Three-Position Seed Crushing Device for Deepwell Plate Filling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seed crushing processes are labor-intensive, prone to manual errors, and result in suboptimal crushing due to the fragility of deepwell plates, leading to high costs and slow processing.

Innovation Solution

A seed crushing device with a receiving space that transitions through three positions for controlled seed crushing, featuring a movable pestle and ejector system, allowing for efficient seed handling and filling into deepwell plates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual handling is used for seed crushing in deepwell plates, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but processing speed is slow and error rate is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables automated self-service operation where the receiving space automatically transitions through the three positions (receiving seed, crushing with pestle, discharging flower) without manual intervention. The system handles seed grains according to predetermined protocols, eliminating the need for continuous manual operation while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated mechanical system. The receiving space's automated positional transitions and the controller-managed pestle movements substitute for manual operations, significantly increasing processing speed while reducing human error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If crushing is performed in deepwell plates, then simple operation is maintained, but crushing quality is suboptimal due to plate fragility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrushing qualityVSAvoiddevice robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the crushing process into distinct phases by dividing the receiving space into functional zones: a top opening for seed input, a bottom region for crushing support, and discharge pathways. This segmentation allows optimized crushing geometry without the constraints of a fragile deepwell plate structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the crushing function from the fragile deepwell plate context and places it in a robust receiving space designed specifically for crushing operations. The receiving space is taken out from the constraints of plate fragility and reconfigured to provide optimal crushing geometry and support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If automated positioning system is implemented for the receiving space, then processing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidpositioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving space serves multiple functions through its automated positioning: it receives seed grains, performs crushing operations, and discharges flower material. This multi-functionality consolidates several operations into a single component, improving throughput without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving space is designed as a dynamic component that automatically transitions between fixed positions (receiving position, crushing position, discharging position). This dynamic positioning enables continuous processing and high throughput while using standardized motion mechanisms rather than complex custom systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4623661A1Seed crushing device
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 MDE AUTOMATION BV
  • EP4623661A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4623661A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4623661A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Seed crushing device comprising a receiving space for a seed grain, defined by one or more side walls, designed to be positioned in at least a first position, where the receiving space is freely accessible from its top side for placing the seed grain in the receiving space; and where the receiving space at its bottom is closed to support a seed grain that has been placed, and a second position, where the receiving space is freely accessible from its top side to accommodate a pestle in the receiving space, and where the receiving space at the bottom is closed for crushing the seed grain by pushing the pestle towards the bottom and for supporting the flower thus formed; and a third position, where the receiving space is free at at least the bottom for discharging the flower in a filling position from a deep well plate.