A sample management and storage device and management and storage method

Abstract

This invention relates to sample storage management, specifically to a sample management and storage device and method. The storage device includes: a container housing with a tube rack inside, a tube opening with a tube cover, a locking mechanism and a sliding opening mechanism inside the container to open the tube cover, a temperature control component, and a sample detection component; a main control unit that communicates with the container housing and controls the sliding opening mechanism and the temperature control component; the main control unit also has an interactive device for recording sample storage information and sample retrieval information. The main control unit works in conjunction with the storage device to open and close the tube cover, allowing for temperature-controlled storage after sample tubes are inserted, thus better preserving the sample properties; and it connects to a management system for sample detection and verification, with alarms triggered when samples are abnormal. During sample transport, the personnel and sample information are recorded, and the entire container housing is moved and an empty container is provided, effectively ensuring the continuity of sample collection and storage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to sample storage management, particularly the storage management of biological samples, and specifically to a sample management and storage device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Biological samples contain a variety of organic substances. Preserving them at specific temperatures can prevent the organic substances from denaturing and maintain their activity over a longer period of time, thus facilitating medical testing and experiments.

[0003] Current management of biological samples is rather rudimentary. For example, the collection and testing of human urine, blood, and feces requires obtaining samples from the human body under specific conditions. The composition of the biological samples under these conditions is then analyzed to assess the human's health status. However, currently, after urine and feces are collected, the samples are directly exposed to the air, making them susceptible to contamination from airborne substances. Blood samples are sealed in blood collection tubes, but these tubes are merely placed on racks without being temporarily stored in a designated environment. Under current sample management methods, if samples are not sent for testing in a timely manner, they may denature, affecting the test results. Furthermore, urine and feces samples directly exposed to the elements are prone to leakage and are inconvenient to transport, creating a negative impression on surrounding people and the environment. In addition, existing samples are only identified by barcodes on the sample containers, which can lead to sample swapping without monitoring, compromising the accuracy and effectiveness of sample management.

[0004] It is evident that existing biological sample management methods still have room for improvement and should be optimized to enhance the preservation of sample viability and reduce sample spillage, external contamination, and replacement. Therefore, more reasonable technical solutions are needed to address the technical problems existing in the current technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome at least one of the aforementioned defects, this invention proposes a sample management and storage device and method. By setting up a containment cavity and maintaining a specific temperature, sample tubes are placed inside the containment cavity for closed containment management, which can effectively maintain the activity of the samples and keep them free from contamination by external substances. This makes the storage and transfer process safer and avoids sample mixing or replacement.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the storage device disclosed in this invention can adopt the following technical solution:

[0007] A sample management and storage device, comprising:

[0008] The container is equipped with a tube rack for holding sample tubes. The container has several tube openings corresponding to the tube rack, and each tube opening is equipped with a tube cap. The container is equipped with a locking device for fastening the tube caps. The container is also equipped with a sliding opening mechanism that works in conjunction with the locking device to open the tube caps. The container is also equipped with a temperature control component to maintain the internal space of the container at a set temperature.

[0009] The main control unit communicates with the container and controls the start and stop of the sliding lid opening mechanism and temperature control components; the main control unit is also equipped with an interactive device to record sample storage information and sample retrieval information.

[0010] The aforementioned management storage device includes a tube rack with several holes for accommodating sample tubes. Sample tubes can be inserted from the storage device's opening into the corresponding holes, allowing them to be fully inserted into the storage device. When it is necessary to open the tube cover, a sliding cover opening mechanism moves a locking element to the underside of the corresponding cover, opening the cover. After the sample tubes are placed, the cover is closed again. The main control unit controls the electrical operation of the entire storage device and collects and records sample data within the storage device.

