and inefficient for quickly extracting high concentrations of plant components, often taking over two hours due to the use of electric heating methods.
Innovation Solution
A home appliance utilizing a microwave generator, temperature and weighing sensors, and a controller to dynamically control the microwave operation based on temperature and weight measurements, along with a motor-driven rotor for stirring, to enhance extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electric heating method is used in conventional household herbal extractors, then the extraction process can be performed, but the extraction time is excessively long (over two hours) and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electric heating system with a microwave generation system. The microwave generator emits microwave waves that directly heat the extraction medium and plant components through dielectric heating, eliminating the need for thermal conduction through the container walls. This substitution of heating mechanism dramatically reduces extraction time from over two hours to a fraction of that time while maintaining or improving extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic stirring through a motor-driven rotor that rotates at controlled intervals during the extraction process. This periodic mechanical action enhances the contact between the plant components and extraction medium, preventing stagnation and improving mass transfer. The controller manages the microwave emission and stirring operations in periodic cycles, optimizing both heating efficiency and material exchange.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional electric heating is used, then the extraction process is simple to implement, but the concentration of extracted plant components is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple electric heating element with a microwave generator system that provides volumetric heating throughout the extraction medium. This allows for more uniform and efficient extraction of plant components, achieving higher concentrations in shorter times. The microwave energy penetrates the material directly, creating hotspots that enhance solvent penetration and component release.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors and weighing sensors that continuously monitor the extraction process parameters. The controller receives feedback from these sensors and dynamically adjusts the microwave power output and stirring speed to optimize extraction efficiency. This closed-loop control ensures that the extraction process maintains optimal conditions for maximizing plant component concentration while preventing overheating or energy waste.
3Productivity
If microwave generation system is introduced with sensors and control mechanisms, then extraction efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single controller unit that manages microwave generation, temperature monitoring, weighing measurements, and stirring control. This centralized control architecture, while adding complexity, provides automated optimization of the extraction process, reducing the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent high-quality results. The system can be programmed with different extraction protocols for various plant materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-regulating features where the system automatically adjusts its operation based on sensor feedback. The temperature sensor monitors heating progress and automatically modulates microwave power to maintain optimal extraction conditions. The weighing sensor tracks mass changes and adjusts the process accordingly. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual control mechanisms while maintaining high extraction efficiency.
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 system achieves precise control and efficient operation for optimized substance processing, reducing extraction time and improving the concentration of extracted plant components.
Implementation Method 1
a microwave generator configured to generate microwave
Implementation Method 2
generate microwave... for processing the substance
Data Source
AI summary
A home appliance is provided for substance processing using microwave. The home appliance comprises a temperature sensor, a microwave generator configured to generate microwave, and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and the microwave generator. The controller is configured to control an operation of the microwave generator based on a measurement of the temperature sensor for processing the substance.