Vapor Trap Device for Capturing Volatile Plant Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting components from plant materials are difficult to control, time-consuming, and work-intensive, especially at small and industrial scales, and often result in extracts that foul solutions or require additional processing.
Innovation Solution
A vapor trap device that captures vaporized components from a vaporizer using a vapor trapping media, which can be a liquid, solid, or granular material, allowing for efficient separation and storage of volatile compounds for various uses, including ingestion, aromatization, or topical application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional extraction methods (maceration, decoction, solvent extraction) are used to separate components from plant materials, then extraction of active constituents can be achieved, but the processes are difficult to control, time consuming, and work intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transition by vaporizing the plant material to extract volatile components, then condensing the vapor to collect the extracted substances. This phase change approach (solid/liquid → gas → liquid) enables rapid extraction without prolonged heating or soaking, directly resolving the time-consuming nature of traditional maceration and decoction methods while maintaining high extraction efficiency for aromatic compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the volatile aromatic components from plant material through vaporization and condensation, separating these valuable constituents from non-volatile residues. This selective extraction of the desired phase (volatile compounds) eliminates the need for lengthy processing required by traditional methods to achieve similar separation, thereby improving productivity while reducing process time
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional distillation methods are used to separate components with boiling points around 100 degrees C., then separation can be achieved, but the compound captured often fouls the solution or material it is in
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts volatile components through vaporization and condenses them separately, preventing the captured compounds from fouling the original plant material or solution. The condensed extract is collected as a separate phase, eliminating contamination issues inherent in traditional distillation where extracted compounds mix with and foul the processing medium
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses vapor as an intermediary carrier to transfer active constituents from the plant material to the collection medium. The volatile compounds vaporize, travel through air or inert gas, and condense separately, preventing direct contact between the extracted compounds and the original plant matrix that would cause fouling, thus maintaining separation purity without contamination
3Quantity of substance
If traditional extraction processes are used, then active constituents can be obtained, but the acquired extract is in a solution or material that must again be processed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly extracts and collects volatile components in a condensed liquid form through vaporization and condensation, obtaining the final extract product in a single step without requiring subsequent processing. The condensed vapor is collected as a ready-to-use extract, eliminating the need for additional filtration, concentration, or purification steps required by traditional extraction methods
Solution Approach 2:
The phase transition process (vaporization followed by condensation) directly produces the extracted substance in a usable condensed form. The volatile compounds transition from liquid/solid in the plant material to vapor, then back to liquid upon condensation, yielding a concentrated extract that requires no further processing, thereby reducing device complexity and processing steps while maintaining extract yield
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
The device effectively captures and stores vaporized components from plant materials, providing a concentrated end product that can be used for multiple purposes, improving efficiency and reducing the need for further processing, while being scalable for both home and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The vapor trap is arranged such that the vapor flow from the vaporizer passes into the reservoir and through the vapor trapping media. The vaporized component from the vaporizing material may then be, at least partially, captured by the vapor trapping media.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of capturing a vaporized component or components, and apparatus for same is provided. The method involves vaporization of desired components, and capture of the vaporized components in a material using a vapor trap device. Once captured, the material with the component stored therein may be used for any number of purposes including ingestion, topical administration, and/or aromatization.