A local ultrasonic defrosting device and control method for a medical ultra-low temperature preservation box

Abstract

The application provides a medical ultralow-temperature preservation box local ultrasonic defrosting device and a control method. The device comprises an ultrasonic sensor for detecting the position and thickness of frost and ice; a controller for calculating defrosting ultrasonic wave generation parameters according to the position and thickness of frost and ice; and an ultrasonic wave generator for generating corresponding ultrasonic wave signals according to the defrosting ultrasonic wave generation parameters sent by the controller. The application is based on ultrasonic defrosting technology, can accurately detect the position and thickness of frost and ice, and apply appropriate ultrasonic wave signals according to actual conditions to realize local defrosting and avoid affecting the temperature in the whole preservation box, thereby improving the defrosting efficiency.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of low-temperature storage boxes, in particular, especially relates to a medical ultralow-temperature storage box local ultrasonic defrosting device and control method. BACKGROUND

[0002] A medical ultralow-temperature storage box is a special device for storing biological samples and drugs. Since samples that need to be stored for a long time usually need to be stored at extremely low temperatures, the ultralow-temperature storage box usually requires to be kept at an extremely low temperature below-80℃, and has a reliable refrigeration and temperature control system to ensure the stability and reliability of long-term storage of samples. However, the ultralow-temperature storage box is prone to accumulate frost and ice over a long period of use, which will reduce the refrigeration efficiency of the storage box and the storage quality of the samples. Therefore, defrosting is an important link in the maintenance and management of the ultralow-temperature storage box.

[0003] Traditional ultralow-temperature storage box defrosting methods include manual defrosting, water vapor defrosting, and electric heating defrosting. Although these methods can effectively remove frost and ice inside the storage box, they also have some problems. For example, manual defrosting requires human intervention and has high cost; water vapor defrosting requires high-temperature steam, which can easily have a negative impact on the interior of the storage box; electric heating defrosting requires a large amount of energy consumption.

[0004] Ultrasonic defrosting technology is a new type of defrosting technology, which uses the vibration of ultrasonic waves to form microcavities on the frozen surface, and then uses heat transfer and surface tension to make the frost and ice naturally fall off from the surface. Compared with traditional defrosting methods, ultrasonic defrosting technology has the advantages of low energy consumption, high defrosting efficiency, and short defrosting time. However, existing ultrasonic defrosting technology often applies uniform ultrasonic signals to the entire interior of the storage box. For example, in a medical ultralow-temperature storage box that stores a large number of samples, a large range of ultrasonic signals will affect the performance of the storage box, and thus affect the sample quality. In addition, in the case of local frost and ice, applying ultrasonic signals in a large range will increase the energy consumption of the defrosting system to some extent. SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present application provides a medical ultralow-temperature storage box local ultrasonic defrosting device and control method, which detects the positions of the storage box where frost is likely to accumulate, and once the frost reaches a certain degree, the local defrosting device can be started accordingly. This not only prevents ultrasonic waves from affecting sample quality, but also saves energy consumption of the defrosting system to some extent.

[0006] The technical means adopted by the present application are as follows:

[0007] A medical ultralow-temperature storage box local ultrasonic defrosting device, comprising:

[0008] An ultrasonic sensor for detecting the location and thickness of frost and ice;

[0009] A controller for calculating defrosting ultrasonic wave generation parameters according to the location and thickness of frost and ice;

[0010] And an ultrasonic wave generator for generating corresponding ultrasonic wave signals according to the defrosting ultrasonic wave generation parameters sent by the controller.

[0011] Further, the controller is also used to activate the ultrasonic sensor according to the temperature in the box, and control the ultrasonic sensor to detect the location and thickness of frost and ice.

[0012] Further, the detection of the location and thickness of frost and ice by the ultrasonic sensor includes:

[0013] Sending a detection signal to the frost and ice surface by the ultrasonic sensor, recording the time of signal emission and the time of signal emission;

[0014] Receiving a reflected signal by the ultrasonic sensor, recording the time of receiving the reflected signal;

[0015] According to the detection signal speed, the signal emission time and the signal reflection, the distance of the signal propagation in the air is calculated, and according to the detection signal speed, the time of signal emission and the time of receiving the reflected signal, the distance of the signal propagation in the frost layer is calculated;

[0016] According to the distance of the signal propagation in the air, the location information is determined;

[0017] According to the distance of the signal propagation in the air and the distance of the signal propagation in the frost layer, the thickness information of the frost layer is obtained.

