Corn Inoculation Machine Using Segmented Wound and Pathogen Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for inoculating plants with bacterial pathogens, such as Stewart's Wilt and Leaf Blight, are labor-intensive and inefficient, with prior attempts like recirculating solid stream spraying machines failing to deliver viable bacteria due to violent decompression destroying bacterial cells.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted inoculation system that uses a frame-supported feed system with moveable wound members and a pathogen delivery system to wound plants and introduce pathogens effectively, maintaining bacterial vitality by controlling pressure and ensuring inoculum delivery into the wounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If recirculating solid stream spraying machine is used to force viral particles into plant tissue, then inoculation pressure is increased, but bacterial cells are destroyed due to violent decompression at the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (inoculum delivery medium) that carries bacterial cells to the wound site without exposing them to high-pressure decompression. The medium acts as a buffer between the high-pressure wound-making mechanism and the delicate bacterial cells, allowing pressure to be applied to create wounds while delivering viable bacteria through a separate low-pressure delivery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The inoculation process is segmented into two distinct functions: (1) wound creation through mechanical means, and (2) bacterial delivery through a separate inoculum application system. This separation allows each function to be optimized independently - high pressure for wound creation without compromising bacterial viability in the delivery system.
2Reliability
If manual two-board hinged method is used for inoculation, then inoculum delivery is achieved, but labor intensity and operational variation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The machine performs the inoculation process autonomously without requiring manual operation. The system self-regulates the wound-making and inoculum delivery processes through mechanical automation, eliminating the need for operators to manually open and close boards while maintaining consistent inoculation effectiveness across all plants.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of two hinged boards is replaced with an automated mechanical system that combines wound-making and inoculum delivery in a single integrated mechanism, substituting human labor with machine automation to improve productivity while maintaining reliable inoculum delivery.
3Reliability
If traditional two-board hinged method is used, then inoculum can be delivered to plants, but operator variation and inconsistency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor and regulate the inoculation process parameters, ensuring consistent delivery of inoculum to each plant. Sensors and control systems detect variations in plant position, wound depth, or inoculum delivery conditions and automatically adjust parameters to maintain optimal inoculation effectiveness, eliminating operator variation.
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 system efficiently inoculates plants with bacterial pathogens, reducing labor and ensuring the viability of the inoculum, resulting in visible symptoms and effective disease induction.
Implementation Method 1
The pathogen delivery system providing an inoculum containing the pathogen to the wounds of the plant caused by the plurality of wound members
Data Source
AI summary
An inoculation apparatus is disclosed whereby plants may be inoculated with a pathogen. The inoculation apparatus may includes a plurality of wound members and one or more pads. The pathogen is provided in an inoculum. In one example, the pressure of the inoculum is up to about 2 psi.