Automated Seed Tissue Sampling via Magnetic Orientation and Laser Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seed sampling methods are inefficient, relying heavily on manual handling and are prone to contamination, low throughput, and inconsistent results, which wastes resources and reduces the likelihood of seed germination, especially when trying to identify desirable traits in plant breeding.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus and method that uses magnetic orientation and laser cutting to automatically sample seed tissue, ensuring high germination rates, accurate sample collection, and reduced contamination, while allowing for flexible sampling amounts and locations, and integrating automation for increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual seed sampling methods are used, then seed tissue can be collected, but the process is slow and labor-intensive with low throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling with an automated system that uses a drill bit to extract seed tissue. The automated drill is positioned and operated by a control system, eliminating manual handling and significantly increasing sampling throughput while reducing the time required to process seeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling system is designed to automatically perform the sampling function without requiring manual intervention for each seed. The automated drill can process multiple seeds sequentially, and the system includes mechanisms for automatic tissue extraction and collection, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous manual operation.
2Measurement precision
If manual seed sampling is performed, then samples can be obtained, but contamination between samples is prone and accuracy is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sampling process into discrete, controlled steps: positioning the drill, extracting tissue from a specific seed, and collecting the sample. Each step is independently controlled and can be verified, ensuring that only the intended seed is sampled and that the sample is accurately collected without contamination from adjacent seeds or previous samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors the sampling process and provides feedback to ensure accurate positioning and proper sample extraction. The system can detect when a seed has been successfully positioned and sampled, and can adjust parameters to maintain consistency across multiple samples, thereby improving accuracy and reducing contamination risk.
3Reliability
If manual seed handling is used, then seeds can be sampled, but seed viability and germination rates are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual seed handling with an automated drilling system that carefully extracts only the necessary tissue from the seed. The automated system uses controlled drill bit insertion and extraction, minimizing mechanical damage to the seed structure and preserving viability, whereas manual handling often causes unnecessary damage or contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling system is designed to target specific local regions of the seed for tissue extraction, using a controlled drill bit to obtain only the necessary amount of tissue from the appropriate location. This localized approach minimizes damage to the rest of the seed structure, thereby maintaining high germination rates while reducing the overall impact of sampling on seed viability.
4Quantity of substance
If extensive manual processing is performed, then seeds can be sampled, but land and labor resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces extensive manual processing with an automated sampling system that can rapidly process large numbers of seeds. The automated drill can extract tissue from multiple seeds in quick succession, significantly reducing the labor time and land resources required compared to manual methods, while maintaining or improving sampling quality and accuracy.
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 enhances seed sampling efficiency, maintaining viability and reducing contamination, enabling faster identification of desirable traits, thus reducing the need for extensive land and labor resources in plant breeding experiments.
Implementation Method 1
A laser beam is used to cut through the seed tissue
Implementation Method 2
The seed is magnetically or oriented to a predetermined position
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, methods, and systems for high throughput, useful sampling of seed, wherein viability is optionally maintained, are disclosed. Seed from one generation in a plant advancement experiment is individually sampled by removal and collection of tissue from the seed. The tissue is then processed to derive one or more biochemical, genetic, or phenotypic characteristic of the seed before a decision is made whether to utilize that seed further in a plant advancement experiment or other plant research and development. In some embodiments of the method, the sampling is controlled to remove a useful amount of tissue for analytical purposes without significant effect on viability potential of the sampled seed. In some embodiments, the sampling is controlled to deter contamination of the sample. In some embodiments, the seed is automatically positioned and oriented to facilitate efficient and accurate sampling.