Intelligent deep hypothermia storage and transportation box

Abstract

The invention discloses an intelligent deep hypothermia storage and transportation box, and belongs to the technical field of biological sample transportation equipment.The intelligent deep hypothermia storage and transportation box comprises a tank body system and a control system, the tank body system comprises a shell, an upper cover is installed on the top of the shell, a vacuum tank is installed in the shell, high vacuum exists between the shell and the vacuum tank, and a heat preservation plate is installed on the bottom face of the upper cover; a temperature sensor used for monitoring the temperature in the vacuum tank is installed at the bottom of the heat preservation plate, a weight sensor used for monitoring the total weight of the tank body system is arranged at the bottom of the shell, and an attitude sensor and a positioning module are installed in the upper cover. The control system comprises a microprocessor unit which is used for receiving and processing data from all the sensors; the wireless communication unit is used for carrying out data interaction with a remote cloud platform; and the data storage unit is used for caching historical data. According to the invention, the whole-course real-time remote monitoring and intelligent early warning of the transportation process can be realized, and the safety and reliability of biological sample transportation are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of biological sample transport equipment, and in particular to an intelligent cryogenic storage and transport box. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of life sciences, clinical medicine, and the biopharmaceutical industry, the demand for cryogenic and even ultra-low temperature transportation of biological samples (such as cells, tissues, blood, DNA, RNA, proteins, vaccines, and drugs) is increasing. These samples typically need to be transported and temporarily stored in strict temperature environments (such as ultra-low temperatures of -150°C to -196°C) to maintain their biological activity and physicochemical stability.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream solution for cryogenic transport of biological samples is a vapor-phase liquid nitrogen tank (also known as a liquid nitrogen dry transport tank) based on liquid nitrogen storage technology. This type of equipment vaporizes the liquid nitrogen stored inside the tank by absorbing heat from the outside environment, creating a low-temperature nitrogen atmosphere within the sealed container, thereby maintaining the sample in a cryogenic environment close to the liquid boiling point (-196°C). Its typical structure includes: a double-walled tank with a high-vacuum insulation layer, an adsorbent for adsorbing trace amounts of gas, and a basket or support for securing the sample.

[0004] For example, Chinese patent CN220448476U discloses a liquid nitrogen sample transport device with a lifting mechanism. This patent can selectively store samples in gaseous and liquid nitrogen, but it is essentially still a thermos-style storage and transport method, and its core temperature control principle is no different from that of traditional equipment.

[0005] Although this type of gas phase liquid nitrogen tank technology is relatively mature and widely used, in practical applications, traditional liquid nitrogen tanks are completely passive physical containers. Shippers cannot know the key status parameters inside the tank in real time during transportation, making it difficult to achieve standardized and digitalized fine management, which in turn leads to low safety and reliability of biological sample transportation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the issue of low safety and reliability in the transportation of biological samples, this application provides an intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box.

[0007] The intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A smart cryogenic storage and transportation box includes a tank system and a control system. The tank system includes an outer shell, a top cover installed on the top of the outer shell, a vacuum tank installed inside the outer shell, a high vacuum between the outer shell and the vacuum tank, an insulation plate installed on the bottom surface of the top cover, a temperature sensor for monitoring the internal temperature of the vacuum tank installed at the bottom of the insulation plate, a weight sensor for monitoring the total weight of the tank system installed at the bottom of the outer shell, and an attitude sensor and a positioning module installed inside the top cover. The control system includes Microprocessor unit: Used to receive and process data from all sensors; Wireless communication unit: used for data interaction with a remote cloud platform; Data storage unit: used to cache historical data.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, temperature sensors, weight sensors, attitude sensors, and positioning modules are installed inside the tank system and linked with the control system. This allows users to remotely and in real-time view key information such as temperature, liquid nitrogen level, and equipment location inside the vacuum tank via a mobile app or computer cloud platform. When any abnormal parameters are detected (such as excessive temperature or impending depletion of liquid nitrogen), the system can proactively send alarm information to the user. This represents a fundamental shift from "passive post-event remediation" to "proactive pre-event warning," giving users valuable time to take intervention measures and minimizing the loss of valuable samples. It also enables real-time remote monitoring and intelligent early warning throughout the transportation process, greatly improving the safety and reliability of biological sample transportation.