[0011] Furthermore, in this invention, the locking element is used to fasten the tube cap to keep it closed. The tube cap can be opened after being moved by the translational opening mechanism. The locking element can be configured in various ways and is not limited to a single form. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: the locking element includes a locking rod, and a fastening structure is provided between the locking rod and the tube cap. The locking rod is kept locked by the elastic force of the locking elastic element. When the translational opening mechanism drives the locking rod, the fastening is released, and the tube cap flips open under the elastic force of the opening elastic element. With this solution, the fastening structure includes a groove and a block disposed between the locking rod and the tube cap. The fastening elastic element causes the groove and the block to abut and fasten. When the locking rod is moved, the groove and the block disengage, the tube cap is no longer restricted by the fastening structure, and the elastic force of the opening elastic element causes the tube cap to flip outwards from the tube opening, thus opening the cap.

[0012] Furthermore, the translational opening mechanism operates according to the instructions of the main control unit and opens the corresponding pipe cover. This effect can be achieved through various structures and is not limited to one. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: The translational opening mechanism includes an XY plane moving track, which drives a positioning block, and a locking element is set on the positioning block. When adopting this scheme, the XY plane moving track includes mutually perpendicular X-axis track groups, and a Y-axis track group is set on the X-axis track group. The Y-axis track group moves along the X-axis track group, while the positioning block is set on the Y-axis track group and moves along the Y direction. With this structure, the positioning block can be displaced in the XY direction in the plane and positioned at any pipe opening in the plane to open the pipe cover.

[0013] Furthermore, after opening the tube cap, a sample tube needs to be placed before closing the cap. After closing the cap, it's necessary to confirm whether the sample tube has been placed at the corresponding clamp. Therefore, detection is required. Various detection methods can be used, and there is no single, limited option. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible choice: the positioning block is also equipped with a sample detector. The sample detector detects the sample tube placed inside the tube opening at the location of the positioning block and sends a detection signal to the main control unit. Using this placement method, the sample detector follows the positioning block in a plane to the corresponding tube opening for detection. In actual operation, the positioning block normally rests in its initial position. The XY plane moving track first drives the locking device to open the tube cap. After opening, the positioning block returns to its initial position. After the sample tube placement operation is completed and the cap is closed, the positioning block drives the sample detector back to the tube rack for detection. The sample detector can be a reflective sensor, etc.

[0014] Furthermore, when the number of samples in the storage device reaches a certain quantity, they need to be transferred and retrieved for testing. Therefore, the structure of the container is adjusted and optimized, and one feasible option is proposed: the container is equipped with a sampling door, which is controlled to open or close by an opening mechanism. This opening mechanism is communicatively connected to the main control unit and controlled by the main control unit to start and stop. With this scheme, the sampling door can be constructed as a flip door, with the door body hinged to the storage device body. The opening mechanism connects to the door body and opens or closes it. When the main control unit recognizes an authorized user requesting to open the door, it controls the opening mechanism to open the door; otherwise, it does not open.

[0015] Furthermore, when removing the tube rack, a mating structure can be used to smoothly transport the tube rack out of the storage device. Here, an optimization is proposed, and one feasible option is: the container is equipped with an inward-facing transport track for conveying the tube rack. The transport track transports the tube rack outward and removes it from the container, or transports the tube rack inward to a designated position and aligns it with the tube opening. With this solution, the transport track can also be connected to the door to form a linkage structure, pulling the tube rack outside the storage device when the door is opened and pushing it back into the storage device when the door is closed.

[0016] Furthermore, in this invention, to better place the sample from the tube opening into the tube rack, it is necessary to detect whether the tube rack is properly positioned. Here, an optimization is proposed, and one feasible option is: the receiving box is also equipped with an alignment detector. The alignment detector is used to detect the position of the tube rack and send the detection signal to the control unit. With this solution, the alignment detector can be a high-precision detector such as a distance sensor. When the tube rack is detected to have reached the set position, it indicates that the tube rack and tube opening are aligned; when the tube rack is detected to be out of position, it indicates that the tube rack and tube opening are misaligned.

[0017] Furthermore, in this invention, when controlling the temperature within the storage device, the temperature is adjusted to the optimal temperature according to the storage environment requirements of different samples. The temperature control component can employ various methods to achieve temperature regulation and is not limited to a single approach. Here, we optimize and propose one feasible option: the temperature control component includes a TEC semiconductor temperature control chip. When using this approach, the cooling and heating characteristics of the TEC semiconductor temperature control chip can be utilized to achieve both temperature reduction and temperature increase within the storage device.

