Seed Tray Assembly With Moveable Dividers For Single Seed Identity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed tray assemblies lack the capability to maintain single seed identity during batch handling and treatment processes, such as priming and sterilization, which is crucial for accurate seed analysis and plant evaluation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed tray assembly consists of a first tray with multiple wells for seed placement, a second tray with openings that align with the first tray's wells, and moveable dividers to facilitate selective movement of seeds between trays, ensuring single seed identity is maintained throughout the treatment and planting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If batch handling and treatment processes are used for seeds, then processing efficiency is improved, but single seed identity cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The tray assembly is divided into multiple independent wells, each capable of holding a single seed. This segmentation allows batch processing of multiple seeds while maintaining individual identification and isolation, resolving the contradiction between processing efficiency and single seed identity maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Moveable dividers act as intermediaries between adjacent wells, allowing controlled interaction (seed transfer) while maintaining separation. These dividers enable batch handling operations while preserving single seed identity by providing a mechanism for selective seed movement between compartments.
2Speed
If multiple seeds are handled together in batch processes, then processing speed is improved, but seed individuality and tracking capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tray assembly segments the batch into individual well compartments, allowing parallel processing of multiple seeds while maintaining the ability to track and identify each seed individually through its specific well location.
Solution Approach 2:
Each well in the tray assembly has distinct local properties (specific position, orientation, and identification characteristics) that allow individual seed tracking within the batch. This local differentiation enables simultaneous batch processing and individual seed identification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If seeds are transferred between trays during treatment, then treatment flexibility is improved, but risk of seed mixing and identity loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
Moveable dividers serve as controlled intermediaries for seed transfer between wells and trays. They provide a regulated pathway for seed movement, allowing treatment flexibility while preventing unauthorized mixing and maintaining seed identity through controlled access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividers are designed to be moveable rather than fixed, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different treatment requirements. This dynamic capability enables flexible seed transfer operations while maintaining reliability through controlled movement mechanisms that prevent accidental mixing.
Data Source
AI summary
Tray assemblies are provided for use in treating and planting batches of seeds. In one example embodiment, a tray assembly includes a first tray and a second tray configured to couple to the first tray. The first tray includes multiple wells each configured to receive a seed. And, the second tray includes multiple openings configured to align with the wells of the first tray when the second tray is coupled to the first tray. The tray assembly also includes a first divider positioned between the first tray and the second tray, and a second divider coupled to the first tray. The first divider is configured to allow selective movement of seeds from the openings of the second tray to the wells of the first tray, and the second divider is configured to allow selective movement of seeds out of the wells of the first tray.