An automated embryo vitrification cryopreservation workstation

Abstract

This invention discloses an automated embryo vitrification workstation, relating to the field of embryo cryopreservation technology. It aims to solve the technical problem in current technologies where direct contact between the carrier rod and liquid nitrogen leads to the formation of bubbles, affecting the success rate of embryo cryopreservation. The workstation includes a cabinet, an automated production line mounted on the cabinet, carrier rods located on the automated production line, and a cryopreservation assembly mounted on the cabinet. Through the design of the cryopreservation assembly, this invention uses a heat-conducting protective rod as an intermediate medium for liquid nitrogen transport, completely isolating the carrier rod from direct contact with the liquid nitrogen. The rod's own highly efficient thermal conductivity transfers cold energy, avoiding boiling bubbles caused by direct contact with liquid nitrogen, eliminating bubble interference, and improving the accuracy of subsequent embryo cryopreservation status detection. This invention, through the design of the cryopreservation assembly, avoids direct contact between liquid nitrogen and the carrier rod, thereby optimizing the freezing and detection process of the carrier rod, increasing the success rate of embryo vitrification, and improving the retention rate of cell viability after thawing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of embryo cryopreservation technology, and more specifically, to an automated embryo vitrification workstation. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of assisted reproduction and embryo engineering, embryo cryopreservation technology is a crucial step in ensuring the effective utilization of embryo resources. Among these techniques, vitrification has become the mainstream method because it can rapidly place embryos in an ultra-low temperature environment, reducing the damage to cell structure caused by ice crystal formation. With the growth of clinical needs, automated embryo vitrification workstations have emerged, aiming to reduce human error and contamination risks by replacing manual operation with machinery, and improving freezing efficiency and stability.

[0003] However, in existing technologies, the embryo cryopreservation rod is in direct contact with liquid nitrogen during embryo freezing. The large number of bubbles generated by the boiling of liquid nitrogen causes drastic local temperature fluctuations, and the impact of these bubbles can easily cause the rod to shake. This not only interferes with the stable progress of vitrification and affects the detection of embryo freezing temperature, but also reduces the success rate of embryo freezing and significantly decreases the cell viability retention rate after thawing. In view of this, we propose an automated embryo vitrification workstation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, adapt to practical needs, and provide an automated embryo vitrification workstation to solve the technical problem in the current technology where the carrier rod is in direct contact with liquid nitrogen, causing bubbles to form in the liquid nitrogen, which affects the success rate of embryo freezing and the accuracy of detection.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an automated embryo vitrification cryopreservation workstation, comprising a cabinet, an automated production line installed on the cabinet, a carrier rod located on the automated production line, and a cryopreservation assembly disposed on the cabinet;

[0006] The automated production line is used to move the carrier rod through the freezing assembly;

[0007] The carrier rod is used to transport the embryo;

[0008] The refrigeration assembly includes a liquid nitrogen tank, a liquid nitrogen circulation device, a heat-conducting guard rod, heat-conducting ribs, a flow-guiding spiral blade, and a temperature sensor;

[0009] The liquid nitrogen circulation equipment is connected to the liquid nitrogen pool. Several thermally conductive rods are installed equidistantly inside the liquid nitrogen pool, with the ends of the thermally conductive rods higher than the liquid nitrogen level in the pool. The bottom ends of the thermally conductive rods taper in a stepped manner, forming a two-section structure with different diameters. The grooves inside the thermally conductive rods are adapted to the support rods, and several thermally conductive ribs are provided equidistantly in a ring on the inner wall of the bottom end of the grooves. The thermally conductive ribs extend in an arc shape, and the front ends are rounded to form a rounded edge without sharp corners. The flow-guiding spiral blades are installed at the bottom end of the thermally conductive rods, and the temperature sensor is installed at the end of the groove of the thermally conductive rods.

[0010] Preferably, the cabinet includes three working chambers and an outwardly extending platform, with the refrigeration unit located in the central working chamber.

[0011] Preferably, the automated production line includes feeding equipment, handling equipment, strapping equipment, unloading equipment, liquid nitrogen tanks, and a handling vehicle;

[0012] The feeding device is located in the working chamber on one side, and the feeding device is used to transport the carrier rod into the working chamber;

[0013] The transport equipment is installed in three interconnected working chambers, and the transport equipment is used to move the carrier rod between the three working chambers.

