Automated Seed Sampler System for Contamination-Free Trait Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated sampling and testing systems for seeds often allow contamination, leading to skewed results and inefficiencies in identifying seeds with desirable traits.

Innovation Solution

An automated seed sampler system that non-destructively samples seeds by removing a portion of the seed coat and extracting a sample, while maintaining seed viability and minimizing contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If statistical sampling is used to test seeds, then the process of bulking seed population is sped up, but contamination occurs and results are skewed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of bulking seed populationVSAvoidaccuracy of seed trait identification

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the seed population into individual units for separate testing. Each seed is individually sampled, tested, and sorted based on its specific traits. This segmentation allows every seed to be evaluated independently, eliminating contamination between samples while maintaining high throughput through automated processing of multiple seeds simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated sampling and testing system as an intermediary between the seed population and the bulking process. This intermediary system performs non-destructive sampling, automated testing for desired traits, and precise sorting, thereby eliminating manual handling contamination while accelerating the bulking process through systematic, contamination-free processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated sampling systems are used, then sampling efficiency is improved, but contamination occurs that skews results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling efficiencyVSAvoidaccuracy of seed testing results

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the necessary sample material from each seed for testing, leaving the rest of the seed intact. This non-destructive sampling approach allows for automated high-throughput processing while minimizing contamination risk. The extracted samples are immediately tested and disposed of, preventing cross-contamination between seeds during the automated sampling process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the system: individual isolated sampling chambers for each seed to prevent contamination, automated testing equipment with localized detection zones, and separate collection areas for tested samples. This local quality control ensures that each seed is processed in its own controlled environment, maintaining measurement precision while achieving high sampling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250146910A1Automated Contamination-Free Seed Sampler And Methods Of Sampling, Testing And Bulking Seeds

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

An automated seed sampler system for removing tissue from seeds includes an orientation system configured to orient seeds in a desired orientation, a sampling station configured to remove tissue from each of the oriented seeds, a sample collection subsystem configured to receive the tissue removed from each of the oriented seeds, and a seed collection subsystem configured to receive each of the seeds from which the tissue is removed. The sample collection subsystem and the seed collection subsystem are configured to facilitate a one-to-one correspondence between the seeds received at the seed collection subsystem and the tissue removed from the seeds and received at the sample collection subsystem.