Seed Sampling System with Magnetic Collection for DNA Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for obtaining seed samples for DNA or protein analysis are time-consuming and involve numerous manual processes, making it difficult to achieve repeatable sample sizes.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that involves placing seeds into a sampling chamber where they are broken into particles, and a sampling element is used to attract and collect these particles through magnetic, static, or mechanical attraction, allowing for efficient transfer to an extraction well for further analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual methods are used to obtain seed samples (drilling, grinding, or shaker grinding), then seed samples can be collected for DNA or protein analysis, but the process is time-consuming and involves numerous manual steps that make it difficult to achieve repeatable sample sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for sample collection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (drilling, hand grinding) with an automated mechanical system consisting of a sampling chamber, grinding element, and magnetic collection mechanism. The system automatically grinds seeds into particles and collects them using magnetic attraction, eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing collection time while ensuring consistent sample sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling element performs multiple functions automatically: it grinds the seed into particles through mechanical action, then uses magnetic attraction to self-collect the ground particles without external intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate manual transfer steps and ensures repeatable sample collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated grinding techniques are used (blade grinder or shaker grinder), then seed samples can be processed more efficiently, but the device complexity increases and manual transfer steps are still required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseed processing speedVSAvoidcomplexity of grinding apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the grinding function and collection function into a single integrated sampling element. The sampling element both grinds the seed into particles and uses magnetic attraction to collect those particles within the same component, eliminating the need for separate collection containers and manual transfer steps, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automated processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling element serves multiple functions: it acts as a grinding tool to reduce seeds into particles, serves as a collection device through magnetic attraction, and functions as a transfer mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual transfer of seed samples to extraction wells is performed, then samples can be prepared for analysis, but the numerous manual processes reduce efficiency and increase variability in sample sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample size consistencyVSAvoidsimplicity of sample collection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual transfer operations with magnetic attraction. The magnetic sampling element automatically collects ground seed particles and can be directly introduced into extraction wells, eliminating manual pipetting or transfer steps. This mechanical substitution ensures consistent sample sizes through controlled magnetic collection while simplifying the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach significantly reduces the time and effort required for sample collection, ensuring consistent and normalized seed sample sizes, thereby enhancing the efficiency of DNA and protein extraction processes.

Implementation Method 1

collecting at least a portion of the plurality of seed particles with the sampling element, wherein the collecting occurs by attracting at least a portion of the seed particles to a surface of the sampling element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical attraction: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8727250B2System and method for creating a test sample from individual seeds or tissue structures

Publication Date: 2014.05.20 PIONEER HI BREED INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for obtaining a test sample from a seed or seeds. The method generally includes placing at least one seed into a seed sampling chamber, breaking the seed into a plurality of seed particles inside the seed sampling chamber, placing a sampling element into the seed sampling chamber, and collecting at least a portion of the plurality of seed particles with the sampling element by attracting at least a portion of the seed particles to a surface of the sampling element or by forcing at least a portion of the seed particles into a feature of the sampling element. In some embodiments, the method further includes using a sampling element transfer device to transfer the sampling element to an extraction well, which may be used to extract DNA or proteins from the collected portion of seed particles.