[0009] Preferably, the vacuum container is provided with adsorbent material A and adsorbent material B, the adsorbent material B is located at the bottom of the vacuum container, the adsorbent material A is located above the adsorbent material B, the top surface of the adsorbent material A has a groove, a shelf is placed in the groove, and a sample box for storing biological samples is placed in the shelf.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, the existing liquid nitrogen tanks pose a risk of liquid phase leakage when tilted. This technical solution uses adsorbent material B located at the bottom of the vacuum tank to store liquid nitrogen, ensuring that the liquid nitrogen exists in an adsorbed state rather than as a free liquid. This eliminates the risk of liquid phase nitrogen leakage in any position of the vacuum tank, fully complying with the relevant regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regarding the transport of dangerous goods. This allows for unimpeded air transport, greatly expanding its application scenarios and the convenience of international transportation.

[0011] Preferably, a base plate is installed at the bottom of the housing, and the weight sensor is installed on the top surface of the base plate.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the weight sensor and control system work together to monitor the changes in the overall weight of the device in real time, thereby accurately calculating the consumption and remaining amount of liquid nitrogen. The control system, combined with the built-in algorithm model, can calculate and display the remaining insulation time in real time, enabling users to scientifically plan the transportation route and duration. This avoids the risk of sample inactivation due to insufficient insulation time and also avoids waste caused by blindly adding too much liquid nitrogen.

[0013] Preferably, a negative pressure suction cup is installed at the bottom of the outer casing.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, a negative pressure suction cup is set at the bottom of the outer shell, which allows the tank system to be firmly attached to the smooth platform, greatly increasing the stability when parked during transportation and effectively preventing the equipment from tipping over due to accidental collisions or vibrations, thereby protecting the safety of the internal samples and the tank system.

[0015] Preferably, the shelf is detachably equipped with a handle.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the handle on the shelf makes it easy for users to remove the entire shelf and the sample box inside from the vacuum container for sample storage and retrieval.

[0017] Preferably, a display screen is embedded and fixed on the top surface of the upper cover.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the display screen can display real-time data of the tank system, such as internal temperature, remaining liquid nitrogen, estimated insulation time, and equipment power consumption, so as to facilitate users to manage the tank system scientifically.

[0019] Preferably, a safety valve is installed on the top surface of the cover.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the safety valve is used to regulate and release overpressure gas in the vacuum tank, ensuring transportation safety and complying with aviation transport regulations.

[0021] Preferably, the control system further includes an electronic locking unit, which is linked to the locking mechanism of the upper cover.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the electronic locking unit is linked with the locking mechanism of the top cover, ensuring that unauthorized personnel cannot open the top cover. This effectively prevents samples from being maliciously swapped, contaminated, or stolen during transportation. It is particularly suitable for high-value clinical or research samples, providing a dual security mechanism for the samples and greatly enhancing the physical security of the equipment and the confidentiality of the samples.

[0023] Preferably, an auxiliary temperature probe is installed inside the vacuum tank.

[0024] By adopting the above technical solution, the auxiliary temperature probe can verify the data monitored by the temperature sensor, ensuring the accuracy of the monitored temperature.