[0014] The bundling equipment is located in the work chamber on the other side, and the bundling equipment is used to pack and integrate the carrier poles into carrier pole groups.

[0015] The material feeding device is located at the platform and is used to place the load rod assembly into the liquid nitrogen tank.

[0016] The liquid nitrogen tank is located below the platform and is used to store the carrier rod and preserve the embryo.

[0017] The transport vehicle is located below the liquid nitrogen tank and is used to replace the liquid nitrogen tank.

[0018] Preferably, a sleeve assembly is provided in the working chamber in the middle of the cabinet. The sleeve assembly includes a linear drive and a placement plate. The linear drive is installed on the side wall of the working chamber, and the placement plate is installed on the output end of the linear drive. The placement plate has several sets of sleeve structures inserted longitudinally, and the lateral distribution of each set of sleeve structures is adapted to the distribution of several heat-conducting guard rods. The sleeve structure is used to fit over the front end of the frozen carrier rod, thereby preventing the carrier rod from contacting the liquid nitrogen in the liquid nitrogen tank and avoiding secondary contact of liquid nitrogen to prevent damage to the embryo inside the carrier rod.

[0019] Preferably, the sleeve assembly further includes a hook drive structure and a sleeve opening structure, wherein the hook drive structure includes a telescopic drive and a mounting bracket;

[0020] The telescopic drive is installed in the working chamber in the middle of the cabinet, the mounting frame is installed at the output end of the telescopic drive, and several of the sleeve support structures are provided on the mounting frame, and the distribution of the several sleeve support structures is adapted to the lateral distribution of each group of sleeve structures.

[0021] Preferably, the sleeve-opening structure includes a ring frame, a micro rotary drive, a gear, a rack, and an opening hook;

[0022] Several ring frames are mounted on a mounting frame, several micro rotary drives are mounted equidistantly in a ring on a ring frame, the gear is mounted on the output end of the micro rotary drive, the rack is meshed with the gear and slidably connected to the ring frame, and the spreading hook is mounted on the end of the rack.

[0023] Preferably, the sleeve structure includes a protective sleeve, an elastic sleeve, a tension cable, and an elastic ring;

[0024] The elastic sleeve is connected to the bottom end of the protective sleeve, and the sleeve formed by the protective sleeve and the elastic sleeve is located on the outside of the support rod. Several tension cables are installed in an equidistant ring on the outside of the elastic sleeve. The elastic ring is connected to the middle of several tension cables and is fitted on several spreading hooks.

[0025] Preferably, the top of the protective sleeve is provided with an elastic ring, and the protective sleeve is suspended and connected to a placement plate through the elastic ring. The elastic ring is provided with equidistant annular shrinkage grooves, and the shrinkage grooves are V-shaped grooves, with the top of the V-shaped grooves being open surfaces.

[0026] Preferably, the inner wall of the protective sleeve is fitted with an airbag sleeve, and the inner wall of the airbag sleeve is provided with protective ribs, the front end of which has an arc-shaped structure.

[0027] Preferably, the airbag sleeve is filled with an inert gas, which is either nitrogen or argon.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0029] 1. This invention, through the design of the cooling component, uses a heat-conducting guard rod as an intermediate conductive medium for liquid nitrogen. Its internal groove fits tightly with the carrier rod, completely detaching the carrier rod from direct contact with liquid nitrogen. The cooling capacity is transferred through the guard rod's own highly efficient thermal conductivity, avoiding boiling bubbles caused by direct contact with liquid nitrogen, eliminating bubble interference, and improving the accuracy of the temperature sensor in detecting the frozen state of the embryo. Vitrification freezing requires the sample to cross the ice crystal formation temperature zone in a very short time. The stepped contraction structure of the heat-conducting guard rod, together with the heat-conducting ribs and the flow-guiding spiral blades, can form a linear cooling gradient from top to bottom, with the cooling rate precisely controlled within the ideal range. When the carrier rod is inserted into the groove of the guard rod, the arc-shaped heat-conducting ribs fit against the surface of the carrier rod with their rounded edges without sharp corners. Combined with the flow-guiding spiral blades, the cooling capacity is uniformly and quickly transferred through the guard rod to the carrier rod, causing the cryoprotectant around the embryo to vitrify rapidly and preventing ice crystal formation. This invention, through the design of the cooling component, avoids direct contact between liquid nitrogen and the carrier rod, thereby optimizing the freezing and testing process of the carrier rod, improving the success rate of embryo vitrification, and increasing the cell viability retention rate after thawing.

