Modular Wash Basket Assembly for Repairable Cannabis Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solvent-free cannabis hash extraction methods are labor-intensive, inconsistent, and prone to production delays due to the non-modular design of wash baskets, which makes them difficult to repair and results in unnecessary downtime when a single component is damaged.
Innovation Solution
A modular wash basket design for cannabis processing equipment that allows for the easy removal and replacement of individual components, such as the filter mesh panel, without requiring the entire basket to be sent for repair, along with a rotating center stem and agitator paddles for efficient trichome separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the filter mesh panel is resistance welded to the stainless-steel basket frame (permanent assembly), then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because the entire wash basket must be returned for service when the filter mesh panel is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The wash basket is divided into separate modular components: the stainless-steel basket frame and the filter mesh panel. The filter mesh panel is detachably connected to the frame rather than permanently welded, allowing individual panels to be removed and replaced independently when damaged, while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the filter mesh panel and the basket frame is made dynamic rather than static. The detachable connection allows the system to transition between a fixed state during operation (maintaining structural integrity) and a separable state during maintenance (enabling easy repair of individual components).
2Strength
If the entire wash basket is sent for service when a single filter mesh panel is damaged, then the structural integrity is preserved, but the productivity deteriorates due to unnecessary production delays and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The wash basket system is segmented into replaceable filter mesh panels and a reusable basket frame. When a panel is damaged, only that specific panel needs to be replaced rather than the entire basket, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity while preserving structural integrity through the reusable frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for discarding (replacing) only the damaged filter mesh panel while recovering and reusing the stainless-steel basket frame. This selective replacement approach maintains structural integrity through the durable frame while maximizing productivity by minimizing the frequency and duration of repairs.
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
This design reduces downtime and facilitates repairs, ensuring consistent product quality and reducing production delays by enabling quick replacement of damaged parts, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of solvent-free hash extraction.
Implementation Method 1
the basket is agitated to thereby cause the trichomes to separate from the main plant
Implementation Method 2
use ice, water, agitation and filtration to separate the trichomes present on the plant from the raw cannabis material
Implementation Method 3
a rotating center stem with agitator paddles connected thereto
Data Source
AI summary
The improved wash basket of the present invention provides a modular design and configuration to enable the repair of selective component of the wash basket by individually separating them from the cylindrical frame. This reduces downtime of the wash basket and facilitates repair of the wash basket so it can be used again in a main washing vessel.