Portable Spectrometer for Cannabis Substance Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing cannabis-based plant matter for substance content, such as THC and CBD, are inefficient and unreliable, as they require laboratory testing, which is time-consuming, costly, and can be affected by sample degradation during transport, and do not account for variations in growing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A portable sampling system using a stabilized light source and fiber optic cables to collect and analyze reflected light, generating a fingerprint of the sample's composition, which is then used to create a statistical model for rapid and accurate determination of substance concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory testing is used to analyze substance content in cannabis-based plant matter, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity are worsened due to time-consuming transport and testing processes
Solution Approach 1:
A portable spectrometer device serves as an intermediary between the sample and laboratory analysis, enabling field-based measurement of substance content through optical spectroscopy. The device includes a light source, sample chamber, and detector that can be transported to the sample location, eliminating the need to transport samples to laboratories while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical laboratory testing methods with optical spectroscopy. The spectrometer uses light interaction with the sample to determine substance content, replacing traditional mechanical extraction, chemical reagents, and manual analysis procedures with non-contact optical detection.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory testing is used for sample analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost are worsened due to laboratory infrastructure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex laboratory environment and isolates it into a portable spectrometer device. By taking out only the necessary optical components (light source, sample holder, detector, and analysis software) from the laboratory setting, the system achieves measurement capability without requiring complex laboratory infrastructure, multiple instruments, and specialized facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable spectrometer is designed as a universal instrument that can analyze multiple types of samples (cannabis-based plant matter, agricultural products, animal feed) for various substances (THC, CBD, terpenes, moisture, contaminants) using a single device, replacing the need for multiple specialized laboratory instruments and procedures.
3Measurement precision
If traditional analysis methods are used, then comprehensive substance detection is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to complex sampling and testing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The portable spectrometer enables the operator to perform the entire analysis process independently without requiring laboratory technicians or external services. The device includes integrated functions for sample placement, light interaction, spectral detection, data processing, and result display, allowing the operator to complete the analysis themselves in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary analysis in the field before sample transport or processing, capturing spectral data immediately when the sample is in its natural state. This preliminary measurement of substance content and sample characteristics can be done right at the harvest or storage location, eliminating the need for subsequent complex laboratory processing steps.
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
Enables direct, accurate, and rapid analysis of cannabis-based plant matter for key compounds like THC and CBD, reducing the need for laboratory testing and accounting for growing conditions, with results displayed in a user-friendly format.
Implementation Method 1
A portable sampling system is disclosed including a portable enclosure with a stabilized light source mounted in the portable enclosure for delivering light to a plant matter sample. The sample is in communication with the stabilized light source and light from the stabilized light source is reflected from the plant matter sample.
Implementation Method 2
Pluralities of light collecting fiber optic cables are integrated inside the portable enclosure and are specifically positioned to collect the reflected light from the sample
Implementation Method 3
a spectrometer that receives the reflected light image from the fiber optics and converts the 'composite' light image into an array of numeric values that represents a fingerprint of substances within the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a light source, sampling tray, and a plurality of fiber optics positioned to achieve high contrast to improve accuracy and eliminate the need to rotate the sample. A composite light image from the fiber optics is fed to a spectrometer which converts the reflected light into a fingerprint corresponding to the concentration of at least one substance in the sample. The fingerprint is processed by a statistical model to determine concentration level of the at least one substance in the sample and the concentration level is then displayed.