Automated Plant Leaf Sampling via Suction-Assisted Rotary Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant sampling systems for DNA analysis are not suitable for fully automated processes, as they require manual manipulation to insert leaves between a punch rod and supporting element, making it difficult to automate the sampling of large numbers of plants, especially those on conveyer belts.
Innovation Solution
A cutting system with an elongated hollow cutting element and a control unit that applies a suction force during cutting, allowing for automated sampling by attracting the leaf towards the cutting element, eliminating the need for supporting elements and enabling sampling of moving leaves, using a gas flow direction unit to generate suction or pushing forces as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a punch rod and supporting element are used to hold the leaf during punching, then the leaf can be secured during sampling, but the device cannot be used in fully automated sampling systems due to manual manipulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the supporting element from the sampling device, extracting the component that prevented automation. By using only a punch rod without a supporting element, the system eliminates the need for manual leaf insertion and positioning, enabling fully automated sampling while maintaining leaf security through the punching action itself
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf itself serves as the supporting structure during punching. The natural rigidity and positioning of the leaf allow it to be securely held and punched without requiring an additional supporting element, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating manual intervention
2Productivity
If manual manipulation is required to insert the leaf in the opening, then the leaf can be positioned for punching, but the device cannot sample plants on conveyer belts
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the supporting element and its associated manual positioning mechanism, the invention enables the device to accept leaves in various positions and orientations, allowing integration with conveyer belt systems where leaves are continuously moved without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static positioning system (requiring manual leaf insertion into a fixed opening) to a dynamic system where the punch rod can effectively sample leaves in motion. The simplified structure allows the device to adapt to moving leaves on conveyer belts, enabling high-throughput automated sampling
3Reliability
If supporting elements are used to secure the leaf, then the leaf can be held during punching, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the supporting element entirely, reducing the number of components from two (punch rod and supporting element) to one (punch rod alone). This simplification maintains reliable leaf securing through the punching action while significantly reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The punch rod performs multiple functions: it serves as both the cutting tool and the positioning reference. By making the punch rod multi-functional, the invention eliminates the need for separate supporting elements, reducing component count while maintaining sampling reliability
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 automated sampling of plants by allowing the cutting action to be performed while applying a suction force, facilitating the use of the system in applications where multiple plants need to be analyzed, such as on conveyer belts, without relying on precise leaf positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a gas flow direction unit for applying a suction force through the hollow cutting element
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to a cutting system. It is further related to a system for obtaining a sample of plant material and method. Such a system can for instance be used for DNA analysis as part of a plant breeding program. According to the invention, the cutting system comprises a cutting device having a hollow cutting element having a cutting edge facing a leaf of a plant to be sampled, a drive unit for rotating said cutting element about a longitudinal axis of said cutting element to cut through the leaf, and a gas flow direction unit for applying a suction force through the hollow cutting element. The cutting system further comprises a control unit for controlling the drive unit and the gas flow direction unit. According to the invention, the hollow cutting element is elongated and the control unit is configured to control the gas flow direction unit and the drive unit such that said suction force is applied during said cutting through the leaf, and preferably at least prior to said cutting through the leaf.