Multi-Platen Press Offset Pivotal Connection Simultaneous Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rosin press systems suffer from heat loss due to unheated portions acting as heat sinks, limited material capacity due to centrally located collection plates, and require sequential platen closure, leading to inefficiencies in extraction processes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-platen press design with offset pivotal connection, simultaneous platen gap closure, and a positive constraint system using springs for uniform pressure distribution, along with hydraulic or linear actuation for efficient material compression and extraction, and features like rotational assist devices and cooling collection plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a static platen is used in the press, then the press structure is simplified, but heat energy is lost to unheated portions acting as heat sinks
Solution Approach 1:
The press is divided into multiple independent heated platens (first heated platen, second heated platen, third heated platen) rather than using a single static platen. Each platen can be independently heated and controlled, eliminating heat loss to unheated portions while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
2Ease of operation
If a centrally located collection plate is used, then the press can be rotated to horizontal orientation for drainage, but the overall height increases and material capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The collection plate is repositioned from a central location to a location at the rear of the press, changing the spatial dimension of material flow. This allows the press to maintain a compact height envelope while accommodating larger quantities of material between the platens, as the collection area no longer constrains the vertical space.
3Device complexity
If sequential platen closure is used, then the press structure is simpler, but the extraction process is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The platen closure mechanism is made dynamic and simultaneous through the use of a rotatable frame with multiple platens that can close at the same time. The frame rotation enables all platens to apply pressure to their respective material batches simultaneously, dramatically improving extraction efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity through the shared rotatable frame mechanism.
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
Enhances heat and pressure distribution, allows for higher material extraction in a single cycle, improves material flow control, and simplifies the rotation and unloading process, increasing efficiency and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
the plant material is compressed and heated to extract oils and/or rosin
Implementation Method 2
the plant material is compressed and heated to extract oils and/or rosin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains in general to a multi-platen press apparatus and method for compressing and extracting fluids, rosin, and oils from plants and plant materials. The apparatus and method provides for simultaneous platen gap closure, support for a taller internal frame, higher quantities of fluids, rosin, and oils from plants and plant materials during a single cycle, a more uniform heat and pressure distribution between each platen, greater control in accommodating flow rates of different materials based on setting and locking the internal frame at different angles during operation, greater control and easier rotation from a vertical to a horizontal position.