[0030] 2. This invention, through the use of a sleeve assembly and a linear drive device, precisely controls the displacement of the placement plate, causing it to align five sets of sleeve structures with the heat-conducting guard rods in a one-to-one correspondence. When the carrier rod is removed from the heat-conducting guard rod after freezing, the linear drive rapidly pushes the placement plate forward, allowing each set of sleeve structures to precisely fit onto the front end of the carrier rod. The sleeve structure is made of polytetrafluoroethylene with a low thermal conductivity, and its inner wall forms a tight fit with the front end of the carrier rod. This prevents the embryo from shifting due to excessive compression of the carrier rod and effectively blocks the intrusion path of liquid nitrogen, minimizing the time the carrier rod is exposed to air and avoiding the impact of temperature rise on the vitrification state. After the carrier rod is removed from the heat-conducting guard rod, the front sleeve can prevent the low-temperature vapor evaporating from the liquid nitrogen tank from directly contacting the embryo storage area, thus controlling the temperature change rate of the carrier rod surface. This invention, through the sleeve assembly, prevents the embryo from directly contacting liquid nitrogen a second time, avoiding the reduced recovery rate caused by secondary contact and improving the overall stability of embryo preservation quality.

[0031] 3. This invention utilizes a hook-driven structure and a sleeve-opening structure within the sleeve assembly. After the sleeve structure is fitted onto the front end of the carrier rod, twelve micro-rotation drives on the annular frame are simultaneously activated, driving gears to rotate. The geared rods meshing with the gears slide along the annular frame, pushing the opening hooks towards the center. Then, the telescopic drive in the hook-driven structure moves the mounting frame, positioning the five opening hooks of the sleeve-opening structure within the elastic ring. Subsequently, the opening hooks expand outwards and hook onto the elastic ring, thereby opening the elastic sleeve through the elastic ring and the pull cable, allowing the head end of the carrier rod to pass smoothly. After the carrier rod freezes, the mounting frame resets, the opening hooks disengage from the elastic ring, and the elastic ring fixes the elastic sleeve onto the carrier rod. This invention, through the hook-driven structure and the sleeve-opening structure, allows the carrier rod to pass smoothly through the sleeve structure, preventing damage to the fragile front end of the carrier rod during insertion.

[0032] 4. This invention features an elastic ring at the top of the protective sleeve, made of highly elastic silicone rubber. The elastic ring suspends the protective sleeve on the placement plate using its own elastic tension, avoiding vibration transmission that might occur with rigid connections. It automatically corrects alignment deviations through slight deformation when the carrier rod is inserted. The V-shaped contraction grooves evenly distributed on the elastic ring cause directional contraction when the sleeve is under force. When the protective sleeve contracts due to the elastic ring, the openings at the top of the V-shaped grooves are rounded, ensuring smooth contraction and preventing stress concentration that could lead to aging and cracking of the elastic ring. Through the structural design of the elastic ring, this invention provides suspension buffering and a tight seal during the fixing process of the sleeve structure, making it easier to fix the sleeve structure to the carrier rod.

