Integrated Plant Sampling and Crushing Tool for DNA Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face inefficiencies in plant sampling and DNA extraction due to the separate processes of sampling and crushing, which hinder the integration with high-throughput DNA automatic extraction equipment.
Innovation Solution
A sampling equipment and method that integrates a sampling tool with a crushing portion, driven by a first driving assembly, allowing for simultaneous sampling and crushing of plant material directly on the equipment, thereby eliminating the need for additional crushing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sampling and crushing are performed as separate processes using different devices, then each process can be optimized independently, but the total time for sampling and crushing increases and integration with high-throughput DNA extraction equipment is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sampling tool and crushing component into a single integrated device. The sampling tool includes a sampling needle for collecting plant samples and a crushing component with grinding teeth for crushing the samples. This merging of functions reduces the total time required for both operations and eliminates the need for separate crushing devices, while still allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a sampling device and a crushing device. The sampling needle can collect samples from plants, and the same tool includes a crushing component with grinding teeth that can crush the collected samples. This universal design allows the single device to perform multiple operations that previously required separate specialized devices.
2Productivity
If a single integrated device performs both sampling and crushing, then the total time is reduced and integration with DNA extraction equipment is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sampling and crushing device is designed with segmented, modular components. The sampling tool includes a sampling needle portion and a separate crushing component with grinding teeth, which can be independently optimized and maintained. This segmentation allows the complex functions to be divided into manageable sub-components, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining integration.
3Loss of time
If separate crushing devices are used after sampling, then sample processing can be optimized, but additional transfer steps are required increasing total time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sampling and crushing functions into a single operational sequence. The sampling needle collects the sample and the crushing component immediately processes it without requiring transfer to a separate device. This eliminates the time loss associated with moving samples between devices while maintaining operational simplicity through a unified tool.
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
This integrated approach reduces the total time for sampling and crushing, enhances efficiency, and facilitates seamless integration with existing high-throughput DNA extraction equipment, improving the overall efficiency of plant-related molecular biology research.
Implementation Method 1
the first driving assembly is configured to drive the sampling tool to move relative to the crushing component to crush the sample
Implementation Method 2
the crushing portion may include at least one cutting edge
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a sampling equipment and a sampling method, which relates to the field of plant sampling technology, and the sampling equipment includes a sampling tool, a first driving assembly, and a crushing component. The sampling tool is configured to separate a sample from an object to be sampled, is formed with a crushing portion, and is disposed at the first driving assembly. The first driving assembly is configured to drive the sampling tool to move relative to the crushing component to crush the sample. The sampling equipment in the embodiment of the present disclosure reduces the total time for sampling and crushing the plant. Therefore, it can better link up to an existing high-throughput automated DNA extraction equipment and improve the efficiency of plant-related molecular biology research.