Polyurethane Seed Coating for Controlled Rupture and Germination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current seed protection methods do not adequately address the challenges of seed degradation during storage and shipping, nor do they allow for flexible planting schedules, especially in adverse weather conditions or outside the typical growing season, leading to reduced germination rates and limited planting windows.

Innovation Solution

A method of coating seeds with a polyurethane-based coating that provides a controlled rupture rate, allowing for germination protection and stability during storage and shipping, enabling planting up to one season earlier than usual, with a coating weight ranging from 0.3% to 10% of the total seed weight, ensuring a germination rate of at least 50% to 115% of the initial rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If seeds are stored during shipping and storage prior to planting, then the seeds are subject to degradation, but applying conventional seed treatments does not provide adequate protection during extended storage periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed protection during storageVSAvoidseed degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A coating layer is applied to the seed surface to form a protective barrier that prevents degradation during storage and shipping. The coating acts as a flexible shell that protects the seed from environmental factors while allowing controlled interaction with the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The coating composition and thickness are optimized to provide appropriate protection levels for different storage durations and conditions. By adjusting coating parameters, the protection effectiveness can be tailored to match specific storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If seeds are planted outside the primary growing season, then planting flexibility is improved, but germination rates decrease due to exposure to extreme weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplanting schedule flexibilityVSAvoidgermination rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coating is applied in advance of planting to provide pre-protection against extreme weather conditions. This beforehand cushioning allows seeds to be planted outside the optimal growing season while maintaining germination rates by protecting them from temperature extremes and other environmental stresses during storage and early development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective coating is applied to seeds, then protection against insects and environmental factors is improved, but the coating must not interfere with germination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from insects and weatherVSAvoidgermination rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coating provides localized protection where needed on the seed surface while maintaining areas that allow for germination. The coating composition is designed to protect against harmful factors such as insects and extreme weather while being permeable or controllable to allow water and oxygen access for germination processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The coating properties are designed to be dynamic, allowing it to maintain its protective function during storage and then transition to allow germination when conditions are appropriate. The coating can rupture or become permeable at controlled rates to facilitate germination while providing protection during the storage period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Loss of time

If seeds are planted earlier than the growing season, then the planting window is extended, but the narrow planting window is hampered by weather, equipment failure, or labor shortages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplanting window extensionVSAvoidplanting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Seeds are coated and prepared in advance of the planting season, allowing them to be stored and then planted when conditions are favorable. This preliminary action of coating enables the seeds to survive extended storage periods and can be planted at optimal times rather than being constrained by immediate planting window pressures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 coated seeds maintain a high germination rate, comparable to or better than uncoated seeds, even when planted outside the primary growing season, with improved shelf-life and protection against extreme weather, insects, and moisture, allowing for flexible planting schedules and increased agricultural productivity.

Implementation Method 1

a coating including a polyurethane, where the coating has a rupture rate of at about 20 days to 180 days after being planted in soil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier protection:

Implementation Method 2

the coating has a rupture rate of at about 20 days to 180 days after being planted in soil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectControlled rupture:

Data Source

PatentUS20240081324A1Coated seeds and methods of making same

Publication Date: 2024.03.14 PURSELL AGRI TECH LLC

AI summary

Coated seeds and methods of making the coated seeds are disclosed. The coated seeds may include a core having a seed, such as soybean or corn, and a coating that has a controlled rupture rate.