[0025] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: The system is equipped with temperature sensors, weight sensors, attitude sensors, and positioning modules, which are linked with the control system. This allows users to remotely and in real-time view key information such as temperature, liquid nitrogen level, and equipment location inside the vacuum tank via a mobile app or cloud platform on a computer. When any abnormal parameters are detected (such as excessive temperature or impending depletion of liquid nitrogen), the system can proactively send alarm information to the user. This represents a fundamental shift from "passive post-event remediation" to "proactive pre-event warning," giving users valuable time to take intervention measures and minimizing the loss of valuable samples. It enables real-time remote monitoring and intelligent early warning throughout the transportation process, greatly improving the safety and reliability of biological sample transportation. Existing liquid nitrogen tanks pose a risk of liquid phase leakage when tilted. This technical solution uses adsorbent material B located at the bottom of the vacuum tank to store liquid nitrogen, ensuring that the liquid nitrogen exists in an adsorbed state rather than as a free liquid. This eliminates the risk of liquid phase nitrogen leakage in any position of the vacuum tank, fully complying with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations on the transport of dangerous goods. This allows for unimpeded air transport, greatly expanding its application scenarios and the convenience of international transportation. The coordinated operation of the weight sensor and control system monitors changes in the overall weight of the device in real time, thereby accurately calculating the consumption and remaining amount of liquid nitrogen. The control system, combined with the built-in algorithm model, can calculate and display the remaining insulation time in real time, enabling users to scientifically plan transportation routes and durations. This avoids the risk of sample inactivation due to insufficient insulation time and also avoids waste caused by blindly adding too much liquid nitrogen. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box according to an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the tank system in the intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Reference numerals: 1. Tank system; 2. Outer shell; 21. Base plate; 22. Weight sensor; 23. Negative pressure suction cup; 3. Vacuum tank; 31. Adsorbent material A; 311. Groove; 32. Adsorbent material B; 4. Shelf; 41. Handle; 42. Sample box; 5. Top cover; 51. Insulation board; 52. Temperature sensor; 53. Display screen; 54. Safety valve; 55. Cavity; 56. Circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-2 This application will be described in further detail.

[0030] This application discloses an intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation container includes a tank system 1, a power system, and a control system. The tank system 1 includes an outer shell 2, inside which a vacuum tank 3 is installed. The space between the vacuum tank 3 and the outer shell 2 is a high vacuum, used to provide the core thermal insulation environment.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The vacuum tank 3 is equipped with adsorbent material A31 and adsorbent material B32 for storing liquid nitrogen. Adsorbent material A31 and adsorbent material B32 can be glass fiber, aerogel, etc. Adsorbent material A31 and adsorbent material B32 can be a single material or two or more materials. Multiple materials can be placed in layers or can be mixed from raw materials and then shaped.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Adsorbent material B32 is located at the bottom of vacuum tank 3. Adsorbent material B32 can adsorb a large amount of liquid nitrogen. As the "cold source" of vacuum tank 3, adsorbent material B32, due to its adsorption rather than free nature, ensures that no liquid nitrogen exists in vacuum tank 3 under any orientation, fully meeting the safety requirements of air transport. Adsorbent material A31 is located above adsorbent material B32. Adsorbent material A31 can absorb heat penetrating from above and slow down the evaporation rate of liquid nitrogen in adsorbent material B32.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The top surface of the adsorbent material A31 has a groove 311, and a shelf 4 is placed in the groove 311, so that the cold energy can be efficiently transferred to the shelf 4. The shelf 4 contains a sample box 42 for storing biological samples. A handle 41 is detachably installed on the shelf 4, so that the user can easily remove the entire shelf 4 and the sample box 42 together from the vacuum container 3 for sample storage and retrieval.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The bottom of the outer shell 2 is provided with a base plate 21, and a weight sensor 22 for monitoring the total weight of the tank system 1 is installed on the top surface of the base plate 21. The weight sensor 22 is preferably a high-precision pressure sensor or a high-precision weighing sensor. By calculating the weight change, the remaining liquid nitrogen in the vacuum tank 3 and the remaining maintenance time can be accurately calculated.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The bottom surface of the base plate 21 is equipped with a negative pressure suction cup 23. When the tank system 1 is placed on a smooth table, the air inside the negative pressure suction cup 23 is expelled by manually pressing the negative pressure suction cup 23. A negative pressure is formed inside the negative pressure suction cup 23 and it is firmly attached to the table, which effectively prevents the tank system 1 from tipping over due to accidental collisions during transportation, thereby protecting the safety of the internal samples.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The top of the outer shell 2 is fitted with a top cover 5, which is connected to the outer shell 2 by a locking structure. The bottom surface of the top cover 5 is fitted with an insulation board 51, which is made of high-performance heat insulation material (such as vacuum insulation board VIP or aerogel) to block heat from entering the vacuum tank 3 from the top cover 5.

