High-Throughput Seed Sorting via Low-Field NMR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional NMR methods for determining oil and moisture content in small object samples, such as seeds, are time-consuming and inefficient for high-throughput sorting due to their long measurement times and low signal-to-noise ratios.
Innovation Solution
An automated high-throughput small object sorting system utilizing a low-field NMR relaxometer with a conveyor belt and microwave resonance cavity, capable of continuously measuring and sorting small objects based on oil and moisture content at a rate of 20 to 50 seeds per second, employing a 'single-shot' pulse sequence that generates an NMR signal directly proportional to the object's oil and moisture content within 5 to 30 milliseconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional NMR methods (Hahn spin-echo) are used to measure oil and moisture content, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement time becomes excessively long and throughput is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed NMR sequences (such as CPMG or spin-echo sequences) instead of continuous measurement methods. By applying periodic radiofrequency pulses to the sample and measuring the periodic NMR signal decay, the system achieves both rapid data acquisition and high signal-to-noise ratio through signal averaging over multiple pulse cycles, enabling high-throughput measurement of 30,000-50,000 seeds per hour while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous automated sampling and measurement systems where samples are continuously fed through the NMR measurement zone on a conveyor belt. The NMR measurement process itself is made continuous through rapid sequential pulsing, eliminating idle time between measurements and achieving sustained high throughput rates without sacrificing measurement quality
2Measurement precision
If conventional NMR methods are used, then sufficient signal-to-noise ratio is achieved, but measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed NMR sequences (CPMG or spin-echo) that apply repeated radiofrequency pulses to the sample. Each pulse generates an NMR signal that decays over time, and by repeating this process many times with appropriate timing, the system accumulates signal averages that dramatically improve the signal-to-noise ratio. This periodic pulsing enables high throughput (30,000-50,000 seeds/hour) while maintaining precise measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time signal processing and analysis systems that continuously monitor the NMR signal quality and adjust measurement parameters dynamically. The feedback mechanism optimizes the number of pulses, pulse spacing, and signal averaging based on detected signal characteristics, ensuring maximum signal-to-noise ratio is achieved for each measurement while minimizing total measurement time to maintain high throughput
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 the rapid and accurate measurement of oil and moisture content in 30,000 to 50,000 individual small objects per hour, significantly improving sample throughput and signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for precise and continuous high-speed sorting of objects like haploid and diploid seeds based on oil content differences.
Implementation Method 1
a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) assembly having the conveyor belt operably extending therethrough, the NMR assembly structured and operable to generate oil mass data and/or moisture mass data for each small object as each small object moves through the NMR assembly
Implementation Method 2
a microwave resonance cavity structured and operable to receive and have pass therethrough, without pause, each small object after each respective small object has been conveyed through the NMR assembly and to obtain total small object mass data for each respective small object
Data Source
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AI summary
The current disclosure describes an automated high-throughput small object sorting system for separating small object via oil and/or moisture content using novel nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) systems and methods. The disclosed systems and methods for measuring the oil and/or moisture content of a single small object in a low-field time domain NMR instrument are superior in sample throughput and signal-to-noise ratio to conventional NMR systems and methods (free induction decay or spin echo) for single small object oil/moisture measurement.