Plant Batch Mixing Calculator for Phytonutrient Variance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to address the significant variability in plant constituent content due to factors like growing region, weather, and cultivation, leading to inconsistent therapeutic effects and regulatory challenges in herbal medicines.
Innovation Solution
A method using GC-MS and LC-MS to identify variance markers, setting limit values, and mixing batches with a computer-aided calculator to reduce variance in plant constituents, ensuring consistent and reproducible batches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If plant extracts are produced from natural sources, then the extracts contain a multitude of plant constituents with pharmacological effects, but the content of these constituents varies considerably depending on growing region, weather conditions, cultivation, harvesting methods, and harvest time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting comprehensive analytical measurements of multiple plant constituents in various batches before mixing. The system pre-determines the constituent profiles and variances of individual batches, allowing the mixing calculator to plan optimal mixing ratios in advance that will achieve the target composition. This preliminary analysis and planning resolves the contradiction by preparing all necessary data and calculations before the actual mixing process, ensuring consistent output despite variable input materials.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional mixing methods are used without computer-aided calculation, then the mixing process is simpler, but the batch homogeneity and reproducibility of plant constituent content cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual mixing process with a computer-based mixing calculator that uses algorithmic calculations to determine optimal mixing ratios. Instead of relying on simple mechanical mixing without precise control, the system substitutes computational methods that analyze constituent variances and calculate precise mixing proportions. This substitution of mechanical simplicity with computational complexity resolves the contradiction by achieving superior batch homogeneity through mathematical optimization rather than manual adjustment.
3Reliability
If extensive analytical measurements of multiple plant constituents are performed, then the variance in plant constituent content can be reduced, but the time and resources required for analysis increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing comprehensive analytical measurements on all batches before mixing to establish their constituent profiles. This upfront investment in analysis time allows the mixing calculator to work with complete data sets, enabling it to optimize mixing ratios that will achieve the desired target composition. By completing all necessary measurements and calculations before the mixing process, the system resolves the contradiction between thorough analysis and production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital representation or model of the physical mixing process through the mixing calculator. The system copies the complex analytical data and constituent profiles into a computational model that can simulate and optimize mixing outcomes without requiring repeated physical trials. This digital copying and simulation allows the system to evaluate multiple mixing scenarios virtually, reducing the need for time-consuming iterative physical experiments while maintaining high reproducibility.
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
Produces plant materials with reduced variance in plant constituents, enhancing batch homogeneity and reproducibility, meeting regulatory standards and improving the quality and comparability of herbal medicine studies.
Implementation Method 1
Determination of signal intensities for plant constituents in two or more batches using a detector, in particular GC-MS and/or LC-MS
Implementation Method 2
Determination of signal intensities for plant constituents in two or more batches using a detector, in particular GC-MS and/or LC-MS
Implementation Method 3
Determination of signal intensities for plant constituents in two or more batches using a detector, in particular GC-MS and/or LC-MS
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing standardized or quantified plant materials having a reduced variance in phytonutrients, in particular from medicinal plants, using a mixture calculator.