Sample classification storage method for multi-cell honeycomb ultra-low temperature storage device

Abstract

The application relates to a sample classified storage method of a multi-unit honeycomb ultra-low temperature storage device, which classifies sample tubes according to the types of samples in the sample tubes when storing sample tubes of the same batch, and sample tubes with the same type of samples are preferentially stored in storage tubes with the same type of samples in a sample library, and then stored in empty storage tubes. Moreover, storage is carried out by one-time allocation according to the storage library, if the allocation is unsuccessful, re-allocation is carried out in the next storage library until a storage library capable of completely storing all sample groups is found. This enables samples of the same batch to be stored adjacently, avoids pollution between samples of different batches, avoids cross influence between samples of different types, improves the utilization rate of storage tube storage space, and prevents the phenomenon that a single storage tube can only store a small number of samples.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for classifying and storing biological samples in a cryogenic device, and more particularly to a method for classifying and storing samples in a multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of cryogenic equipment, it has been widely used in the storage of biological samples.

[0003] Existing methods for storing samples using cryogenic storage devices, such as the Chinese patent with publication number "CN110993032A" entitled "Biosample Collection and Storage Data Monitoring System and Method," disclose an operational method for a biosample collection and storage data monitoring system. This method involves writing the biosample information into the RFID chip of the sample collection device, and then having a control center issue a QR code associated with the biosample information. Upon storage, the storage device verifies the information using the QR code and RFID data before storing the sample, thus achieving sample storage and recording.

[0004] While this sample storage method achieves the recording of sample information, to avoid cross-contamination and contamination between different types of biological samples upon entry into the warehouse, samples are generally stored in individual storage tubes. Although this individual storage method avoids cross-contamination between different types of samples, its storage space utilization rate is low.

[0005] To improve the utilization of storage space in storage devices, some devices employ hybrid storage, where different types of samples can be stored simultaneously in the same storage tube. While this significantly improves storage space utilization, it also increases the risk of cross-contamination between different sample types. Furthermore, extracting a particular type of sample requires first removing the sample above it, which reduces extraction efficiency.

[0006] In addition, current storage devices typically store multiple samples from the same batch randomly in several storage repositories, which increases the probability of poor influence between different batches of samples, and also increases the time required for retrieving and retrieving samples from the same batch.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to design a sample classification and storage method that can improve the utilization of storage space while reducing the risk of cross-contamination between different types and batches of biological samples. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide a sample classification and storage method for a multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device that can improve storage space utilization while reducing the risk of cross-contamination between different types and batches of biological samples.

[0009] The sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb ultra-low temperature storage device of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0010] S1 divides multiple sample tubes from the same batch into several sample groups according to their type. Each sample group contains several sample tubes with the same type of sample inside.

[0011] S2 obtains a storage repository in a cryogenic storage device capable of fully storing all sample groups using the following first method;

[0012] The first method includes, for a certain sample library, sequentially polling several sample groups according to the following second method; if all sample groups can be stored in the sample library, then the sample library is selected; otherwise, the next sample library is queried in the same way until a sample library that can store all sample groups is obtained.

[0013] For a given sample group, the second method includes:

[0014] Obtain the remaining capacity of the storage tube containing similar samples;

[0015] Get the remaining capacity of empty storage tubes for unlabeled sample types;

[0016] If the sum of the remaining capacity of the storage tube and the remaining capacity of the empty storage tube is greater than the required capacity of the sample group, then the storage unit is determined to be able to store the sample group; otherwise, it cannot store it.

[0017] If the sample library can store the sample group, sort the storage tubes in ascending order of remaining storage capacity, obtain the same type of storage tubes and empty storage tubes required for the sample group, and mark the empty storage tubes as storage tubes used to store this type of sample.

[0018] S3 sequentially stores multiple samples from several sample groups into the sample library obtained in step S2 and the storage tube with corresponding labels.

