Needle Positioning via Electrical Impedance for In Ovo Vaccination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for in ovo vaccination of avian eggs face challenges in accurately controlling the position of the needle due to varying egg sizes, leading to inefficiencies and potential harm, particularly in automated processing lines where massive egg destruction and invasive procedures are required to ensure proper injection.
Innovation Solution
A method using electrical impedance measurements between electrodes to determine the position of the needle within the egg, allowing precise localization and adaptation for each egg, ensuring accurate targeting of the amniotic fluid or embryo for vaccination or sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a ring forming a stop is mounted on the needle to control penetration depth, then the depth of penetration can be controlled, but the solution is not adaptive to each egg and may cause harmful lesions if egg caliber varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ring-forming-stop system with an electrical impedance-based detection system. Instead of using a physical ring to limit needle penetration depth, the system uses electrodes to measure electrical impedance at different needle positions, automatically determining when the needle has reached the target zone (amniotic fluid or embryo) based on characteristic impedance values. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical depth control while providing adaptive positioning for eggs of varying sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical depth (fixed by ring position) to electrical impedance (variable based on egg contents). By measuring electrical impedance at different needle positions and comparing it to reference values characteristic of different egg zones (air chamber, allantois, amniotic fluid, embryo), the system dynamically adjusts needle positioning based on the specific electrical properties of each egg, making the process adaptive to varying egg calibers and compositions.
2Reliability
If massive egg destruction and sampling are used to check injection quality, then injection quality can be verified, but several thousand eggs must be destroyed without guaranteeing good reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where electrical impedance measurements are taken during needle insertion and compared to reference impedance values characteristic of target zones. This real-time feedback allows the system to verify correct needle positioning and injection quality without destroying eggs. The impedance measurements provide continuous information about needle position relative to egg compartments, enabling quality control while preserving the eggs for further development or commercial use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the destructive mechanical sampling method with a non-destructive electrical measurement method. Instead of breaking open thousands of eggs to check injection quality, the system uses electrical impedance measurements to verify that injections were delivered to the correct location. This substitution eliminates the need for massive egg destruction while providing reliable quality verification through electrical property measurements.
3Extent of automation
If in ovo vaccination is performed on automated processing lines, then costs are reduced and automation is increased, but it is difficult to certify that injection has been properly carried out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verification methods with an automated electrical impedance measurement system. The system automatically measures impedance at different needle positions, compares measurements to reference values, and determines whether the needle has reached the target zone. This automated electrical detection system provides reliable certification of proper injection delivery on high-speed processing lines without requiring manual inspection or destructive sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback control where impedance measurements during needle insertion are immediately compared to reference values, and the system automatically determines injection quality. This real-time automated feedback provides reliable certification of proper injection delivery, enabling high-speed automated processing while maintaining quality assurance through electrical property measurements rather than manual verification.
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
Enables precise and adaptive needle positioning, reducing egg destruction and improving automation, ensuring effective vaccination or sampling under nominal conditions while minimizing stress and increasing productivity.
Implementation Method 1
measuring at least one electrical quantity characteristic of a target zone with a view to obtaining a reference electrical quantity; measuring said electrical quantity at said tip
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method for positioning a tip of a needle for injection into and/or removal from an egg. The method includes steps of: measuring at least one electrical parameter characteristic of a target zone to obtain a reference electrical value; measuring the electrical parameter at the tip to obtain a value measured at a position of the tip in the egg; and comparing the measured value with a characteristic reference parameter. A system for determining a position of a tip of a needle for injection into and/or removal from an egg is also disclosed.