Bulk Pollen Distributing Apparatus for Targeted Maize Cross-Pollination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual pollen collection and dispensing in plant pollination is labor-intensive and inefficient, leading to excessive pollen application and lack of targeted delivery in cross-pollination processes, particularly in maize production.
Innovation Solution
A bulk pollen distributing apparatus equipped with electronic sensors and pollen applicators that collect and distribute pollen to specific target locations on plants, using a mobile carrier and manifold system for efficient and controlled pollination, potentially aided by environmental control and electrical charging of pollen for enhanced adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual pollen collection and dispensing is used, then pollen can be applied to plants, but labor intensity is high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pollen application with an automated bulk pollen distributing apparatus that uses pneumatic or gravitational mechanisms to deliver pollen grains from a storage container to target locations on plants, thereby reducing labor intensity and increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service pollination by automatically sensing target locations and distributing pollen without continuous human intervention, allowing the apparatus to operate autonomously through the field
2Quantity of substance
If manual pollen dispensing is used, then pollen can be applied to plants, but targeted delivery is poor resulting in excessive pollen application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by delivering pollen specifically to target locations on plants rather than uniformly distributing it, using sensors to identify precise drop zones and controlling pollen flow to apply material only where needed, thereby reducing overall pollen quantity while improving delivery precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect target pollination locations and provide feedback to control pollen distribution, allowing real-time adjustment of pollen application based on plant position and silk visibility, ensuring precise and efficient pollen delivery
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
Facilitates automated, semi-automated, or manual pollination with reduced labor and improved efficiency, allowing precise application of pollen to target areas, potentially increasing pollination rates and reducing the amount of pollen needed, while maintaining pollen viability and adhesion.
Implementation Method 1
distributing the known grains of pollen to the one or more plants with the bulk pollen distributing apparatus
Implementation Method 2
sensing a target pollination location of each of the one or more plants using an electronic sensor
Implementation Method 3
potentially aided by environmental control and electrical charging of pollen for enhanced adhesion
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for bulk pollination of a plurality of plants. In various embodiments, the method includes collecting a plurality of known grains of pollen, loading the plurality of known grains of pollen into a bulk pollen distributing apparatus, sensing a target pollination location of each of the plurality of plants using an electronic sensor, and distributing the known grains of pollen to the plurality of plants with the bulk pollen distributing apparatus when the electronic sensor senses the target pollination location of each of the plants within a predefined proximity, thereby pollinating the plurality of plants. A plurality of plants may be prepared for controlled pollination by preventing pollination of the plurality of plants by an alternate pollen source. Known grains of pollen may be dispensed to create predetermined gamete crosses with known plants.