[0019] The advantage of the sample classification and storage method in this multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device lies in its classification of sample tubes according to the type of samples within them when storing the same batch of sample tubes. Sample tubes containing the same type of samples are preferentially stored in the same storage tube within the sample library, followed by empty storage tubes. Furthermore, storage is performed in a single allocation to each storage library. If allocation fails, it is redistributed to the next storage library until a library capable of storing all sample groups is found. This allows samples from the same batch to be stored close together, avoiding contamination between different batches. It also prevents cross-influence between different types of samples and improves the utilization rate of storage tube space, preventing the phenomenon of a single storage tube only being able to store a small number of samples.

[0020] Furthermore, the sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device of the present invention includes a storage body, a plurality of storage storage units are provided in the storage body, a plurality of storage tubes are provided in the storage storage units, and a three-dimensional moving mechanism is also provided in the storage body. The output end of the three-dimensional moving mechanism is provided with a pipette assembly and a collection device located above the storage tubes.

[0021] The storage container, storage tank, and storage tube enable the storage of sample tubes. A three-dimensional moving mechanism drives the three-dimensional movement of the pipette assembly and the acquisition device. The pipette assembly allows for manipulation of the sample tubes. The acquisition device enables image acquisition of the sample tubes. The pipette assembly can draw in sample tubes using negative pressure.

[0022] Furthermore, in the sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device of the present invention, a transfer chamber is also provided inside the storage chamber, and an opening mechanism is also provided at the output end of the three-dimensional moving mechanism.

[0023] The transfer compartment is designed to facilitate the transfer of trays containing sample tubes from the same batch. The cap-opening mechanism, equipped with a suction cup at the bottom, is used to open the transfer container.

[0024] Furthermore, the sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device of the present invention also includes a plate gripping mechanism in the storage storage unit.

[0025] The plate gripping mechanism enables the gripping of plates inside the transfer tank; it can be a pneumatic gripper or a robotic arm.

[0026] Furthermore, in the sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device of the present invention, the top of the storage tank is provided with a honeycomb perforated plate, and the top of the storage tube is provided on the honeycomb perforated plate.

[0027] The honeycomb perforated plate design facilitates the installation and sorting of storage tubes.

[0028] Furthermore, in the sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device of the present invention, the storage tube is an aluminum tube.

[0029] The use of aluminum tubes improves the cooling performance of the storage tubes.

[0030] Furthermore, in the sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device of the present invention, a guide rail is provided on one side of the storage body, and a transport trolley for transporting the transfer tank is provided on the guide rail.

[0031] The trolley was designed to transfer the transfer tanks to the warehouse inlet.

[0032] Furthermore, in the sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device of the present invention, the surface of the transport trolley is provided with positioning grooves.

[0033] The positioning slot enables the transfer tank to be positioned.

[0034] Furthermore, in the sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device of the present invention, a lifting fork is provided below the transport trolley, a worktable is provided on one side of the trolley body, and a lifting device for driving the lifting fork to rise and fall is provided on the worktable.

[0035] The lifting fork and lifting device enable the transfer tank to be fed into the warehouse inlet.

[0036] Furthermore, in the sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device of the present invention, the number of storage repositories is three.

[0037] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the following describes the embodiments of the present invention in detail. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a sample classification and storage method for multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage devices;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of a multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device;

[0041] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part A in the middle.

[0042] The components include: 1. Storage unit; 2. Storage tube; 3. Three-dimensional moving mechanism; 4. Suction tube assembly; 5. Collection device; 6. Transfer chamber; 7. Opening mechanism; 8. Plate and frame gripping mechanism; 9. Honeycomb perforated plate; 10. Guide rail; 11. Transport trolley; 12. Transfer tank; 13. Lifting fork; 14. Workbench; 15. Lifting device; and 16. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0044] See Figures 1 to 4 The sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0045] S1 divides multiple sample tubes from the same batch into several sample groups according to their type. Each sample group contains several sample tubes with the same type of sample inside.

