THC Concentration Measurement Using UV Light Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis infusions are expensive and time-consuming, making them inaccessible for quick and cost-effective quantification outside a laboratory setting.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing the high ultraviolet light absorption properties of THC, which includes a control circuit to illuminate and measure the intensity of light through THC-infused solvents and solvent-only samples using light emitting and receiving elements, allowing for accurate concentration determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas chromatography or mass spectrometry is used to quantify THC concentration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/chemical analysis systems (gas chromatography, mass spectrometry) with an optical measurement system. The system uses a light source to illuminate the infusion and a photodetector to measure light absorption at specific wavelengths, substituting sophisticated laboratory instrumentation with a simpler optical arrangement that leverages THC's characteristic UV absorption properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs inexpensive, readily available components such as standard light sources (LEDs or lamps) and common photodetectors instead of expensive specialized equipment. The system uses off-the-shelf optical filters and basic electronic components, making the measurement device affordable and accessible outside laboratory settings.
2Measurement precision
If gas chromatography or mass spectrometry is used to determine THC concentration, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming chromatographic separation and mass spectral analysis with direct optical absorption measurement. By measuring light absorption at THC's characteristic wavelengths, the system obtains concentration data immediately without requiring sample preparation, column separation, or complex data processing associated with traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-identifies the specific wavelengths where THC exhibits characteristic absorption patterns. By tuning the light source and filter to these predetermined wavelengths before measurement, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming wavelength scanning or spectral analysis during the actual measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory methods are used for THC quantification, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex laboratory procedures with a simple optical measurement process. The system requires only placing the infusion sample in the measurement chamber and pressing a button, eliminating the need for skilled operators to perform chromatographic analysis, interpret complex spectral data, or maintain sophisticated instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs wavelength selection, light intensity calibration, and concentration calculation based on Beer-Lambert law. The microcontroller processes the photodetector signal and directly computes THC concentration, eliminating the need for manual intervention in complex analytical steps and making the device user-friendly for non-experts.
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 method provides a rapid, inexpensive, and accessible means to quantify THC concentrations, improving accuracy and usability outside laboratory environments.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes the high ultraviolet light absorption properties of THC
Data Source
AI summary
The present describes a system and method for determining the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) including a tray comprising a first analyte including an infusion of a solvent and cannabis, a light emitting element configured to illuminate the first analyte, a light receiving element configured to receive a first light transmitted through the first analyte, and a control circuit configured to calculate a concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol in the first analyte based at least in part on the first light.