[0018] Furthermore, the main control unit controls the entire operation of the storage device. The actuators within the storage device execute corresponding actions under the commands of the main control unit. Simultaneously, the main control unit's own interactive device enables human-computer interaction, improving the convenience of the entire system during execution. Specifically, an optimization is proposed here, suggesting one feasible option: the interactive device includes a display device, and / or an identification device, and / or a printing device. With this approach, the display device visually displays relevant parameter and prompt information; the identification device can employ an RFID reader, facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc., to obtain the operator's identity information and determine operating permissions; the printing device prints barcodes and other information to identify the sample tubes, binding the sample to its source, ensuring the accuracy of subsequent testing and detection, and avoiding information matching errors.

[0019] The foregoing has described the management of the storage device. This invention also provides a method for managing storage, which will be specifically described below:

[0020] A sample management and storage method, employing the sample management and storage device described above.

[0021] The following steps are included when storing samples:

[0022] Preset sample storage temperature within the storage device;

[0023] Acquire the sample and place it into a sample tube, then attach a sample source identifier to the sample tube;

[0024] Identify the empty tube racks and open the corresponding tube caps. Place the sample tubes into the tube racks and close the tube caps. At the same time, bind the coordinates of the tube racks to the sample source.

[0025] The system synchronously records the number of sample tubes stored, the amount of sample in each tube, the sample storage time, and monitors the storage duration. It issues alarm prompts for samples where the number of sample tubes does not match the predetermined number, the amount of sample does not match the set amount, or the storage duration reaches the warning value.

[0026] The following steps are involved in taking a sample:

[0027] Verify the identity information of the user. If the verification is successful, open the storage device and remove it from the tube rack. Otherwise, do not open the storage device and prompt an error.

[0028] The current sample list in the storage device is bound to the identity information of the person who retrieved the sample, a sample retrieval report is generated and sent to the main control unit;

[0029] Disconnect the communication connection between the main controller and the current storage device to complete the sample retrieval, and at the same time replace the empty storage device with the main controller to store the new sample.

[0030] Furthermore, detection is performed when inserting tube racks and / or sample tubes into the storage device, providing feedback on the placement of both the tube racks and sample tubes. This approach utilizes sensors to detect the position of the tube racks or sample tubes, issuing a placement prompt when the tubes are correctly positioned and an error prompt when they are not.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, some of the beneficial effects of the technical solution disclosed in this invention include:

[0032] This invention utilizes a main control unit and a storage device to open and close the tube cap. After the sample tube is inserted, temperature-controlled storage is performed to maintain the sample in a suitable temperature environment, thereby better preserving the sample properties. During sample transport, the entire storage device can be moved away and an empty storage device can be set up, effectively ensuring the continuity of sample collection and storage. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the storage device.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the storage device.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the fastening structure at the pipe cap.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the translational opening mechanism.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the cargo track.

[0039] In the above attached figures, the meanings of each number are as follows:

[0040] 1. Container box; 2. Pipe opening; 3. Pipe cover; 4. Pipe rack; 5. Sampling door; 6. Main control unit; 7. Interactive device; 8. Translational opening mechanism; 801. X-axis track group; 802. Y-axis track group; 9. Positioning block; 10. Door opening mechanism; 11. Locking component; 12. Opening lever; 13. Sample detector; 14. Loading track; 15. Support component. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0042] To address the issues of sample contamination and deterioration in existing sample collection and storage schemes, the following embodiments are optimized to resolve the deficiencies in the prior art.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] like Figures 1-5 As shown, this embodiment provides a sample management and storage device, including:

[0045] The container 1 has a tube rack 4 for placing sample tubes inside. The container 1 has several tube openings 2 corresponding to the tube rack 4, and tube caps 3 are provided at the tube openings 2. The container 1 is equipped with a locking member 11 for fastening the tube caps 3. The container 1 is also equipped with a sliding opening mechanism 8, which is used to drive the locking member 11 to open the tube caps 3. The container 1 is equipped with a temperature control component to keep the internal space of the container 1 at a set temperature.