[0046] S2 obtains a storage repository in a cryogenic storage device capable of fully storing all sample groups using the following first method;

[0047] The first method includes, for a certain sample library, sequentially polling several sample groups according to the following second method. If all sample groups can be stored in the sample library, then the sample library is selected; otherwise, the next sample library is queried in the same way until a sample library that can store all sample groups is obtained.

[0048] For a given sample group, the second method includes:

[0049] Obtain the remaining capacity of the storage tube containing similar samples;

[0050] Get the remaining capacity of empty storage tubes for unlabeled sample types;

[0051] If the sum of the remaining capacity of the storage tube and the remaining capacity of the empty storage tube is greater than the required capacity of the sample group, then the storage unit is determined to be able to store the sample group; otherwise, it cannot store it.

[0052] If the sample library can store the sample group, sort the storage tubes in ascending order of remaining storage capacity, obtain the same type of storage tubes and empty storage tubes required for the sample group, and mark the empty storage tubes as storage tubes used to store this type of sample.

[0053] S3 sequentially stores multiple samples from several sample groups into the sample library obtained in step S2 and the storage tube with corresponding labels.

[0054] The sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device of the present invention classifies sample tubes according to the type of samples they contain when storing the same batch of sample tubes. Sample tubes containing the same type of samples are preferentially stored in the sample library's storage tubes containing the same type of samples, and then empty storage tubes are stored. Furthermore, during storage, allocation is performed once per storage library. If allocation fails, it is redistributed to the next storage library until a storage library capable of storing all sample groups is found. This allows samples from the same batch to be stored close together, avoiding contamination between different batches of samples. It also avoids cross-influence between different types of samples and improves the utilization rate of storage tube space, preventing the phenomenon that a single storage tube can only store a small number of samples.

[0055] Within each sample group, each sample tube contains samples of the same type, meaning samples of the same kind, such as seeds or fish fry. Classification can be done manually, using information such as QR codes or barcodes affixed to the top of the sample tubes. During storage, a batch of samples may contain multiple sample tubes; the low-temperature storage device can identify the specific type of sample tube by reading the QR code or barcode on its top. After reading the sample tube information, the system classifies the batch of sample tubes and saves the classification information in the system.

[0056] After classification, for a specific storage repository within the cryogenic storage device, the system sequentially determines whether the repository can store each sample group using the second method described above. If a storage repository cannot meet the storage requirements of a sample group, the system moves on to the next storage repository and performs the same judgment until a storage repository capable of storing all sample groups is found. If no storage repository is available, an error message is output to remind the user to transfer the batch of sample groups to another cryogenic storage device or to store them manually.

[0057] When determining whether a sample group can be stored, the system sorts the storage tubes containing similar samples and unmarked empty storage tubes according to the remaining capacity from smallest to largest. During storage, samples within a sample group are sequentially stored into these storage tubes. During the judgment process, the system marks empty storage tubes that need to be stored, so that they are excluded when judging the next sample group.

[0058] Once the system finds an available repository, it can sequentially store the sample tubes of each sample group into the corresponding storage tube of the same type or into an empty storage tube marked as a sample of the same type.

[0059] In the second method, the remaining capacity of storage tubes containing similar samples can be obtained by querying a database. Specifically, the system's database stores relevant data for each storage tube, including its capacity, the number of sample tubes already stored, and the remaining storage capacity. The system can obtain the remaining capacity of the storage tubes by querying this database.

[0060] As a preferred embodiment, the multi-unit honeycomb cryogenic storage device includes a storage body 1, a plurality of storage tanks 2 inside the storage body, a plurality of storage tubes 3 inside the storage tank, and a three-dimensional moving mechanism 4 inside the storage body. The output end of the three-dimensional moving mechanism is provided with a suction tube assembly 5 located above the storage tubes and a collection device 6.

[0061] The storage container, storage tank, and storage tube enable the storage of sample tubes. A three-dimensional moving mechanism drives the three-dimensional movement of the pipette assembly and the acquisition device. The pipette assembly allows for manipulation of the sample tubes. The acquisition device enables image acquisition of the sample tubes. The pipette assembly can draw in sample tubes using negative pressure.