[0018] Further, the distance of the signal propagation in the air is obtained according to the following formula

[0019] d1=v×(t2-t1)

[0020] Wherein, d1 represents the distance of the signal propagation in the air, v represents the speed of the detection signal, t1 represents the time of the detection signal emission, and t2 represents the time of the ultrasonic sensor receiving the reflected signal.

[0021] Further, the distance of the signal propagation in the frost layer is obtained according to the following formula:

[0022] d2=v×2(t2-t0)

[0023] Wherein, d2 represents the distance of the signal propagation in the air, v represents the speed of the detection signal, t2 represents the time of the ultrasonic sensor receiving the reflected signal, and t0 represents the time of signal emission.

[0024] Further, the ultrasonic sensor is used to detect the frost ice position and the frost ice thickness, and the method further comprises the following steps of detecting the thickness of the frost layer during the process of sending the ultrasonic defrosting by the ultrasonic transmitter:

[0025] Obtaining the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer to the sound wave propagation;

[0026] Sending a detection signal to the frost ice surface by the ultrasonic sensor, and recording the initial frequency of the sound wave when the signal is sent;

[0027] Receiving the reflected signal by the ultrasonic sensor, and recording the frequency of the sound wave of the reflected signal;

[0028] Calculating the thickness information of the frost layer according to the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer to the sound wave propagation, the initial frequency of the sound wave and the frequency f of the reflected signal.

[0029] Further, the thickness of the frost layer is obtained according to the following formula:

[0030] h = (f0 / f-1) / k

[0031] Wherein, h represents the thickness of the frost layer, f0 represents the initial frequency of the sound wave, f represents the frequency of the reflected signal, and k represents the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer to the sound wave propagation.

[0032] Further, the ultrasonic sensor is used to detect the frost ice position and the frost ice thickness, and the method further comprises the following steps of detecting the thickness of the frost layer during the process of sending the ultrasonic defrosting by the ultrasonic transmitter:

[0033] Obtaining the attenuation coefficient k of the frost layer to the sound wave propagation;

[0034] Sending a detection signal to the frost ice surface by the ultrasonic sensor, and recording the initial intensity of the sound wave when the signal is sent;

[0035] Receiving the reflected signal by the ultrasonic sensor, and recording the intensity of the sound wave of the reflected signal;

[0036] Calculating the thickness information of the frost layer according to the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer to the sound wave propagation, the initial intensity of the sound wave and the intensity I of the reflected signal.

[0037] Further, the thickness of the frost layer is obtained according to the following formula:

[0038] h = -ln(I / I0) / k

[0039] Wherein, h represents the thickness of the frost layer, I0 represents the initial intensity of the sound wave, I represents the intensity of the reflected signal, and k represents the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer to the sound wave propagation.

[0040] The application further discloses a control method of the local ultrasonic defrosting device of the medical ultralow-temperature preservation box.

[0041] S1, start the program;

[0042] S2, set the temperature threshold for the preservation box and the defrosting time threshold;

[0043] S3, monitor the temperature of the local defrosting area;

[0044] S4, when the temperature reaches the set defrosting temperature threshold, start the local defrosting program;

[0045] S5, the controller starts the ultrasonic sensor to detect the position and thickness of the frost layer, determines the area that needs to be defrosted, and turns on the corresponding ultrasonic generator;

[0046] S6, through the action of ultrasonic vibration, the frost layer is loosened and melted;

[0047] S7, monitor the defrosting effect, if the temperature has reached the required preservation temperature, the local defrosting program ends;

[0048] S8, if the temperature is still higher than the required preservation temperature, the local defrosting program can be started again until the required preservation temperature is reached;

[0049] S9, turn off the corresponding ultrasonic generator, and other areas continue to maintain an ultra-low temperature state;

[0050] S10, when the temperature of all areas in the preservation box reaches the required preservation temperature, turn off the ultrasonic generator control system;

[0051] S11, end the program.

[0052] Compared with the prior art, the present application has the following advantages:

[0053] 1. The present application has high efficiency: based on ultrasonic defrosting technology, the present application can quickly and effectively remove local frost and ice, thereby improving defrosting efficiency.