[0033] 5. This invention adds an airbag sleeve and protective ribs to the inner wall of the protective sleeve. The airbag sleeve is made of a low-temperature resistant elastic film material and filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon. Utilizing the compressibility of the gas, it forms a flexible buffer layer. When external vibrations or impacts occur, the airbag sleeve absorbs the impact force through volume deformation, preventing mechanical damage to the embryo from rigid collisions. The protective ribs are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the airbag sleeve, and their curved front ends form point contact with the surface of the carrier rod. This increases the stability of the fit between the two without causing excessive compression due to surface contact, keeping the carrier rod in a suspended and fixed state within the sleeve, reducing the direct friction area. Combined with the gas buffering effect of the airbag sleeve, this invention, through the airbag sleeve and protective ribs, ensures the carrier rod remains stable during movement, preventing embryo displacement due to shaking and effectively protecting the embryo inside the carrier rod. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cabinet when the middle part of the present invention is unfolded;

[0036] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the cabinet in the middle of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the freezing component of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat-conducting guard rod of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the heat-conducting guard rod of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sleeve assembly and sleeve structure of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the sleeve-support structure of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the sleeve structure of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve structure of the present invention.

[0044] Description of the numbers in the figure:

[0045] 1. Cabinet; 2. Automated production line; 3. Carrier rod; 4. Refrigeration assembly; 5. Sleeve rod assembly; 6. Sleeve structure;

[0046] 201. Feeding equipment; 202. Handling equipment; 203. Strapping equipment; 204. Discharging equipment; 205. Liquid nitrogen tank; 206. Handling vehicle;

[0047] 401. Liquid nitrogen tank; 402. Liquid nitrogen circulation equipment; 403. Thermally conductive protective rod; 404. Thermally conductive rib; 405. Flow guide spiral blade; 406. Temperature sensor;

[0048] 501. Linear drive; 502. Placement plate; 503. Hook drive structure; 504. Sleeve opening structure;

[0049] 5031. Telescopic drive; 5032. Mounting bracket;

[0050] 5041, Ring frame; 5042, Miniature rotary drive; 5043, Gear; 5044, Rack rack; 5045, Spreading hook;

[0051] 601. Protective sleeve; 602. Elastic sleeve; 603. Pull cable; 604. Elastic ring; 605. Elastic band;

[0052] 6011, Airbag Sheath; 6012, Protective Ribs;

[0053] 6051. Shrinkage tank. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Example 1, as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the present invention relates to an automated embryo vitrification cryopreservation workstation, comprising a cabinet 1, an automated production line 2 installed on the cabinet 1, a carrier rod 3 located on the automated production line 2, and a cryopreservation assembly 4 disposed on the cabinet 1.

[0055] The automated production line 2 is used to drive the carrier rod 3 through the freezing assembly 4; the carrier rod 3 is used to transport embryos; the freezing assembly 4 includes a liquid nitrogen tank 401, a liquid nitrogen circulation device 402, a thermally conductive guard rod 403, a thermally conductive rib 404, a guide spiral blade 405, and a temperature sensor 406; the liquid nitrogen circulation device 402 is connected to the liquid nitrogen tank 401, and five thermally conductive guard rods 403 are equidistantly installed in the liquid nitrogen tank 401, with the ends of the thermally conductive guard rods 403 higher than the liquid nitrogen level in the liquid nitrogen tank 401. The bottom end of the heat-conducting guard rod 403 tapers in a stepped manner to form a two-section structure with different diameters. The groove inside the heat-conducting guard rod 403 is adapted to the carrier rod 3, and fifty heat-conducting ribs 404 are provided in an evenly spaced ring on the inner wall of the bottom end of the groove. The heat-conducting ribs 404 extend in an arc shape, and the front end is rounded to form a rounded end edge without sharp edges. The flow guide spiral blade 405 is installed at the bottom end of the heat-conducting guard rod 403, and the temperature sensor 406 is installed at the end of the groove of the heat-conducting guard rod 403.

[0056] This invention utilizes a cooling component design where a thermally conductive rod 403 serves as an intermediate medium for liquid nitrogen transfer. Its internal groove fits tightly against the carrier rod 3, completely detaching the carrier rod 3 from direct contact with the liquid nitrogen. The rod's efficient thermal conductivity transfers cold energy, preventing boiling bubbles caused by direct contact with liquid nitrogen, eliminating bubble interference, and improving the accuracy of the temperature sensor 406 in detecting the frozen embryo status. Vitrification requires the sample to cross the ice crystal formation temperature zone in a very short time. The stepped contraction structure of the thermally conductive rod 403, along with the synergistic effect of the thermally conductive ribs 404 and the flow-guiding spiral blades 405, creates a linear cooling gradient from top to bottom, with the cooling rate precisely controlled within an ideal range. When the carrier rod 3 is inserted into the groove of the rod, the arc-shaped thermally conductive ribs 404, with their rounded edges, fit against the surface of the carrier rod 3. Combined with the flow-guiding spiral blades 405, this allows cold energy to be uniformly and rapidly transferred through the rod to the carrier rod 3, prompting the cryoprotectant around the embryo to vitrify quickly and preventing ice crystal formation. This invention avoids direct contact between liquid nitrogen and carrier rod 3 through the design of the cooling component, thereby optimizing the freezing and testing process of carrier rod 3, improving the success rate of embryo vitrification freezing, and increasing the cell viability retention rate after thawing.