[0062] As a preferred option, the warehouse also includes a transfer compartment 7, and the output end of the three-dimensional moving mechanism is equipped with an opening mechanism 8.

[0063] The transfer compartment is designed to facilitate the transfer of trays containing sample tubes from the same batch. The cap-opening mechanism, equipped with a suction cup at the bottom, is used to open the transfer container.

[0064] Preferably, the storage unit is also equipped with a rack grabbing mechanism 9.

[0065] The plate gripping mechanism enables the gripping of plates inside the transfer tank; it can be a pneumatic gripper or a robotic arm.

[0066] Preferably, the top of the storage tank is provided with a honeycomb perforated plate 10, and the top of the storage tube is provided on the honeycomb perforated plate.

[0067] The honeycomb perforated plate design facilitates the installation and sorting of storage tubes.

[0068] Preferably, the storage tube is made of aluminum.

[0069] The use of aluminum tubes improves the cooling performance of the storage tubes.

[0070] Preferably, a guide rail 11 is provided on one side of the tank body, and a transport trolley 12 for transporting the transfer tank is provided on the guide rail.

[0071] The trolley was designed to transfer the transfer tank 13 to the warehouse inlet.

[0072] Preferably, the surface of the transport trolley is provided with positioning grooves.

[0073] The positioning slot enables the transfer tank to be positioned.

[0074] Preferably, the transport trolley is equipped with a lifting fork 14 at its bottom, a worktable 15 on one side of the trolley body, and a lifting device 16 on the worktable for driving the lifting fork to rise and fall.

[0075] The lifting fork and lifting device enable the transfer tank to be fed into the warehouse inlet.

[0076] Preferably, the number of repositories is three.

[0077] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, used to assist those skilled in the art in implementing the corresponding technical solutions, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several equivalent improvements and modifications can be made based on the technical solutions of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes the embodiments as described above, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This descriptive method is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions of each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for sample classification storage in a multi-unit honeycomb ultra-low temperature storage apparatus, characterized by, The method comprises the following steps: S1: multiple sample tubes of the same batch are classified into several sample groups according to types, and each sample group comprises several sample tubes containing the same type of samples; S2: a storage library capable of completely storing all sample groups in the low-temperature storage device is obtained according to the following first method; The first method comprises: for a certain sample library, several sample groups are sequentially polled according to the following second method, if all sample groups can be stored in the sample library, the sample library is selected, otherwise the next sample library is queried according to the same method, until a sample library capable of storing all sample groups is obtained; For a certain sample group, the second method comprises: obtaining the remaining capacity of a storage tube containing the same type of samples; obtaining the remaining capacity of an empty storage tube which is not marked with a sample type; if the sum of the remaining capacity of the storage tube and the remaining capacity of the empty storage tube is greater than the required capacity of the sample group, it is determined that the storage library can store the sample group, otherwise it cannot store the sample group; if the sample library can store the sample group, the storage tubes are sorted in descending order of the remaining storage capacity, the same type of storage tubes and empty storage tubes required by the sample group are obtained, and the empty storage tubes are marked as storage tubes for storing the same type of samples; S3: multiple samples of several sample groups are sequentially stored in the sample library obtained in step S2 and the storage tubes with corresponding marks; The sample classification storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb ultra-low temperature storage device has the advantages that: when storing sample tubes of the same batch, the sample tubes are classified according to the types of the samples in the sample tubes, the sample tubes containing the same type of samples are preferentially stored in the storage tubes containing the same type of samples in the sample library, and the sample tubes are secondly stored in empty storage tubes; and when storing, the storage library is allocated once, if the allocation is unsuccessful, the allocation is re-performed in the next storage library until a storage library capable of completely storing all sample groups is found; this enables the samples of the same batch to be stored adjacently, avoids the pollution between the samples of different batches, avoids the cross influence between different types of samples, improves the utilization rate of the storage space of the storage tubes, and prevents the phenomenon that a single storage tube can only store a small number of samples; In the same type of sample group, each sample tube stores the same type of samples, the same type of samples refer to the samples of the same type, when storing, the samples of the same batch can comprise multiple sample tubes, the low-temperature storage device can identify the specific type of the sample tube by reading the two-dimensional code or stripe code on the top of the sample tube; after the information of the sample tube is read, the system classifies the sample tubes of the batch and saves the classification information in the system; After classification, for a certain storage library in the low-temperature storage device, the system sequentially determines whether the storage library can store each sample group according to the second method; if the storage library cannot meet the storage requirements of a certain sample group, the system turns to the next sample library and determines whether the next sample library can store the sample group according to the same method, until a storage library capable of storing all sample groups is found; if there is no available storage library, an error message is output to remind the user to store the sample groups of the batch in another low-temperature storage device or to store the sample groups by manual storage. When judging whether a certain group of samples can be stored, the system sorts the storage tubes containing the same type of samples and the empty storage tubes that have not been marked in order from small to large according to the remaining capacity, and the samples in the sample group are sequentially stored in the above-mentioned storage tubes; if yes, the system marks the empty storage tubes that need to store the sample tubes, so as to exclude them when judging the next group of samples; After the system finds the available storage, the sample tubes of each group of samples can be sequentially stored in the corresponding same type of storage tube or the empty storage tube marked as the same type of sample.

