Automated Seed Sampler Using Rotary Vacuum Cup Banks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for sampling seeds in plant development are inefficient and labor-intensive, often resulting in low throughput and potential damage to seeds, which hinders the process of identifying and selecting seeds with desired traits.

Innovation Solution

An automated system and method for sampling and sorting seeds, involving a seed loading station, imaging station, seed orientation station, and seed sample and sort station, which enables efficient separation, imaging, orientation, and sampling of seeds while preserving germination viability, using rotary vacuum cup banks and grip and chip assemblies to extract tissue samples and sort seeds into trays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual sampling methods are used, then seed handling is simple, but throughput is low and labor intensity is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling throughputVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated sampling system is divided into distinct functional modules: seed loading station, imaging station, orientation station, and sampling station. Each module performs a specific task, allowing the system to process seeds in a streamlined sequence while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical sampling operations are replaced with an automated system that uses imaging technology (optical/electromagnetic fields) to identify and locate seeds, followed by precision mechanical extraction. This substitution dramatically increases throughput while reducing labor intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If rapid sampling is performed, then throughput increases, but seed damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling throughputVSAvoidseed damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary imaging and orientation of seeds before the actual sampling action. Seeds are positioned in optimal orientations and pre-located using imaging technology, allowing the sampling mechanism to extract tissue efficiently in a single action without repeated attempts that could damage the seed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses optical imaging and electromagnetic detection to locate and identify seeds, replacing manual visual inspection and positioning. This allows for precise, rapid sampling without the variability and potential damage associated with manual handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If seeds are oriented for sampling, then sampling precision improves, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling precisionVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The seed orientation process is integrated into the continuous flow of the sampling system. Seeds are oriented in-flight or during brief intervals between imaging and sampling, rather than as a separate batch process. This maintains continuous throughput while ensuring proper orientation for precision sampling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging system serves as an intermediary that provides real-time information about seed position and orientation. This allows the control system to adjust and position seeds optimally without requiring manual intervention, maintaining both speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 significantly increases sampling and sorting efficiency, allowing for high-throughput processing of seeds while maintaining germination viability, enabling effective selection of seeds with desired traits for further development.

Implementation Method 1

using rotary vacuum cup banks and grip and chip assemblies to extract tissue samples

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS11357159B2Automated high-throughput seed sampler and methods of sampling, testing and bulking seeds

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 MONSANTO TECHNOLOGY LLC

AI summary

An automated method for operating an automated seed sampling system having a seed loading station, a seed transport subsystem, and a seed sampling station generally includes sensing whether individual seeds are successfully isolated from a bulk of seeds at the seed loading station, and sensing whether the isolated seeds are properly positioned by the seed transport subsystem adjacent the seed sampling station in preparation for removing tissue from the isolated seeds. In some aspects, the method further includes analyzing the tissue removed from the seeds for presence or absence of at least one characteristic, and selecting seeds based on presence or absence of the at least one characteristic.