Automatic sperm freezing operation device

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic sperm freezing operation device which comprises a liquid nitrogen tank, a sealing cover covers the liquid nitrogen tank, an automatic cover opening and closing mechanism is arranged between the liquid nitrogen tank and the sealing cover, a first lifting mechanism is fixed to a supporting plate on one side of the liquid nitrogen tank, and a second lifting mechanism is fixed to the first lifting mechanism. A rotating mechanism is fixed to the top of the second lifting mechanism, a swing arm is fixed to the rotating mechanism, a liquid level meter mounting probe rod and a plurality of liquid nitrogen tank lifting basket mounting probe rods are fixed to the swing arm, an ultrasonic liquid level meter is fixed to the liquid level meter mounting probe rod, and a liquid nitrogen tank lifting basket is fixed to the liquid nitrogen tank lifting basket mounting probe rods; the cover body automatic opening and closing mechanism, the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism, the rotating mechanism and the ultrasonic liquid level meter are all connected with the control cabinet. The device can be used for automatically pre-treating straws packaged with sperms, including pre-cooling and full-cooling operation in liquid nitrogen, and automatically taking out the pre-treated straws, so that the problem of frostbite in a manual pre-treatment process is prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of assisted reproductive technology, specifically to an automated sperm freezing device. Background Technology

[0002] Sperm cryopreservation is an assisted reproductive technology that preserves sperm at low temperatures, primarily for fertility preservation or assisted reproductive treatment. This technology uses liquid nitrogen to preserve sperm at -196 degrees Celsius, stopping sperm metabolism while maintaining its biological activity. It is suitable for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, those in high-risk occupations, patients with oligospermia or asthenospermia, and healthy individuals who wish to preserve their fertility. Before freezing, semen analysis and infectious disease screening are required. Qualified samples are treated with cryoprotectants and then aliquoted into straws or cryovials, using programmed freezing or vitrification techniques for preservation.

[0003] Currently, conventional sperm freezing methods include slow freezing, rapid freezing, and vitrification. Slow freezing involves mixing and aliquoting the semen with cryoprotectant, equilibrating at room temperature for 10 minutes, then cooling to 4°C using a programmed freezer at a rate of 1°C / min, followed by a further cooling from 4°C to -30°C at a rate of 2–3°C / min, and finally lowering to below -80°C at a rate of 10°C / min before storage in liquid nitrogen. Rapid freezing involves pre-cooling the semen sample in 4°C cold water for 10 minutes or in a 4°C refrigerator for 20 minutes, then placing the sample 2 cm above the surface of liquid nitrogen for 5–7 minutes before immersing it in liquid nitrogen for storage; or directly placing the sample 5 cm above the surface of liquid nitrogen for 10–20 minutes before immersing it in liquid nitrogen for storage. Slow freezing is time-consuming and can easily produce ice crystals during the sperm freezing process, which can damage sperm; rapid freezing does not produce ice crystals that damage sperm during the freezing process; vitrification uses a high concentration of cryoprotectant, which can have a toxic effect on sperm.

[0004] However, rapid freezing is still mainly done manually. After the sperm and cryoprotectant are mixed and dispensed into straws, the liquid nitrogen tank is opened manually. Then, the basket containing the straws is inserted into the liquid nitrogen tank and positioned 2-5 cm above the liquid nitrogen for pre-cooling. After a certain period of pre-cooling, it is inserted into the liquid nitrogen for full cooling. Because this process requires a long operation time, there is a risk of frostbite to the fingers of medical personnel, and manual operation is inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address this, the present invention provides an automated sperm freezing device. This device automatically places a straw containing sperm into a liquid nitrogen tank, holds the straw above the liquid nitrogen for a certain period of time for pre-cooling based on the detected liquid nitrogen level, and then submerges the straw in liquid nitrogen for sub-freezing. After freezing, the straw is automatically removed and placed into the liquid nitrogen tank for final freezing. This device automatically completes the liquid nitrogen freezing of the straw without manual operation, reducing frostbite during pre-cooling and improving the work efficiency of medical personnel. This method avoids the frostbite problems faced by medical personnel in opening the liquid nitrogen tank and performing pre-cooling and sub-freezing of the straw. Furthermore, the use of rapid freezing reduces the risk of damage caused by sperm crystallization during freezing.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical effects, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: An automated sperm freezing device includes a liquid nitrogen tank covered with a sealing cap. An automatic cap opening and closing mechanism is provided between the liquid nitrogen tank and the sealing cap. A support plate is fixed to one side of the liquid nitrogen tank, and a first lifting mechanism is fixed to the support plate. A second lifting mechanism is fixed to the first lifting mechanism, and a rotating mechanism is fixed to the top of the second lifting mechanism. A swing arm is fixed to the rotating mechanism. A level gauge mounting probe and several liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probes are fixed to the swing arm. An ultrasonic level gauge is fixed to the level gauge mounting probe, and a liquid nitrogen tank basket is fixed to the liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probe. The bottom surface of the liquid nitrogen tank basket is lower than the measuring surface of the ultrasonic level gauge. The automatic cap opening and closing mechanism, the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism, the rotating mechanism, and the ultrasonic level gauges are all connected to a control cabinet.