[0057] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the cabinet 1 of the present invention includes three working chambers and an outwardly extending platform, and the refrigeration unit 4 is located in the central working chamber.

[0058] The automated production line 2 includes a feeding device 201, a handling device 202, a bundling device 203, a discharging device 204, a liquid nitrogen tank 205, and a transport vehicle 206. The feeding device 201 is located in one side of the work chamber and is used to transport the carrier rods 3 into the work chamber. The handling device 202 is located in all three work chambers and is used to move the carrier rods 3 between the three work chambers. The bundling device 203 is located in the other side of the work chamber and is used to bundle and integrate the carrier rods 3 into a group of carrier rods 3. The discharging device 204 is located at the platform and is used to place the group of carrier rods 3 into the liquid nitrogen tank 205. The liquid nitrogen tank 205 is located below the platform and is used to store the carrier rods 3 and preserve the embryos. The transport vehicle 206 is located below the liquid nitrogen tank 205 and is used to replace the liquid nitrogen tank 205.

[0059] In this invention, the feeding device 201 transports the carrier rod 3 to a working chamber on one side. The handling device 202 clamps the carrier rod 3 and transports it to the working chamber in the middle. Then, the handling device 202 makes the carrier rod 3 pass through the sleeve assembly 5 and enter the heat-conducting protective rod 403. After vitrification and freezing, the handling device 202 transports the carrier rod 3 and the sleeve structure 6 to the binding device 203. The binding device 203 binds the carrier rod 3 into a carrier rod group and transports it to the unloading device 204. The unloading device 204 transports the carrier rod group into the liquid nitrogen tank 205. Finally, the liquid nitrogen tank 205 is moved away by the transport vehicle 206, completing the work.

[0060] It is worth noting that, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the cabinet 1 of the present invention has a sleeve assembly 5 in the working chamber in the middle. The sleeve assembly 5 includes a linear drive 501 and a placement plate 502. The linear drive 501 is installed on the side wall of the working chamber, and the placement plate 502 is installed at the output end of the linear drive 501. The placement plate 502 has five sets of sleeve structures 6 inserted longitudinally, and the lateral distribution of each set of sleeve structures 6 is adapted to the distribution of five heat-conducting guard rods 403. The sleeve structure 6 is used to fit the front end of the frozen carrier rod 3, so as to prevent the carrier rod 3 from contacting the liquid nitrogen in the liquid nitrogen tank 205, and avoid secondary contact of liquid nitrogen to damage the embryo in the carrier rod 3.

[0061] This invention, through the setting of the sleeve assembly 5, uses a linear drive 501 device to precisely control the displacement of the placement plate 502, causing it to drive the five sets of sleeve structures 6 to form a one-to-one alignment relationship with the heat-conducting guard rod 403. When the carrier rod 3 completes freezing and is removed from the heat-conducting guard rod 403, the linear drive 501 quickly pushes the placement plate 502 forward, allowing each set of sleeve structures 6 to precisely fit the front end of the carrier rod 3. The sleeve structure 6 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene with a low thermal conductivity, and its inner wall forms a tight fit with the front end of the carrier rod 3. This prevents the embryo from shifting due to excessive compression of the carrier rod 3, and effectively blocks the intrusion path of liquid nitrogen, minimizing the time the carrier rod 3 is exposed to air and avoiding the impact of temperature rise on the vitrification state. When the carrier rod 3 is removed from the heat-conducting guard rod 403, the front sleeve can prevent the low-temperature vapor volatilized in the liquid nitrogen tank 205 from directly contacting the embryo storage area, thus controlling the surface temperature change rate of the carrier rod 3. The present invention uses the sleeve assembly 5 to prevent the embryo from directly coming into secondary contact with liquid nitrogen, thereby avoiding the decrease in recovery rate caused by secondary contact and improving the overall stability of embryo preservation quality.

