Seed Sampling Apparatus with Cyclone Separator and Cleaning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed sampling methods face challenges in efficiently sampling large quantities of seeds while preventing cross-contamination, especially in the context of testing for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), as individual sampling is impractical and bulk sampling may introduce contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for high-throughput simultaneous sampling of seeds, involving a grinder with a cyclone separator to separate seed particles from fluid flow, a cleaning system to prevent cross-contamination using neutral media, and a mixing device to ensure homogeneous distribution, along with air flow and pressurized air jets for cleaning, which regulates particle size and prevents contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual seeds are sampled one by one, then cross-contamination is prevented, but processing time becomes excessively long and productivity is too low to handle vast seed quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the seed sampling process into separate isolated chambers or zones within the bulk handling system. Each chamber can process seeds independently, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple seed samples without cross-contamination. The segmentation creates physical barriers that prevent mixing between different seed batches while maintaining high throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary separation and isolation of seed samples before they enter the processing stream. By pre-segregating seeds into distinct groups or chambers based on their source or type, the system ensures that cross-contamination cannot occur during subsequent processing steps, while still enabling batch processing of large quantities.
2Productivity
If bulk sampling is used to process large quantities of seeds simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the risk of cross-contamination between different seed samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces intermediary cleaning mechanisms or barrier elements between different seed processing streams. These intermediaries act as mediators that prevent direct contact between different seed samples while allowing the bulk processing system to operate efficiently. Examples include air curtains, physical barriers, or cleaning zones that reset between batches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic or hydraulic fields to separate and control different seed streams during bulk processing. By using controlled air or fluid flows, the system can maintain physical separation between different seed samples throughout the processing pathway, preventing cross-contamination while enabling simultaneous processing of multiple samples at high throughput.
3Productivity
If seeds are ground into powder for analysis, then testing efficiency improves, but particle size control and homogeneous distribution become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic grinding parameters that can be adjusted during operation to maintain optimal particle size distribution. By varying grinding speed, duration, or intensity based on real-time feedback, the system achieves consistent particle sizes across different batches while maintaining high processing efficiency. The dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different seed types and desired analysis requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic grinding cycles with alternating phases of grinding and mixing or resting. This periodic action prevents overheating, ensures uniform particle size distribution, and allows for intermediate assessment of grinding progress. The cyclical nature of the process maintains precision while sustaining high overall throughput through continuous operation.
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
Enables efficient, high-throughput sampling of seeds with reduced risk of cross-contamination, allowing for effective testing of large seed quantities for GMO presence, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining seed purity.
Implementation Method 1
a cyclone separator to separate the seed particles from the fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
mixing the powder to obtain a substantially homogeneous distribution of the seed particles from the seeds within the powder
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (100) configured to simultaneously sample a plurality of seeds is provided. The apparatus (100) may include a grinder (110) configured to grind each of the seeds ofa first plurality of seeds to produce a powder comprising a plurality of seed particles. A sample container (142) may be configured to receive the powder. Further, a cleaning device may be configured to introduce a neutral media to the grinder (110) to substantially prevent cross- contamination with a second plurality of seeds, which may be ground thereafter. The apparatus (100) may further comprise a mixing device (150) configured to mix the powder. Thereby a sample portion of the powder may be tested for the presence of a genetically modified organism, or other tests may be conducted thereon. A related method for high throughput simultaneous sampling of a plurality of seeds is also provided.