[0054] 2. The present application has precision: the local defrosting module includes an ultrasonic generator and a sensor, which can accurately detect the position and thickness of the frost and ice, and apply appropriate ultrasonic signals according to the actual situation to achieve local defrosting, avoiding the influence on the temperature in the entire preservation box.

[0055] 3. The present application has energy saving: the present application uses ultrasonic defrosting technology, which does not need traditional chemical defrosting agent, reducing the waste of energy and resources, and also reducing environmental pollution.

[0056] 4. The present application has reliability: the present application has high reliability and stability, since local defrosting does not affect the samples in the entire preservation box, ensuring the preservation quality and stability of the samples.

[0057] 5. The invention is flexible: the local defrosting module can be adjusted and installed as needed, and can be applied to multiple locations in the medical ultra-low temperature storage box for local defrosting, thus improving defrosting efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0058] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of a local ultrasonic defrosting device for a medical cryogenic storage box in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0060] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. 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 should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] This embodiment provides a local ultrasonic defrosting device for a medical cryogenic storage box, comprising: an ultrasonic sensor for detecting the location and thickness of frost; a controller for calculating defrosting ultrasonic wave generation parameters based on the frost location and thickness; and an ultrasonic generator for generating corresponding ultrasonic signals based on the defrosting ultrasonic wave generation parameters sent by the controller. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the ultrasonic generator is integrated within the ultrasonic transducer assembly, and sends ultrasonic defrosting signals with specific parameters according to the control commands of the controller. The controller is installed outside the storage box and is connected to the ultrasonic sensor and the ultrasonic generator. Furthermore, the controller is also used to activate the ultrasonic sensor based on the temperature inside the box, controlling the ultrasonic sensor to detect the position and thickness of the frost / ice surface.

[0062] In the present application, the number of ultrasonic sensors and ultrasonic generators can be one or multiple. In the present embodiment, one ultrasonic sensor is installed in the middle of the back plate of the storage box to detect the position and thickness of the frost layer in each area of the box. In other embodiments, multiple ultrasonic sensors can be used to detect the position and thickness of the frost layer in different areas. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the sound holes of the ultrasonic transducer are arranged in an array on the inner surface of the box. When local frost and ice form, the controller activates the ultrasonic generator and sensor in the local defrosting module. The ultrasonic generator generates an ultrasonic signal, and the ultrasonic sensor detects the thickness and position of the frost and ice and sends this information to the controller. The controller analyzes the received signal and calculates the parameters of the ultrasonic signal to be applied, and then sends these parameters to the ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic generator generates the corresponding ultrasonic signal, which is applied to the frost and ice surface through the sensor, causing the frost and ice to form small cavities under the action of the ultrasonic wave and naturally fall off, thereby achieving local defrosting.

[0063] Since the number and position of ultrasonic generators and sensors can be adjusted and installed as needed, local defrosting can be achieved in multiple positions in the medical ultra-low temperature storage box, effectively improving the defrosting efficiency and reducing the impact on the temperature in the entire storage box, thereby ensuring the quality and stability of the samples.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the position and thickness of the ice layer are calculated based on the time of ultrasonic signal emission and reflection. Specifically:

[0065] The ultrasonic transmitter emits an ultrasonic signal perpendicular to the ice layer inside the storage box. When the signal encounters the frost layer, part of the energy is reflected back. By detecting the reflection of the signal, the thickness of the frost layer can be determined. The ultrasonic signal is emitted, with a signal speed of v and an emission time of t1, and the emission time of the signal t0 is recorded. The signal reflection is detected, with a reflection time of t2.

[0066] Based on the signal speed and the time of signal emission and reflection, the distance d1 of signal propagation in air and the distance d2 of signal propagation in the frost layer can be calculated as follows:

[0067] d1 = v x (t2 - t1);

[0068] d2 = v x 2(t2 - t0)

[0069] The thickness h of the frost layer can be calculated based on the distance of ultrasonic wave propagation in air and the distance of ultrasonic wave propagation in the frost layer: h = d1 - d2.

[0070] According to the set defrosting thickness threshold h1, when h > h1, the controller controls the ultrasonic transducer to defrost. When h < h1, the controller controls the ultrasonic transducer to stop defrosting.

[0071] In the defrosting state, the device continuously detects the thickness of the frost layer through the ultrasonic sensor.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the ice layer is detected according to the degree of attenuation of the ultrasonic frequency by the frost layer, comprising the following steps:

[0073] a. Obtain the attenuation coefficient of the sound wave propagation by the frost layer. The attenuation coefficient can be obtained by looking up a table.