[0046] The main control unit 6 is connected to the container 1 and is used to control the start and stop of the sliding opening mechanism 8 and the temperature control component; the main control unit 6 is also equipped with an interactive device 7 to record sample storage information and sample retrieval information.

[0047] Preferably, the main controller 6 and the storage box can be connected and communicated in various ways, such as through USB connection, HDMI connection, WIFI connection, etc., to achieve timely data exchange and transmission.

[0048] The management storage device disclosed in this embodiment includes a tube rack 4 with several holes for accommodating sample tubes. Sample tubes can be inserted from the tube opening 2 of the storage device into the corresponding holes, allowing them to be fully inserted into the storage device. When it is necessary to open the tube cover 3, the locking member 11 is moved below the corresponding tube cover 3 by the translational opening mechanism 8, and the tube cover 3 is opened by the locking member 11. After the sample tubes are placed, the tube cover 3 is closed again. The main control unit 6 is used to control the electrical operation of the entire storage device and to collect and record sample data within the storage device.

[0049] Preferably, the storage device uses electrical energy as its power source and can power its internal components by connecting to the mains power. In order to facilitate temperature control during its transportation, a power bank can be set up for power supply. The power bank can be a rechargeable battery, which charges the battery simultaneously when connected to the mains power and automatically switches to battery power when the mains power is disconnected. This can also prevent sudden power outages.

[0050] In this embodiment, the locking member 11 is used to fasten the tube cap 3 to keep it closed. The tube cap 3 can be opened after being moved by the translational opening mechanism 8. The locking member 11 can be configured in various ways and is not limited to a single form. This embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: the locking member 11 includes a locking rod, and a fastening structure is provided between the locking rod and the tube cap 3. The locking rod is kept locked by the elastic force of the locking elastic member. When the translational opening mechanism 8 drives the locking rod, the fastening is released, and the tube cap 3 flips open under the elastic force of the opening elastic member. With this scheme, the fastening structure includes a groove and a block provided between the locking rod and the tube cap 3. The fastening elastic member makes the groove and the block abut and fasten. When the locking rod is moved, the groove and the block disengage, and the tube cap 3 is no longer restricted by the fastening structure. The elastic force of the opening elastic member causes the tube cap 3 to flip outwards towards the tube opening 2, thus opening the cap.

[0051] Preferably, the locking rod is longitudinally positioned below the tube opening 2. The middle part of the locking rod is hinged to the internal structure of the storage device, and a fastening elastic element is located at the hinge. The fastening elastic element is a torsion spring. Under normal conditions, the upper end of the locking rod is pushed towards the tube cover 3 and fastened to the tube cover 3. When the translational opening mechanism 8 reaches the locking rod and pushes the lower end of the locking rod, the upper end of the locking rod leaves the tube cover 3, thereby releasing the fastening and opening the cover. The opening elastic element at the tube cover 3 is also a torsion spring. Under normal conditions, force is applied to make the tube cover 3 flip outward. When it contacts the fastening, the tube cover 3 flips to open the tube opening 2.

[0052] The translational opening mechanism 8 operates according to the instructions of the main control unit 6 and opens the corresponding pipe cover 3. This effect can be achieved through various structures and is not limited to one. This embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: the translational opening mechanism 8 includes an XY plane moving track, which drives a positioning block 9 and a locking member 11 is set on the positioning block 9. When this scheme is adopted, the XY plane moving track includes mutually perpendicular X-axis track groups 801, and a Y-axis track group 802 is set on the X-axis track group 801. The Y-axis track group 802 moves along the X-axis track group 801, and at the same time, the positioning block 9 is set on the Y-axis track group 802 and moves along the Y direction. With this structure, the positioning block 9 can be displaced in the XY direction in the plane and positioned at any pipe opening 2 in the plane to open the pipe cover 3.

[0053] Preferably, a synchronous belt structure can be provided on the X-axis track group 801 and the Y-axis track group 802. The synchronous belt structure is provided with a synchronous block and correspondingly drives the components to move synchronously with the synchronous belt.

[0054] Preferably, the positioning block 9 is provided with an opening lever 12. When the opening lever 12 abuts against the locking member 11, the fastening structure is released, thereby opening the cover.

