Pneumatic Sampling Device for Seed Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for high-throughput sorting and examination of seed grains are inefficient, often destructive, and lack precise sorting capabilities, particularly for large numbers of seeds, due to issues with seed singulation, measurement accuracy, and batch processing limitations.
Innovation Solution
A sampling device and system that pneumatically introduces and classifies individual seed grains into a measuring device, enabling high-throughput sorting of at least 300 seeds per hour by using a combination of outer and inner tubes for precise positioning and pneumatic discharge, along with a system for separating, weighing, and sorting seeds into fractions based on properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods (solvent extraction, microwave assisted extraction, SOXTHERM extraction) are used to determine oil content of individual seeds, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming, laborious, and destructive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical/chemical extraction methods with non-destructive NMR spectroscopy. The NMR method determines oil content through magnetic resonance signals from hydrogen nuclei in the seeds, eliminating the need for physical extraction, chemicals, or heat treatment that would destroy the seeds or components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from physical/chemical extraction yield to magnetic resonance signal intensity. By measuring the NMR signal characteristics (relaxation times, chemical shifts) of individual seeds, the system obtains oil content information without altering the seed's physical state or composition.
2Speed
If NIRS methods are used to examine individual grains, then measurement speed is improved, but standard measurement errors increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical NIRS measurement with NMR spectroscopy. The NMR method uses magnetic resonance phenomena to detect molecular structures and compositions, providing both fast measurement capability and high precision through characteristic spectral signals that are less susceptible to interference from seed heterogeneity.
3Productivity
If batch processing methods are used to examine large numbers of seeds, then productivity is improved, but seed singulation and individual classification become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into individual seed examinations while maintaining high throughput. Each seed is individually positioned in the NMR sample chamber, measured separately to obtain its specific properties, then automatically sorted based on its individual characteristics. This segmentation enables both high productivity through automation and precise individual classification.
4Measurement precision
If destructive extraction methods are used to examine seeds, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the seeds or components are destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive extraction mechanisms with non-destructive NMR spectroscopy. The method uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to excite hydrogen nuclei in the seed molecules, obtaining spectral information about oil content and composition without physically extracting, heating, or chemically treating the seeds, thus preserving them for further use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from physical/chemical extraction to magnetic resonance detection. By measuring the magnetic properties of hydrogen nuclei in their natural state within the seed matrix, the system obtains accurate compositional data without altering the seed's physical or chemical structure.
5Productivity
If automated sample supply devices are coupled to NMR measuring devices, then productivity is improved, but seed singulation and sorting capabilities are not solved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates automated sample supply with individual seed positioning and measurement capabilities. The system segments the automated process into discrete steps: automated seed presentation, individual seed positioning in the sample chamber, NMR measurement, and automated sorting based on individual properties. This enables both high throughput and precise individual handling.
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 achieves efficient, non-destructive, and precise sorting of seed grains, allowing for the separation of fractions with different properties and enabling individual seed classification, significantly improving throughput and accuracy in seed examination and sorting processes.
Implementation Method 1
a space between the outer tube and the inner tube, the space being arranged such that the singulated seed grain can be pneumatically discharged from the outer tube through the inner tube into a receiving device for a classified seed grain
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system (110) and a method for sorting a plurality (112) of seed grains (114). The system (110) comprises an individualizing device (120), a sampling device (132) for introducing the individualized seed grains (114) into a measuring device (136) in order to classify the individualized seed grains (114), a receiving device (146, 200) for receiving the classified seed grains (114), and a transport device (118, 124, 134, 144, 152) for at least partly pneumatically transporting the seed grains (114). The invention further relates to the sampling device (132) which comprises an outer tube (160) for receiving the sampling device (132) in the measuring device (136). A sample chamber (138) of the measuring device (136) is provided within a volume (164) of the outer tube (160). The sampling device (132) further comprises an inner tube (162) which is inserted into the outer tube (160) and has a lower opening (166) through which the individualized seed grains (114) can be introduced into the volume (164) of the outer tube (160). An intermediate space (170) formed between the outer tube (160) and the inner tube (162) is designed such that the individualized seed grain (114) can be discharged pneumatically out of the outer tube (160) through the inner tube (162) into a receiving device (146, 200) for the classified seed grain (114). The system (110) is suitable for the automatic high-throughput sorting of seed grains (114) using the measuring device (136), which is designed to examine the seed grains (114) using a nuclear magnetic resonance (140) method and/or an optical measuring method.