[0007] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the liquid nitrogen tank basket is 3-5 cm lower than the measuring surface of the ultrasonic level gauge.

[0008] Furthermore, the automatic opening and closing mechanism of the cover includes a clamping cylinder and a connecting rod, wherein the clamping cylinder is fixedly connected to the sealing cover via the connecting rod.

[0009] Furthermore, the first lifting mechanism includes a drive motor, a lead screw, and a lifting platform. The drive motor is fixed to a support plate, and a limit plate is fixed to the top of the liquid nitrogen tank. One end of the lead screw is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the drive motor, and the other end is rotatably connected to the limit plate. The lifting platform passes through the lead screw and is threadedly connected to the lead screw. An anti-rotation rod is also fixed between the support plate and the limit plate. The anti-rotation rod passes through the lifting platform. When the drive motor rotates forward or reverse, the lifting platform slides upward or downward along the lead screw under the restriction of the anti-rotation rod.

[0010] Furthermore, the second lifting mechanism includes an electric push rod, which is fixed to the top of the lifting platform. A rotating mechanism is fixed to the top of the electric push rod, and the rotating mechanism includes a servo motor. A swing arm is fixed to the shaft of the servo motor.

[0011] Furthermore, a liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probe is fixed to the bottom of the liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probe, and a liquid nitrogen tank basket handle retaining ring is fixed to the top of the liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probe. The liquid nitrogen tank basket is mounted on the liquid nitrogen tank sleeve and the handle is retained in the liquid nitrogen tank basket handle retaining ring.

[0012] Furthermore, the control cabinet includes a cover and a cabinet body. A display screen and operation buttons are fixed on the cover. A storage battery, a control circuit board, and several relays are fixed in the cabinet body. The display screen, operation buttons, storage battery, and relays are all connected to the control circuit board. The automatic opening and closing mechanism of the cover, the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism, and the ultrasonic level gauge are all connected to the storage battery. The automatic opening and closing mechanism of the cover, the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism, and the rotating mechanism are all connected to the relays. The ultrasonic level gauge is connected to the control circuit board.

[0013] Furthermore, the control circuit board is equipped with a microcontroller, a power module, a digital-to-analog converter module, an analog-to-digital converter module, a signal acquisition connector, and a communication module. The battery is connected to the microcontroller through the power module, the relay is connected to the digital-to-analog converter module, the ultrasonic level gauge is connected to the analog-to-digital converter module through the signal acquisition connector, and both the analog-to-digital converter module and the communication module are connected to the microcontroller.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The device provided by this invention can automatically put the straw containing the sperm into a liquid nitrogen tank, keep the straw above the liquid nitrogen for a certain period of time for pre-cooling according to the detected liquid nitrogen level, and then insert the straw into the liquid nitrogen for sub-freezing after pre-cooling. After freezing, the straw can be automatically removed and placed into the liquid nitrogen tank for formal freezing. This device automatically completes the liquid nitrogen freezing of the straw without manual operation, which can reduce the problem of frostbite during the pre-cooling process and improve the work efficiency of medical personnel. This method can avoid the frostbite problem faced by medical personnel in opening the liquid nitrogen tank and performing the pre-cooling and sub-freezing of the straw. At the same time, the use of rapid freezing method can reduce the risk of damage caused by sperm freezing and crystallization. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of an automated sperm freezing operation device; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational status of the automated sperm freezing system. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an automated sperm freezing operation device; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the control cabinet.