[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 A temperature sensor 52 is installed at the bottom of the insulation plate 51. The probe of the temperature sensor 52 passes through the insulation plate 51 and is located below it, for directly monitoring the temperature of the gas phase space inside the vacuum tank 3. A display screen 53 is embedded and fixed on the top surface of the cover 5 for locally displaying real-time data of the tank system 1, such as internal temperature, remaining liquid nitrogen volume, estimated insulation time, and equipment power consumption. A safety valve 54 is installed on the top surface of the cover 5. The safety valve 54 is used to regulate and release overpressure gas inside the vacuum tank 3 to ensure transportation safety and comply with aviation transport regulations. Preferably, an auxiliary temperature probe is also installed inside the vacuum tank 3 for data redundancy and verification.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The upper cover 5 has a cavity 55, within which a circuit board 56 is installed. An attitude sensor and a positioning module are integrated within the upper cover 5, both mounted on the circuit board 56. The attitude sensor is an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) used to monitor the transport container's tilt, vibration, collision, and other abnormal states in real time. The positioning module is a GPS / BeiDou dual-mode positioning chip used to acquire the transport container's latitude, longitude, speed, and altitude information in real time.

[0039] The power system includes a built-in battery, which is a high-capacity, wide-temperature-range lithium thionyl chloride battery, fixed in a protective box outside the tank system 1, providing independent power for the entire system for a long time (weeks to months).

[0040] Control system includes Microprocessor unit (MCU): As the computing core, it receives and processes data from all sensors; Wireless communication unit: Connected to the microprocessor, preferably a 4G Cat.M1 / NB-IoT communication module, used to upload status data to the cloud server in a low-power, wide-area manner and to receive instructions from the cloud server. Alternative communication methods may include Bluetooth (for short-range device configuration and maintenance).

[0041] Data storage unit: One Flash memory chip is used to locally cache historical sensor data when the network signal is poor, and then transmit it after the network is restored to ensure data integrity.

[0042] Electronic locking unit: The electronic locking unit (such as an electromagnetic lock) is linked to the locking mechanism of the top cover 5. Without authorization (such as through a password, APP command or authorized RFID card), the locking mechanism cannot be driven, thus preventing the top cover 5 from being opened, which greatly improves the security of the sample. Power Management Circuit (PMIC): The power management circuit (PMIC) is responsible for the charging and discharging management, voltage conversion and power consumption distribution of the built-in battery, and has a low battery alarm function.

[0043] The working process of the control system is as follows: S1. Data Acquisition and Processing: During transportation, the weight sensor 22 continuously monitors the total weight of the tank system 1, the temperature sensor 52 continuously monitors the internal temperature of the vacuum tank 3, the attitude sensor continuously monitors the attitude of the vacuum tank 3, the positioning module continuously acquires position information, and the analog / digital signals of all sensors are transmitted to the microprocessor unit (MCU) in real time. S2, Data Upload and Cloud Interaction: The microprocessor unit (MCU) encapsulates and processes the collected data (such as unit conversion and threshold judgment). The processed data packets are automatically uploaded to a remote cloud server via a wireless communication unit (4G module) at preset time intervals (such as every 15 minutes) or triggered by conditions (such as weight change rate exceeding a threshold, temperature exceeding a threshold, or severe tilting). Users (shippers, carriers, and consignees) can log in to the cloud platform via computers, mobile apps, and other terminals to view all information in real time, including the location, temperature, remaining liquid nitrogen, remaining sustaining time, and attitude of the transport container, achieving full visualization of the transportation process. S3, Intelligent Early Warning: The cloud server or MCU has a built-in early warning algorithm. When any abnormal parameters are detected (such as: liquid nitrogen level below the safety threshold, abnormal temperature rise, transportation time exceeding the limit, equipment tipping over violently, low battery power), the system will automatically trigger an early warning mechanism. The early warning information is proactively and instantly sent to multiple pre-set responsible persons via cloud platform push notifications, SMS, emails, etc., reminding them to intervene in a timely manner to avoid sample loss. S4. Data Traceability and Compliance: All sensor data (time, location, temperature, weight, attitude) is continuously recorded in the form of timestamps on the cloud server and local data storage units, forming an immutable and complete audit trail data chain. After the transportation task is completed, users can generate compliance reports that meet the requirements of regulations such as GxP and GDP with one click, greatly simplifying quality management.