[0062] Further, such as Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the sleeve assembly 5 of the present invention further includes a hook drive structure 503 and a sleeve opening structure 504. The hook drive structure 503 includes a telescopic drive 5031 and a mounting frame 5032. The telescopic drive 5031 is installed in the working chamber in the middle of the cabinet 1, and the mounting frame 5032 is installed at the output end of the telescopic drive 5031. Five sleeve opening structures 504 are provided on the mounting frame 5032, and the distribution of the five sleeve opening structures 504 is adapted to the lateral distribution of each group of sleeve structures 6.

[0063] The sleeve-like opening structure 504 includes an annular frame 5041, a micro rotary drive 5042, a gear 5043, a rack 5044, and an opening hook 5045. Five annular frames 5041 are mounted on the mounting frame 5032, and twelve micro rotary drives 5042 are equidistantly annularly mounted on one annular frame 5041. The gear 5043 is mounted on the output end of the micro rotary drive 5042, the rack 5044 is meshed with the gear 5043, and the rack 5044 is slidably connected to the annular frame 5041. The opening hook 5045 is mounted on the end of the rack 5044.

[0064] The sleeve structure 6 includes a protective sleeve 601, an elastic sleeve 602, a traction cable 603, and an elastic ring 604. The elastic sleeve 602 is connected to the bottom end of the protective sleeve 601, and the sleeve formed by the protective sleeve 601 and the elastic sleeve 602 is located on the outside of the carrier rod 3. Twelve traction cables 603 are installed in an equidistant ring on the outside of the elastic sleeve 602. The elastic ring 604 is connected to the middle of the twelve traction cables 603, and the elastic ring 604 is fitted on the twelve spreading hooks 5045.

[0065] In this invention, the hook drive structure 503 and the sleeve opening structure 504 in the sleeve assembly 5 are connected. After the sleeve structure 6 is fitted onto the front end of the carrier rod 3, the twelve micro-rotation drives 5042 on the annular frame 5041 are activated synchronously, driving the gear 5043 to rotate. The toothed rod 5044, which meshes with the gear 5043, slides along the annular frame 5041, pushing the opening hook 5045 to retract towards the center. Then, the telescopic drive 5031 in the hook drive structure 503 drives the mounting frame 5. The 032 movement causes the five sleeve-opening structures 504 to have their opening hooks 5045 positioned within the elastic ring 604. The opening hooks 5045 then expand outwards and hook onto the elastic ring 604, thereby pulling open the elastic sleeve 602 via the elastic ring 604 and the pull cable 603, allowing the head end of the carrier rod 3 to pass smoothly. After the carrier rod 3 freezes, the mounting bracket 5032 resets, the opening hooks 5045 disengage from the elastic ring 604, and the elastic ring 604 fixes the elastic sleeve 602 onto the carrier rod 3. This invention, through the hook drive structure 503 and the sleeve-opening structure 504, allows the carrier rod 3 to pass smoothly through the sleeve structure 6, preventing damage to the fragile front end of the carrier rod 3 during insertion.

[0066] Further, if Figures 9 to 10 As shown, the protective sleeve 601 of the present invention has an elastic ring 605 at its top end, and the protective sleeve 601 is suspended and connected to a placement plate 502 through the elastic ring 605. The elastic ring 605 has equidistant annular shrinkage grooves 6051, and the shrinkage grooves 6051 are V-shaped grooves with the top end of the V-shaped grooves being open surfaces.