[0017] In the attached diagram, the component names corresponding to each number are as follows: 1-Liquid nitrogen tank, 2-Sealing cover, 3-Automatic opening and closing mechanism for the cover, 4-Support plate, 5-Drive motor, 6-Screw, 7-Limit plate, 8-Lifting platform, 9-Electric push rod, 10-Servo motor, 11-Swing arm, 12-Level gauge mounting probe, 13-Ultrasonic level gauge, 14-Liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probe, 15-Liquid nitrogen tank basket sleeve, 16-Liquid nitrogen tank basket, 17-Liquid nitrogen tank basket handle retainer, 18-Control cabinet, 19-Anti-rotation rod, 181-Cover plate, 182-Cabinet body, 183-Display screen, 184-Operation buttons, 185-Battery, 186-Control circuit board, 187-Relay, 1811-Microcontroller, 1812-Power module, 1813-Digital-to-analog converter module, 1814-Analog-to-digital converter module, 1815-Signal acquisition connector, 1816-Communication module. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] like Figure 1-3As shown, an automated sperm freezing device includes a liquid nitrogen tank 1, with a sealing cap 2 covering the liquid nitrogen tank 1. An automatic cap opening and closing mechanism 3 is provided between the liquid nitrogen tank and the sealing cap. The automatic cap opening and closing mechanism includes a clamping cylinder and a connecting rod. The clamping cylinder is fixedly connected to the sealing cap via the connecting rod. A support plate is fixed to one side of the liquid nitrogen tank, and a first lifting mechanism is fixed to the support plate. A second lifting mechanism is fixed to the first lifting mechanism, and a rotating mechanism is fixed to the top of the second lifting mechanism. A swing arm is fixed to the rotating mechanism, and a liquid level gauge mounting probe 12 and several liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probes 14 are fixed to the swing arm. An ultrasonic level gauge 13 is fixed to the liquid level gauge mounting probe, and a liquid nitrogen tank basket is fixed to the liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probe. The bottom surface of the liquid nitrogen tank basket is 5 cm lower than the measuring surface of the ultrasonic level gauge. The automatic cap opening and closing mechanism, the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism, the rotating mechanism, and the ultrasonic level gauges are all connected to a control cabinet 18.

[0020] The first lifting mechanism includes a drive motor 5, a lead screw 6, and a lifting platform 8. The drive motor is fixed to a support plate, and a limit plate 7 is fixed to the top of the liquid nitrogen tank. One end of the lead screw is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the drive motor, and the other end is rotatably connected to the limit plate. The lifting platform passes through the lead screw and is threadedly connected to the lead screw. An anti-rotation rod 19 is also fixed between the support plate and the limit plate. The anti-rotation rod passes through the lifting platform. When the drive motor rotates forward or reverse, the lifting platform slides upward or downward along the lead screw under the restriction of the anti-rotation rod.

[0021] The second lifting mechanism includes an electric push rod 9, which is fixed to the top of the lifting platform. A rotating mechanism is fixed to the top of the electric push rod, and the rotating mechanism includes a servo motor 10. A swing arm 11 is fixed on the shaft of the servo motor.

[0022] The bottom of the liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probe is fixed with a liquid nitrogen tank basket sleeve 15, and the top of the liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probe is fixed with a liquid nitrogen tank basket handle retaining ring 17. The liquid nitrogen tank basket 16 is mounted on the liquid nitrogen tank sleeve and the handle is retained in the liquid nitrogen tank basket handle retaining ring.

[0023] like Figure 4 As shown, the control cabinet includes a cover plate 181 and a cabinet body 182. A display screen 183 and operation buttons 184 are fixed on the cover plate. A storage battery 185, a control circuit board 186, and several relays 187 are fixed in the cabinet body. The display screen, operation buttons, storage battery, and relays are all connected to the control circuit board. The automatic opening and closing mechanism of the cover, the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism, and the ultrasonic level gauge are all connected to the storage battery. The automatic opening and closing mechanism of the cover, the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism, and the rotating mechanism are all connected to the relays. The ultrasonic level gauge is connected to the control circuit board.

[0024] The control circuit board is equipped with a microcontroller 1811, a power module 1812, a digital-to-analog converter 1813, an analog-to-digital converter 1814, a signal acquisition connector 1815, and a communication module 1816. The battery is connected to the microcontroller through the power module, the relay is connected to the digital-to-analog converter, the ultrasonic level gauge is connected to the analog-to-digital converter through the signal acquisition connector, and both the analog-to-digital converter and the communication module are connected to the microcontroller.

[0025] In this embodiment, a 51 series microcontroller is selected as the microcontroller, an AMS1117-3.3V power supply chip is selected as the power supply module, a DAC0864 type digital-to-analog converter chip is selected as the digital-to-analog converter module, an ADC0832 type analog-to-digital converter chip is selected as the analog-to-digital converter module, and a serial communication module is selected as the communication module.