[0044] The implementation principle of an intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box according to an embodiment of this application is as follows: First, liquid nitrogen is poured into the vacuum tank 3. Adsorbent materials A31 and B32 will adsorb the liquid nitrogen. After the liquid nitrogen is completely adsorbed, the sample box 42 is placed in the shelf 4, the top cover 5 is closed, and the locking mechanism is activated, so that unauthorized personnel cannot open it. At this time, there is no flowing liquid nitrogen in the vacuum tank 3, and even if it is poured, liquid nitrogen will not flow out, so it can be transported by air or high-speed rail. During transportation, the evaporation of liquid nitrogen will cause the pressure inside the vacuum tank 3 to increase. This pressure will be released through the safety valve 54 to prevent the risk of explosion. The vacuum tank 3 has a weight sensor 22, which can monitor the remaining nitrogen content in the vacuum tank 3 in real time and automatically calculate the remaining insulation time based on the remaining amount. When the monitoring mode is activated, the temperature and location can be monitored in real time via a mobile APP. After arriving at the destination, the sample is delivered. The authorized person unlocks the top cover 5 with a password and takes out the sample. The authorized person can retrieve the temperature change records throughout the transportation to confirm whether there is a risk of overheating and damaging the sample during the journey.

[0045] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box, characterized in that: The system includes a tank system (1) and a control system. The tank system (1) includes an outer shell (2), a top cover (5) is installed on the top of the outer shell (2), a vacuum tank (3) is installed inside the outer shell (2), and a high vacuum exists between the outer shell (2) and the vacuum tank (3). A heat insulation plate (51) is installed on the bottom surface of the top cover (5), a temperature sensor (52) for monitoring the internal temperature of the vacuum tank (3) is installed at the bottom of the heat insulation plate (51), a weight sensor (22) for monitoring the total weight of the tank system (1) is installed at the bottom of the outer shell (2), and an attitude sensor and a positioning module are installed inside the top cover (5). The control system includes Microprocessor unit: Used to receive and process data from all sensors; Wireless communication unit: used for data interaction with a remote cloud platform; Data storage unit: used to cache historical data.

2. The intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum container (3) is provided with adsorbent material A (31) and adsorbent material B (32). Adsorbent material B (32) is located at the bottom of the vacuum container (3), and adsorbent material A (31) is located above adsorbent material B (32). A groove (311) is provided on the top surface of adsorbent material A (311). A shelf (4) is placed in the groove (311), and a sample box (42) for storing biological samples is placed in the shelf (4).

3. The intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the housing (2) is fitted with a base plate (21), and the weight sensor (22) is mounted on the top surface of the base plate (21).

4. The intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: A negative pressure suction cup (23) is installed at the bottom of the outer shell (2).

5. The intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shelf (4) is detachably equipped with a handle (41).

6. The intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top surface of the cover (5) is fitted with a display screen (53).

7. The intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: A safety valve (54) is installed on the top surface of the cover (5).

8. The intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control system also includes an electronic locking unit, which is linked to the locking mechanism of the upper cover (5).

9. The intelligent cryogenic storage and transportation box according to claim 1, characterized in that: An auxiliary temperature probe is installed inside the vacuum tank (3).

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