[0074] b. Send a detection signal to the frost ice surface through the ultrasonic sensor, and record the initial frequency of the sound wave when the signal is transmitted.

[0075] c. Receive the reflected signal through the ultrasonic sensor, and record the frequency of the reflected signal.

[0076] d. Calculate the thickness information of the frost layer according to the attenuation coefficient of the sound wave propagation by the frost layer, the initial frequency of the sound wave, and the frequency f of the reflected signal.

[0077] Specifically, the attenuation coefficient of the sound wave propagation by the frost layer is k, the frequency of the sound wave after passing through the frost layer is f, the frequency of the sound wave without passing through the frost layer is f0, and the thickness of the frost layer is h, then:

[0078] f = f0 / (1+k×h)

[0079] Then the thickness of the frost layer is obtained according to the following formula:

[0080] h = (f0 / f-1) / k

[0081] Where h represents the thickness of the frost layer, f0 represents the initial frequency of the sound wave, f represents the frequency of the reflected signal, and k represents the attenuation coefficient of the sound wave propagation by the frost layer.

[0082] In another preferred embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the ice layer is detected according to the degree of attenuation of the ultrasonic frequency by the frost layer, comprising the following steps:

[0083] a. Obtain the attenuation coefficient of the sound wave propagation by the frost layer. The attenuation coefficient can be obtained by looking up a table.

[0084] b. Send a detection signal to the frost ice surface through the ultrasonic sensor, and record the initial intensity of the sound wave when the signal is transmitted.

[0085] c. Receive the reflected signal through the ultrasonic sensor, and record the intensity of the reflected signal.

[0086] d. The frost thickness information is calculated according to the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer to the sound wave propagation, the initial intensity of the sound wave, and the intensity of the reflected signal sound wave.

[0087] The signal intensity I is measured by the ultrasonic sensor, and the signal intensity before defrosting is I0. The change of the signal intensity can be calculated according to the frost thickness h, that is:

[0088] I = I0 x e (-k x h)

[0089] The frost thickness is obtained according to the following formula:

[0090] h = -ln (I / I0) / k

[0091] Wherein, h represents the frost thickness, I0 represents the initial intensity of the sound wave, I represents the intensity of the reflected signal sound wave, and k represents the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer to the sound wave propagation.

[0092] The frequency f and I of the sound wave after passing through the frost layer are calculated by using the above-mentioned formula. By simultaneously measuring the frequency and intensity of the sound wave, the two parameters are associated, and then the frost layer position and thickness are monitored.

[0093] The frequency and signal intensity can be simultaneously measured by the ultrasonic sensor, and the thickness and position of the frost layer are calculated according to the above formula. When the control system detects that the frost layer reaches a certain thickness, the local ultrasonic defrosting device is automatically started to defrost until the frost layer is completely defrosted, and the control system automatically stops the work of the defrosting device.

[0094] During the defrosting process, the initial frequency and signal intensity f and I are continuously extracted by the ultrasonic sensor, and the defrosting threshold set by the control system is h1.

[0095] When h≤h1, the control system stops the defrosting device, wherein h is the current frost thickness, and the calculation formula is: h = -ln (I / I0) / k.

[0096] When h>h1, the control system starts the local ultrasonic defrosting device to defrost until the frost layer is completely defrosted, and the calculation formula is: h = -ln (I / I0) / k.

[0097] Wherein, I0 represents the signal intensity before the frost layer, and k represents the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer to the sound wave propagation.

[0098] During defrosting, the control system can control the local ultrasonic defrosting device to defrost at the part where defrosting is needed according to the frost thickness and position information until the defrosting is completed, that is, the frost layer is completely defrosted.

[0099] Further, the controller controls the ultrasonic generator, and the process mainly includes:

[0100] a. Set an ultrasonic power level: P_level.

[0101] b. Set the ultrasonic working time: T_work.

[0102] c. Set the ultrasonic rest time: T_rest.

[0103] d. In the area where local defrosting is needed, set the ultrasonic power level to P_level and work for T_work time.

[0104] e. In the area where local defrosting is not needed, set the ultrasonic power level to 0 and rest for T_rest time.

[0105] The values of P_level, T_work and T_rest can be adjusted as needed to achieve the best local defrosting effect.