[0026] A specific application of this device is as follows: Sperm and cryoprotectant are mixed in a certain proportion and dispensed into straws. The straws are then inserted into the liquid nitrogen tank basket 16, which is then fixed to the liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probe 14. The pre-cooling operation button on the control cabinet is then pressed, and the pre-cooling time and liquid nitrogen full cooling time are set. At this time, the control circuit board drives the clamping cylinder to move upward and rotate via a relay. Simultaneously, the sealing cover 2 moves to the upper right, opening the liquid nitrogen tank. The drive motor of the first lifting mechanism rotates forward, and the lifting platform 8 moves upward. After the lifting platform reaches the top, the second lifting mechanism extends upward. After the second lifting mechanism reaches its maximum lifting height, the rotating mechanism rotates, and the swing arm 11 rotates to the right. At this time, the level gauge mounting probe 12 and several liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probes 14 rotate to above the opening of the liquid nitrogen tank. Subsequently... The second lifting mechanism will move downwards. At this time, the ultrasonic level gauge 13 will detect its distance from the liquid nitrogen surface. When the ultrasonic level gauge is 10cm away from the liquid nitrogen surface, the control circuit board will stop the lifting of the second lifting mechanism through a relay. The liquid nitrogen tank basket 16 will be 5cm away from the liquid nitrogen surface. At this time, the straw in the liquid nitrogen tank basket will be pre-cooled above the liquid nitrogen surface for 10-20 minutes. Then the second lifting mechanism will continue to move downwards until the ultrasonic level gauge is close to the liquid nitrogen surface. At this time, the straw will be inserted into the liquid nitrogen. After freezing in the liquid nitrogen for 30 minutes, the control circuit board will drive the second lifting mechanism and the first lifting mechanism to rise to the highest position through a relay. Then, the relay will drive the rotation mechanism to reset and drive the automatic opening and closing mechanism of the cover to close the sealing cover. The pre-treated and frozen liquid nitrogen tank basket will be transferred to the liquid nitrogen tank for long-term storage.

[0027] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," and "specific example" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. An automated sperm freezing device, comprising a liquid nitrogen tank, wherein the liquid nitrogen tank is covered with a sealing cap, characterized in that, An automatic opening and closing mechanism for the lid is provided between the liquid nitrogen tank and the sealing lid. A support plate is fixed to one side of the liquid nitrogen tank, and a first lifting mechanism is fixed to the support plate. A second lifting mechanism is fixed to the first lifting mechanism, and a rotating mechanism is fixed to the top of the second lifting mechanism. A swing arm is fixed to the rotating mechanism, and a liquid level gauge mounting probe and several liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probes are fixed to the swing arm. An ultrasonic liquid level gauge is fixed to the liquid level gauge mounting probe, and a liquid nitrogen tank basket is fixed to the liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probe. The bottom surface of the liquid nitrogen tank basket is lower than the measuring surface of the ultrasonic liquid level gauge. The automatic opening and closing mechanism, the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism, the rotating mechanism, and the ultrasonic liquid level gauge are all connected to the control cabinet.

2. The automatic sperm freezing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the liquid nitrogen tank basket is 3-5 cm lower than the measuring surface of the ultrasonic level gauge.

3. The automated sperm freezing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The automatic opening and closing mechanism of the cover includes a clamping cylinder and a connecting rod, wherein the clamping cylinder is fixedly connected to the sealing cover via the connecting rod.

4. An automated sperm freezing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first lifting mechanism includes a drive motor, a lead screw, and a lifting platform. The drive motor is fixed to a support plate, and a limit plate is fixed to the top of the liquid nitrogen tank. One end of the lead screw is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the drive motor, and the other end is rotatably connected to the limit plate. The lifting platform passes through the lead screw and is threadedly connected to the lead screw. An anti-rotation rod is also fixed between the support plate and the limit plate. The anti-rotation rod passes through the lifting platform. When the drive motor rotates forward or reverse, the lifting platform slides up or down along the lead screw under the restriction of the anti-rotation rod.

5. The automatic sperm freezing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second lifting mechanism includes an electric push rod, which is fixed to the top of the lifting platform. A rotating mechanism is fixed to the top of the electric push rod, and the rotating mechanism includes a servo motor. A swing arm is fixed to the shaft of the servo motor.

6. The automatic sperm freezing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom of the liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probe is fixed with a liquid nitrogen tank basket sleeve, and the top of the liquid nitrogen tank basket mounting probe is fixed with a liquid nitrogen tank basket handle retaining ring. The liquid nitrogen tank basket is mounted on the liquid nitrogen tank sleeve and the handle is engaged in the liquid nitrogen tank basket handle retaining ring.

7. The automatic sperm freezing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control cabinet includes a cover and a cabinet body. A display screen and operation buttons are fixed on the cover. A storage battery, a control circuit board, and several relays are fixed in the cabinet body. The display screen, operation buttons, storage battery, and relays are all connected to the control circuit board. The automatic opening and closing mechanism of the cover, the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism, and the ultrasonic level gauge are all connected to the storage battery. The automatic opening and closing mechanism of the cover, the first lifting mechanism, the second lifting mechanism, and the rotating mechanism are all connected to the relays. The ultrasonic level gauge is connected to the control circuit board.

8. The automatic sperm freezing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control circuit board is equipped with a microcontroller, a power module, a digital-to-analog converter module, an analog-to-digital converter module, a signal acquisition connector, and a communication module. The battery is connected to the microcontroller through the power module, the relay is connected to the digital-to-analog converter module, the ultrasonic level gauge is connected to the analog-to-digital converter module through the signal acquisition connector, and both the analog-to-digital converter module and the communication module are connected to the microcontroller.

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