Automated Ellepot Remapping for Plant Breeding Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual location and transfer of selected ellepots with desired genetic traits from hundreds or thousands in a controlled growing environment is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly in plant breeding processes.
Innovation Solution
An automated ellepot remapping system that includes an ejection dock, ejection assembly, tray information reading device, and computer-based remapping control system to identify and dislodge selected ellepots based on genotypic traits, transferring them to a planting tray for further breeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual methods are used to locate and transfer selected ellepots among hundreds or thousands in a controlled growing environment, then the process allows for selection based on genotypic traits, but the process becomes labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system comprising a computer-based controller, tray information reading device, and ejection assembly. The controller automatically identifies selected ellepots based on genotypic trait data and actuates ejection devices to transfer them, eliminating manual labor while managing system complexity through integration of standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the ellepot tray to be automatically processed without human intervention. The tray information reading device autonomously reads identifiers, the controller cross-references genotypic data to identify selected ellepots, and the ejection assembly automatically transfers them to new trays, creating a self-operating selection system.
2Productivity
If manual locating and transferring of selected ellepots is performed, then flexibility in selection based on genetic traits is maintained, but productivity and efficiency are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-marking each ellepot with identification information and pre-storing genotypic trait data in a database before the selection process. When selection is needed, the controller quickly cross-references the marked ellepots with the stored genetic data and immediately identifies selected ones, eliminating time-consuming manual searching and enabling rapid transfer of selected ellepots.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a method for removing selected ellepots from a plurality of germination ellepot trays and remapping the selected ellepots to a planting ellepot tray is provided. The method can include placing one of a plurality of germination ellepot trays onto an ellepot ejection dock of an ellepot workstation. Each germination ellepot tray comprises an array of ellepot receptacles having an ellepot disposed in each receptacle, wherein each ellepot is populated with a plant germinating therein. The method can additionally include, acquiring tray information identifying the respective germination ellepot tray, and automatically dislodging one or more selected populated ellepots from the respective germination ellepot tray utilizing the acquired germination ellepot tray information. Subsequently, each dislodged populated ellepot is sequentially transferred from the respective germination ellepot tray to one of a plurality of receptacles of a planting ellepot tray.