[0055] After opening the tube cap 3, a sample tube needs to be placed before closing the tube cap 3. After closing the tube cap 3, it is necessary to determine whether the sample tube has been placed at the corresponding tube clamp. Therefore, detection is required. Various detection methods can be used, and there is no single, limited method. This embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: the positioning block 9 is also equipped with a sample detector 13. The sample detector 13 is used to detect the sample tube placed in the tube opening 2 at the location of the positioning block 9 and send a detection signal to the main control unit 6. With this placement method, the sample detector 13 moves with the positioning block 9 in the plane to the corresponding tube opening 2 for detection. In specific operation, the positioning block 9 is normally stationary at its initial position. The XY plane moving track first drives the locking member 11 to open the tube cap 3. After opening, the positioning block 9 returns to its initial position. After completing the sample tube placement operation and closing the tube cap 3, the positioning block 9 drives the sample detector 13 to the tube rack 4 again for detection. The sample detector 13 can be a reflective sensor, etc.

[0056] When the number of samples in the storage device reaches a certain quantity, they need to be transferred and retrieved for testing. Therefore, the structure of the container 1 is adjusted and optimized, and one feasible option is adopted: the container 1 is equipped with a sampling door 5, which is controlled to open or close by an opening mechanism 10. The opening mechanism 10 is communicatively connected to the main control unit 6 and is controlled to start and stop by the main control unit 6. With this scheme, the sampling door 5 can be constructed as a flip door, with the door body hinged to the storage device body, and the opening mechanism 10 connected to the door body and opening or closing the door body. When the main control unit 6 recognizes an identity with door opening authority and initiates a door opening request, the main control unit 6 controls the opening mechanism 10 to open the door body; otherwise, it will not open.

[0057] Preferably, the door opening mechanism 10 can be an electric telescopic rod, a threaded telescopic rod, or the like, with one end set inside the storage device and the other end connected to and pushing the door to open or close.

[0058] When removing the tube rack 4, a mating structure can be used to smoothly transport the tube rack 4 out of the storage device. This embodiment optimizes this process and adopts one feasible option: the container is provided with a loading track 14 for transporting the tube rack 4. The loading track 14 transports the tube rack 4 outward and removes it from the container 1, or transports the tube rack 4 inward to stop at a set position and align the tube rack 4 with the tube opening 2. When using this solution, the loading track 14 can also be connected to the door to form a linkage structure. When the door is opened, the tube rack 4 is pulled to the outside of the storage device, and when the door is closed, the tube rack 4 is pushed into the storage device.

[0059] Preferably, a support member 15 can be provided on the loading track 14, the tube rack 4 is provided on the support member 15, and a positioning structure, such as a positioning hole or a positioning groove, is also provided between the support member 15 and the tube rack.

[0060] In this embodiment, to better place the sample from the tube opening 2 into the tube rack 4, it is necessary to detect whether the tube rack 4 is properly positioned. An optimization is proposed, and one feasible option is as follows: the receiving box 1 is also equipped with an alignment detector. The alignment detector is used to detect the position of the tube rack 4 and send the detection signal to the control unit. With this approach, the alignment detector can be a high-precision detector such as a distance sensor. When the tube rack 4 is detected to have reached the set position, it indicates that the tube rack 4 and the tube opening 2 are aligned; when the tube rack 4 is detected to be out of position, it indicates that the tube rack 4 and the tube opening 2 are misaligned.

[0061] In this embodiment, when controlling the temperature within the storage device, the temperature is adjusted to the optimal temperature according to the storage environment requirements of different samples. The temperature control component can employ various methods to achieve temperature regulation; it is not limited to a single method. This embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: the temperature control component includes a TEC semiconductor temperature control chip. Using this method, the cooling and heating characteristics of the TEC semiconductor temperature control chip can be utilized to achieve both temperature reduction and temperature increase within the storage device.