[0106] The application also discloses a control method for a medical ultralow-temperature preservation box local ultrasonic defrosting device, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0107] S1, start the program;

[0108] S2, set the preservation box temperature and defrosting time threshold;

[0109] S3, monitor the temperature of the local defrosting area;

[0110] S4, when the temperature reaches the set defrosting temperature threshold, start the local defrosting program;

[0111] S5, the controller starts the ultrasonic sensor to detect the frost layer position and thickness, determines the area that needs local defrosting, and turns on the corresponding ultrasonic generator;

[0112] S6, through the action of ultrasonic vibration, the frost layer is loosened and melted;

[0113] S7, monitor the defrosting effect, if the temperature has reached the required preservation temperature, the local defrosting program ends;

[0114] S8, if the temperature is still higher than the required preservation temperature, the local defrosting program can be started again until the required preservation temperature is reached;

[0115] S9, turn off the corresponding ultrasonic generator, and other areas continue to maintain ultralow-temperature state;

[0116] S10, when the temperature of all areas in the preservation box reaches the required preservation temperature, turn off the ultrasonic generator control system;

[0117] S11, end the program.

[0118] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions recorded in the above embodiments can still be modified, or some or all of the technical features can be replaced by equivalents; and these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A local ultrasonic defrosting device for a medical cryogenic storage box, characterized in that, include: An ultrasonic sensor used to detect the location and thickness of frost and ice; A controller used to calculate the parameters of the defrosting ultrasonic waves based on the location and thickness of the frost. An ultrasonic generator for generating corresponding ultrasonic signals based on the defrosting ultrasonic wave generation parameters sent by the controller; The ultrasonic sensor detects the thickness of frost and ice in the following way: Obtain the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer for sound wave propagation. The ultrasonic sensor sends a detection signal to the frost surface and records the initial frequency of the sound wave when the signal is emitted. The ultrasonic sensor receives reflected signals and records the frequency of the received reflected signal sound waves. The frost thickness information is calculated based on the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer for sound wave propagation, the initial frequency of the sound wave, and the frequency of the reflected signal sound wave. The thickness of the frost / ice is obtained according to the following formula: h=(f0 / f -1) / k Where h represents the thickness of the frost, f0 represents the initial frequency of the sound wave, f represents the frequency of the reflected sound wave, and k represents the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer on the propagation of the sound wave. Alternatively, the ultrasonic sensor detects the thickness of frost / ice in the following ways: Obtain the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer for sound wave propagation. The ultrasonic sensor sends a detection signal to the frost surface and records the initial intensity of the sound wave when the signal is emitted. The ultrasonic sensor receives reflected signals and records the intensity of the received reflected sound waves. The frost thickness is calculated based on the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer for sound wave propagation, the initial intensity of the sound wave, and the intensity of the reflected sound wave. The thickness of the frost / ice is obtained according to the following formula: h = -ln(I / I0) / k Where h represents the thickness of the frost, I0 represents the initial intensity of the sound wave, I represents the intensity of the reflected signal sound wave, and k represents the attenuation coefficient of the frost layer on the propagation of the sound wave.

2. The local ultrasonic defrosting device for a medical cryogenic storage box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is also used to activate the ultrasonic sensor according to the temperature inside the box, and to control the ultrasonic sensor to detect the position and thickness of the frost surface.

3. A control method for a local ultrasonic defrosting device for a medical cryogenic storage box, implemented based on the local ultrasonic defrosting device for a medical cryogenic storage box as described in claim 1, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: S1. Start the program; S2. Set the temperature and defrost time thresholds for the storage box; S3. Monitor the temperature of the local defrosting area; S4. When the temperature reaches the set defrost temperature threshold, start the local defrost program; S5. The controller activates the ultrasonic sensor to detect the location and thickness of the frost layer, determine the area that needs local defrosting, and turn on the corresponding ultrasonic generator. S6. The frost layer is loosened and melted by ultrasonic vibration. S7. Monitor the defrosting effect. If the temperature has reached the required storage temperature, the local defrosting procedure ends. S8. If the temperature is still higher than the required storage temperature, the local defrosting program can be restarted until the required storage temperature is reached. S9. Turn off the corresponding ultrasonic generator, and continue to maintain the ultra-low temperature state in other areas; S10. When the temperature of all areas inside the storage box reaches the required storage temperature, turn off the ultrasonic generator control system. S11, End the program.

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