[0067] This invention utilizes an elastic ring 605 at the top of the protective sleeve 601. The elastic ring 605, made of highly elastic silicone rubber, suspends the protective sleeve 601 onto the placement plate 502 through its own elastic tension, avoiding vibration transmission that might occur with rigid connections. It can automatically correct alignment deviations through slight deformation when the carrier rod 3 is inserted. The V-shaped contraction grooves 6051 evenly distributed in a ring on the elastic ring 605 can directionally contract when the sleeve is under force. When the protective sleeve 601 is contracted by the elastic ring, the top opening of the V-shaped grooves is rounded, ensuring smooth contraction and preventing stress concentration that could lead to aging and cracking of the elastic ring 605. Through the structural design of the elastic ring 605, this invention provides suspension buffering and a tight seal during the fixing process of the sleeve structure 6, making it easier to fix the sleeve structure 6 onto the carrier rod 3.

[0068] Furthermore, such as Figures 9 to 10 As shown, the protective sleeve 601 of the present invention has an airbag sleeve 6011 installed on its inner wall. The inner wall of the airbag sleeve 6011 is provided with a protective rib 6012, and the front end of the protective rib 6012 has an arc-shaped structure. The airbag sleeve 6011 is filled with an inert gas, which can be either nitrogen or argon.

[0069] This invention adds an airbag sleeve 6011 and protective ribs 6012 to the inner wall of the protective sleeve 601. The airbag sleeve 6011 is made of a low-temperature resistant elastic film material and is filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon. Utilizing the compressibility of the gas, a flexible buffer layer is formed. When external vibrations or impacts occur, the airbag sleeve 6011 can absorb the impact force through volume deformation, avoiding mechanical damage to the embryo caused by rigid collisions. The protective ribs 6012 are evenly distributed on the inner wall of the airbag sleeve 6011, and their curved front ends form point contact with the surface of the carrier rod 3. This increases the stability of the fit between the two without causing excessive compression due to surface contact, keeping the carrier rod 3 in a suspended and fixed state within the sleeve, reducing the direct friction area, and complementing the gas buffering effect of the airbag sleeve 6011. Through the airbag sleeve 6011 and protective ribs 6012, this invention ensures that the carrier rod 3 remains stable during movement, preventing the embryo's position from shifting due to shaking, and effectively protecting the embryo inside the carrier rod 3.

[0070] The embodiments disclosed in this invention are preferred embodiments, but are not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can easily understand the spirit of this invention based on the above embodiments and make different extensions and variations, but as long as they do not depart from the spirit of this invention, they are all within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An automated embryo vitrification and cryopreservation workstation, characterized in that, Includes a cabinet (1), an automated production line (2) installed on the cabinet (1), a carrier rod (3) located on the automated production line (2), and a refrigeration unit (4) installed on the cabinet (1). The automated production line (2) is used to drive the carrier rod (3) through the freezing component (4). The carrier rod (3) is used to transport the embryo; The refrigeration assembly (4) includes a liquid nitrogen tank (401), a liquid nitrogen circulation device (402), a heat-conducting guard rod (403), a heat-conducting rib (404), a flow guide spiral blade (405), and a temperature sensor (406). The liquid nitrogen circulation device (402) is connected to the liquid nitrogen pool (401). Several heat-conducting rods (403) are installed equidistantly in the liquid nitrogen pool (401), and the port of the heat-conducting rod (403) is higher than the liquid nitrogen level in the liquid nitrogen pool (401). The bottom end of the heat-conducting rod (403) is stepped and tapered to form a two-section structure with different diameters. The groove opened inside the heat-conducting rod (403) is adapted to the carrier rod (3), and several heat-conducting ribs (404) are provided equidistantly in a ring on the inner wall of the bottom end of the groove. The heat-conducting ribs (404) extend in an arc shape, and the front end is rounded to form a rounded end edge without sharp edges. The flow guide spiral blade (405) is installed at the bottom end of the heat-conducting rod (403), and the temperature sensor (406) is installed at the end of the groove of the heat-conducting rod (403).

2. The automated embryo vitrification cryopreservation workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cabinet (1) includes three working chambers and an outwardly extending platform, with the refrigeration unit (4) located in the central working chamber.