[0062] The main control unit 6 controls the entire operation of the storage device. The actuators within the storage device execute corresponding actions under the commands of the main control unit 6. Simultaneously, the main control unit 6's own interactive device 7 enables human-computer interaction, improving the convenience of the entire device during execution. Specifically, this embodiment optimizes and adopts one feasible option: the interactive device 7 includes a display device, and / or an identity recognition device, and / or a printing device. With this approach, the display device visually displays relevant parameter information and prompts; the identity recognition device can employ an RFID reader, facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc., to obtain the operator's identity information and determine operating permissions; the printing device prints barcodes and other information to identify the sample tubes, binding the sample to its source, ensuring the accuracy of subsequent testing and detection, and avoiding information matching errors.

[0063] In this embodiment, to achieve intelligent centralized sample management, the container 1 is optimized using one feasible option: the container 1 is equipped with a sample detection component, including a weight detection component for weighing sample tubes, and / or an image detection component for acquiring images of the tube rack 4 to detect sample storage volume, and / or a liquid level detection component for detecting the liquid level height of liquid samples. With this approach, the weight detection component can detect whether the added sample weight meets the standard. Specifically, during detection, the total weight is measured for each sample tube placed in the container, and the difference between the current total weight and the previous total weight is the weight of the sample tube placed in the current container. The liquid level detection component can use a CPC capacitor component, which calculates and determines the liquid level height in the sample tube through piezoelectric reaction, thereby determining whether the sample volume acquired meets the standard.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] Example 1 described the management of a storage device. This example provides a method for managing storage, which will be explained in detail below:

[0066] A sample management and storage method, employing the sample management and storage device described above.

[0067] The following steps are included when storing samples:

[0068] S101: Preset sample storage temperature within the storage device. In this embodiment, the temperature is left vacant using a TEC semiconductor element, while a temperature sensor can be set up for monitoring and feedback.

[0069] S102: Obtain the sample and place it into a sample tube, and attach a sample source identifier to the sample tube. In this embodiment, by connecting to the hospital's LIS (Laboratory Information System), the patient's identity information can be confirmed and obtained. By scanning cards, barcodes, etc., containing identity information, a label can be printed out and then attached to the sample tube. The label can print a barcode carrying the patient's identity information.

[0070] S103: Identify an empty tube rack and open the corresponding tube cap. Place the sample tube into the tube rack and close the tube cap. At the same time, bind the coordinates of the tube rack to the sample source.

[0071] S104: Synchronously records the number of sample tubes stored, the amount of sample in the sample tubes, the sample storage time, and monitors the storage duration. It issues alarm prompts for samples where the number of sample tubes does not match the predetermined number, the amount of sample does not match the set amount, or the storage duration reaches the warning value.

[0072] Preferably, the system connects to the hospital's LIS (Laboratory Information System) to determine the necessary examinations for the patient and the corresponding sample volume. Monitoring is then conducted when the samples are placed into the container to ensure the number of sample tubes matches the set quantity. The volume and weight of the sample in each tube are weighed, and the storage time is determined to establish its shelf life. Any anomalies described above are considered errors in sample collection and management, triggering timely alarms to prevent issues such as missed, incorrect, lost, or improperly stored samples.

[0073] Preferably, an audible and visual alarm is installed at the human-machine interface of the main control unit to provide reminders, and a touch screen is installed on the main control unit to display images as reminders.

[0074] The following steps are involved in taking a sample:

[0075] S201: Verify the identity information of the user. If the verification is successful, open the storage device and remove it from the rack; otherwise, do not open the storage device and issue an error message. Preferably, the identity information of the user can be verified by card reader, facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, or other methods.

[0076] S202: Bind the current sample list in the storage device with the identity information of the person who took the sample, generate a sample retrieval report, and send it to the main control unit. Preferably, the retrieval report also includes information such as time and device code to record detailed information about the sample being taken.

[0077] S203: Disconnect the communication connection between the main controller and the current storage device to complete sample retrieval, and simultaneously replace the empty storage device with the main controller to store the new sample. Preferably, the entire container can be moved for testing. During this process, in order to maintain a suitable temperature environment inside the container, a portable power supply can be installed inside the container for power supply.

[0078] A specific sampling door control device can be installed at the human-machine interface of the main control unit to control the opening or closing of the sampling door. A separate control device can also be installed on the receiving box to directly open the sampling door, such as a fingerprint recognition button, facial recognition camera, or RFID card recognition device, so as to facilitate direct opening of the sampling door when needed.

