Modular Centrifuge for Cannabis Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are inefficient and inaccurate in measuring and packaging smokable cannabis products due to the adhesive properties of cannabis resin, leading to uneven distribution and difficulty in achieving consistent packing density in commercial-scale production.
Innovation Solution
A modular centrifuge system with a drive assembly, dynamic positioning talon assemblies, and pod assemblies that rotate to compress and pack smokable herb products uniformly, utilizing a control unit to monitor and control the packing process for consistent results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional tobacco packaging machinery is used to package cannabis, then the machinery can operate at commercial scale, but the cannabis sticks to the machinery and inner surfaces of pre-rolled paper cones causing malfunction and uneven packing density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-stick coatings to the packaging machinery surfaces and pre-rolled paper cones. This converts the harmful adhesive property of cannabis resin into a beneficial non-stick surface, allowing commercial scale packaging to proceed without the cannabis sticking to machinery or creating uneven packing density. The coating creates a release layer that maintains productivity while ensuring uniform packing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If vibratory machines are used to settle cannabis in article cones, then air pockets are removed, but smaller particulates become unevenly concentrated at one end and hand tamping is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual-stage vibration system with varying frequencies and amplitudes. The first vibration stage settles the cannabis and removes air pockets, while the second stage redistributes particulates uniformly. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for hand tamping by automatically achieving both air pocket removal and uniform particle distribution through controlled vibration sequences.
3Adaptability or versatility
If various cannabis strains with varying consistencies are packaged using fixed packaging parameters, then different consumer preferences can be met, but consistent measurement and packaging accuracy cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pre-packaging characterization system that measures the density, moisture content, and particle size distribution of each cannabis strain before packaging. Based on these measurements, the system automatically adjusts packaging parameters such as vibration frequency, amplitude, and duration. This preliminary characterization ensures that each strain is packaged with optimized parameters, achieving both strain variety accommodation and packaging consistency.
4Ease of operation
If manual hand-rolling is used to prepare smokable products, then consumers can customize their products, but commercial scale production is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a modular automated packaging system that can handle multiple cannabis strains, product formats (pre-rolled cones, cartridges, edibles), and packaging types. The system maintains consumer customization capability through programmable parameters that allow different product specifications while achieving commercial scale production efficiency through automation. The universal design enables the system to adapt to various product requirements without manual intervention.
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 ensures accurate and consistent measurement and packing of smokable herb products, achieving uniform compression and density, reducing waste and improving operational efficiency in cannabis product manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of pod assemblies, each pod assembly comprising a pod including a plurality of zoning funnels, each of the plurality of pod assemblies being detachably coupled to a respective binary linkage; wherein each pod is configured to move from the first position to the second position along the path defined by the at least one guide slot in response to rotational movement of the drive assembly in the axial direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular centrifuge apparatus for use in preparing and packing ready-made smokable products is disclosed including a drive assembly with a motor and a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the motor, the drive shaft defining a vertical direction, an axial direction, and a radial direction. The drive shaft extends along the vertical direction out of the motor. A sandwich hub having a notched portion is coupled to the drive shaft. The initiation of the motor rotates the drive shaft assembly along the axial direction. Each of a plurality of dynamic positioning talon assemblies includes a talon frame member and a binary linkage. Each talon frame member is fixedly attached to the sandwich hub using the notched portion and an upper plate, and extends outwardly therefrom along the radial direction. Each talon frame member includes at least one guide slot and at least one alignment post. The binary linkage is slidably coupled to the at least one guide slot of the talon frame member. The binary linkage is configured to move from a first position to a second position along a path defined by the at least one guide slot wherein said path extends greater than 90 degrees to the drive shaft. A plurality of pod assemblies, each including a pod that holds a plurality of zoning funnels, and is configured to move from the first position to the second position along the path defined by the vertical guide slot in response to rotational movement by the drive assembly in the axial direction.