3. The automated embryo vitrification and cryopreservation workstation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The automated production line (2) includes a feeding device (201), a handling device (202), a strapping device (203), a discharging device (204), a liquid nitrogen tank (205), and a handling vehicle (206). The feeding device (201) is located in the working chamber on one side, and the feeding device (201) is used to transport the carrier rod (3) into the working chamber; The transport equipment (202) is installed in all three working chambers and is used to transport the carrier rod (3) to move within the three working chambers. The bundling device (203) is located in the work chamber on the other side. The bundling device (203) is used to pack and integrate the carrier poles (3) into a carrier pole (3) group. The feeding device (204) is located at the platform and is used to place the load rod (3) group into the liquid nitrogen tank (205); The liquid nitrogen tank (205) is located below the platform and is used to store the carrier rod (3) to preserve the embryo. The transport vehicle (206) is located below the liquid nitrogen tank (205) and is used to replace the liquid nitrogen tank (205).

4. An automated embryo vitrification cryopreservation workstation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cabinet (1) has a sleeve assembly (5) in the working chamber in the middle. The sleeve assembly (5) includes a linear drive (501) and a placement plate (502). The linear drive (501) is installed on the side wall of the working chamber. The placement plate (502) is installed at the output end of the linear drive (501). The placement plate (502) has several sets of sleeve structures (6) inserted in the longitudinal direction. The lateral distribution of each set of sleeve structures (6) is adapted to the distribution of several heat-conducting guard rods (403). The sleeve structure (6) is used to fit the front end of the frozen carrier rod (3) to prevent the carrier rod (3) from contacting the liquid nitrogen in the liquid nitrogen tank (205) and avoid secondary contact of liquid nitrogen to damage the embryo in the carrier rod (3).

5. An automated embryo vitrification cryopreservation workstation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sleeve assembly (5) further includes a hook drive structure (503) and a sleeve opening structure (504). The hook drive structure (503) includes a telescopic drive (5031) and a mounting bracket (5032). The telescopic drive (5031) is installed in the working chamber in the middle of the cabinet (1), the mounting frame (5032) is installed at the output end of the telescopic drive (5031), and a number of the sleeve opening structures (504) are provided on the mounting frame (5032), and the distribution of the number of sleeve opening structures (504) is adapted to the lateral distribution of each group of sleeve structures (6).

6. An automated embryo vitrification cryopreservation workstation according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sleeve opening structure (504) includes a ring frame (5041), a micro rotary drive (5042), a gear (5043), a rack (5044), and an opening hook (5045). A plurality of the aforementioned ring frames (5041) are mounted on a mounting frame (5032), a plurality of the aforementioned micro rotary drives (5042) are mounted equidistantly in a ring on a ring frame (5041), a gear (5043) is mounted on the output end of the micro rotary drive (5042), a rack (5044) is meshed with the gear (5043) and slidably connected to the ring frame (5041), and a spreading hook (5045) is mounted on the end of the rack (5044).

7. An automated embryo vitrification cryopreservation workstation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sleeve structure (6) includes a protective sleeve (601), an elastic sleeve (602), a traction cable (603), and an elastic ring (604). The elastic sleeve (602) is connected to the bottom end of the protective sleeve (601), and the sleeve formed by the protective sleeve (601) and the elastic sleeve (602) is located on the outside of the carrier rod (3). A plurality of the traction cables (603) are installed in an equidistant ring on the outside of the elastic sleeve (602). The elastic ring (604) is connected to the middle of the plurality of traction cables (603), and the elastic ring (604) is sleeved on a plurality of spreading hooks (5045).

8. An automated embryo vitrification cryopreservation workstation according to claim 7, characterized in that, The protective sleeve (601) has an elastic ring (605) at its top end, and the protective sleeve (601) is suspended and connected to a placement plate (502) through the elastic ring (605). The elastic ring (605) has equidistant annular shrinkage grooves (6051), and the shrinkage grooves (6051) are V-shaped grooves with the top end of the V-shaped grooves being an open surface.

9. An automated embryo vitrification cryopreservation workstation according to claim 8, characterized in that, The inner wall of the protective sleeve (601) is fitted with an airbag sleeve (6011), and the inner wall of the airbag sleeve (6011) is provided with a protective rib (6012), the front end of which is an arc-shaped structure.

10. An automated embryo vitrification cryopreservation workstation according to claim 9, characterized in that, The airbag sleeve (6011) is filled with an inert gas, which is either nitrogen or argon.

Images