[0079] The placement of tube racks and / or sample tubes into the storage device is detected, and feedback is provided on the placement of both the tube racks and sample tubes. This approach uses sensors to detect the position of the tube racks or sample tubes, issuing a placement prompt when the tubes are in place and an error prompt when they are not.

[0080] The above are the embodiments listed in this example. However, this example is not limited to the optional embodiments described above. Those skilled in the art can arbitrarily combine the above methods to obtain other various embodiments. Anyone can derive other various forms of embodiments under the guidance of this example. The above specific embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this example. The scope of protection of this example should be defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A sample management and storage device, characterized in that, include: The container (1) is provided with a tube rack (4) for placing sample tubes. The container (1) is provided with several tube openings (2) corresponding to the tube rack (4) and tube caps (3) are provided at the tube openings (2). The container (1) is provided with a locking element (11) for fastening the tube caps (3). The container (1) is also provided with a sliding opening mechanism (8) for cooperating with the locking element (11) to open the tube caps (3). The container (1) is provided with a temperature control component to keep the internal space of the container (1) at a set temperature. The container (1) is provided with a loading track (14) for conveying the tube rack (4) inward. The main control unit (6) is connected to the container (1) and used to control the start and stop of the sliding opening mechanism (8) and the temperature control component; the main control unit (6) is also equipped with an interactive device (7) to record sample storage information and sample retrieval information; The locking component (11) includes a locking rod. A fastening structure is provided between the locking rod and the tube cap (3). The locking rod is held in place by the elastic force of the locking elastic component. When the translational opening mechanism (8) drives the locking rod, the fastening is released, and the tube cap (3) is flipped open by the elastic force of the opening elastic component. The translational opening mechanism (8) includes an XY plane moving track, which drives a positioning block (9), and the positioning block (9) is provided with an opening lever (12). The positioning block (9) is also equipped with a sample detector (13), which is used to detect the sample tube placed in the tube opening (2) at the location of the positioning block (9) and send a detection signal to the main controller (6).

2. The sample management and storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The container (1) is provided with a sampling door (5), which is controlled to open or close by a door opening mechanism (10). The door opening mechanism (10) is connected to the main control unit (6) and is controlled to start and stop by the main control unit (6).

3. The sample management and storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The loading track (14) transports the tube rack (4) outward and removes it from the container (1), or transports the tube rack (4) inward to stop at a set position and align the tube rack (4) with the tube opening (2).

4. The sample management and storage device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The container (1) is also equipped with an alignment detector, which is used to detect the position of the tube rack (4) and send the detection signal to the controller.

5. The sample management and storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interactive device (7) includes a display device, and / or an identity recognition device, and / or a printing device.

6. A sample management and storage method, employing the sample management and storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The following steps are included when storing samples: Preset sample storage temperature within the storage device; Acquire the sample and place it into a sample tube, then attach a sample source label to the sample tube; Identify the empty tube rack (4) and open the corresponding tube cap (3). Place the sample tube into the tube rack (4) and close the tube cap (3). At the same time, bind the coordinates of the tube rack (4) to the sample source. The system synchronously records the number of sample tubes stored, the amount of sample in each tube, the sample storage time, and monitors the storage duration. It issues alarm prompts for samples where the number of sample tubes does not match the predetermined number, the amount of sample does not match the set amount, or the storage duration reaches the warning value. The following steps are involved in taking a sample: Verify the identity information of the user. If the verification is successful, open the storage device and remove it from the tube rack (4). Otherwise, do not open the storage device and remind the user of an error. The current sample list in the storage device is bound to the identity information of the person who takes the sample, a sample taking report is generated and sent to the main control unit (6). Disconnect the communication connection between the main controller (6) and the current storage device to complete the sample retrieval, and at the same time replace the empty storage device with the main controller (6) and use it to store new samples.

7. The sample management and storage method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The system detects the placement of the tube rack (4) and / or sample tubes into the storage device, and provides feedback on the placement of the tube rack (4) and the sample tubes.

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