Concentric Counter-Rotating Particle Reorientation for Sensor Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for evaluating seed or grain samples using sensor devices are time-consuming, result in low throughput, and often lead to incomplete sampling due to the manual rotation and agitation of samples, which limits the detection of traits present in only a few particles within large samples.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that continuously reorients individual particles within a sample to present multiple surfaces to a sensor device's scanning field, using rotating surfaces and a scanning chamber to efficiently recycle the sample, allowing for statistically significant measurements across various spatial configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual rotation and agitation of samples is used to present multiple surfaces to the sensor device, then multiple spatial configurations can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and results in low throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic rotation of the sample container at controlled speeds to continuously present different surfaces of particles to the sensor device. This dynamic approach replaces static manual manipulation, enabling automated collection of measurements from multiple spatial configurations without manual intervention, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining measurement completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous rotation of the sample container during scanning, ensuring that particles are constantly repositioned to present different surfaces to the sensor. This continuous action eliminates idle time between manual manipulations and ensures uninterrupted data collection from multiple angles, improving both throughput and measurement completeness.
2Measurement precision
If manual rotation and agitation of samples is used to present multiple surfaces to the sensor device, then multiple spatial configurations can be obtained, but the process is very time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated dynamic rotation of the sample container at controlled speeds to continuously present different surfaces of particles to the sensor device. This replaces time-consuming manual rotation and agitation, enabling rapid collection of measurements from multiple spatial configurations without sacrificing measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated rotational mechanism. The sample container rotates automatically at controlled speeds, substituting the time-consuming manual rotation and agitation process with a programmable mechanical system that achieves the same measurement objectives more efficiently.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional mixing methods are used to present particles to the sensor device, then sample evaluation can be performed, but large sample sizes cannot be accommodated effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs continuous rotation of the sample container to dynamically present particles from large samples to the sensor device. This ensures that even rare particles (such as those containing mold or mycotoxins) have an opportunity to be presented to the sensor during the rotation cycle, enabling effective detection in large sample sizes that would be difficult to evaluate using conventional static mixing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational scanning system serves multiple functions: it can handle various sample sizes, present multiple spatial configurations of particles, and detect both common and rare traits within the sample. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to effectively evaluate large samples for rare contaminants while maintaining the capability to assess overall sample composition.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for presenting various surfaces of particles within a sample to a sensor device is provided. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a pair of concentric counter-rotating surfaces and a dividing member fixed radially therebetween so as to form a scanning chamber wherein sample particles are reoriented relative to the scanning field of an adjacent sensor device by the counter-rotation of the surfaces and the consequent recirculation of the sample particles through the scanning chamber.