Reconfigurable Extraction System for Multiple Liquid Extract Grades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for producing consumable extracts from solid raw materials, such as coffee or cannabis, typically only allow for the production of a single product at a time, limiting the potential for multiple product grades and efficient processing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize multiple fluidic pathways and a displaceable fluidic pathway segment to switch between extraction configurations, allowing for the production of multiple liquid extracts and a solid dry product from a single system, using a primary and secondary extraction pathway with a movable solid body to compress and extract different constituents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single extraction pathway is used, then the system is simple to operate, but only one consumable product can be made at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction pathway is divided into multiple discrete segments (first fluidic pathway segment, second fluidic pathway segment, third fluidic pathway segment) that can be independently configured. Each segment can be selectively connected to create different extraction configurations, allowing multiple products to be produced by rearranging segments rather than using completely separate extraction systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs movable solid bodies (first movable solid body, second movable solid body) that can be displaced between different positions to dynamically reconfigure the extraction pathways. These movable elements enable the system to switch between producing different liquid extracts (first liquid extract, second liquid extract, third liquid extract) and solid dry product by changing the physical configuration during operation.
2Productivity
If batch processing is used, then product quality can be controlled, but operational efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous processing by allowing solvent to continuously flow through different extraction pathways simultaneously. Multiple extraction operations (producing first liquid extract, second liquid extract, third liquid extract, and solid dry product) can occur in parallel through different fluidic pathway configurations, eliminating the need to stop and restart between batches.
Solution Approach 2:
The same extraction system and solvent flow mechanism serves multiple functions by producing different liquid extracts and solid dry product from the same solid raw material through different pathway configurations. This multi-functionality allows continuous production of multiple product grades without requiring separate batch processing lines.
3Loss of substance
If multiple products are produced from a single source, then waste is reduced and product value increases, but the extraction system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic pathway is segmented into multiple controllable sections that can be selectively activated. By dividing the extraction system into first, second, and third fluidic pathway segments, the system can direct solvent through different routes to extract different constituents from the solid raw material, maximizing material utilization and minimizing waste while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Movable solid bodies enable dynamic reconfiguration of the extraction pathways to optimize extraction of different constituents at different stages. The system adapts its configuration to extract maximum value from the solid raw material by adjusting the position of movable elements, thereby reducing material waste and increasing overall product value despite the added complexity.
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 continuous production of multiple grades of liquid extracts and a solid dry product, enhancing operational efficiency and economic viability by allowing for the processing of multiple products from a single source without batch processing, reducing waste and increasing product value.
Implementation Method 1
establishing a flow of a solvent through a bed of the solid raw material within a primary extraction pathway to produce a first liquid extract
Implementation Method 2
extending a solid body to make contact with the portion of displaced raw material such that the solid body compresses the portion of displaced raw material to produce a compressed raw material and a second liquid extract
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is generally related to systems and methods for producing liquid extracts from a solid raw material, as well as related equipment. Certain aspects are related to the production of multiple liquid extract products using a single system by adjusting one or more displaceable fluidic pathway segments within the system to switch between first and second (or more) extraction configurations. In certain embodiments, a first liquid extract can be produced when the displaceable fluidic pathway segment is in a first configuration, and a second liquid extract (different from the first liquid extract) can be produced when the displaceable fluidic pathway segment in in a second configuration (different from the first configuration).