2. The sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb ultra-low temperature storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-unit honeycomb ultra-low temperature storage device comprises a library body, a plurality of storage libraries arranged in the library body, a plurality of storage tubes arranged in the storage libraries, a three-dimensional moving mechanism arranged in the library body, and a suction tube assembly and a collection device arranged at the output end of the three-dimensional moving mechanism and above the storage tubes. The arrangement of the library body, the storage libraries and the storage tubes realizes the storage of the sample tubes; the three-dimensional moving mechanism realizes the three-dimensional movement and driving of the suction tube assembly and the collection device; the arrangement of the suction tube assembly realizes the operation of the sample tubes; the arrangement of the collection device realizes the image collection of the sample tubes; wherein the suction tube assembly can suck the sample tubes through negative pressure.

3. The sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb ultra-low temperature storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The library body is further provided with a transfer tank, and the output end of the three-dimensional moving mechanism is further provided with an uncapping mechanism. The arrangement of the transfer tank realizes the transfer of the plate frame loaded with the same batch of sample tubes; the uncapping mechanism is used to uncap the transfer tank, and the bottom of the uncapping mechanism is provided with a suction cup to realize the uncapping operation.

4. The sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb ultra-low temperature storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plate frame grabbing mechanism is arranged in the storage library. The arrangement of the plate frame grabbing mechanism realizes the grabbing of the plate frame in the transfer tank, and the plate frame grabbing mechanism can be a pneumatic claw or a mechanical hand.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein: The top of the storage library is provided with a honeycomb hole plate, and the top of the storage tube is arranged on the honeycomb hole plate. ​ The arrangement of the honeycomb hole plate facilitates the installation and sorting of the storage tubes.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein: The storage tube is an aluminum tube. ​ The arrangement of the aluminum tube improves the cold conduction effect of the storage tube.

7. The sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb ultra-low temperature storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: One side of the library body is provided with a guide rail, and a conveying trolley for conveying the transfer tank is arranged on the guide rail. The arrangement of the conveying trolley realizes the purpose of conveying the transfer tank to the input port of the library body.

8. The sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb ultra-low temperature storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The surface of the conveying trolley is provided with a positioning groove. The arrangement of the positioning groove realizes the positioning of the transfer tank.

9. The sample classification and storage method of the multi-unit honeycomb ultra-low temperature storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lower part of the conveying trolley is provided with a lifting fork, one side of the trolley body is provided with a workbench, and the workbench is provided with a lifting device for driving the lifting fork to lift. The arrangement of the lifting fork and the lifting device realizes the purpose of inputting the transfer tank into the input port of the library body.

10. The method of claim 2, wherein: The number of the storage libraries is three. ​

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