Biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transfer system

Abstract

The invention discloses a biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transfer system which comprises a sampling vehicle, a storage and transfer vehicle and at least one transfer tray, a liquid supply cavity for containing liquid nitrogen and a storage area located above the liquid supply cavity and communicated with the liquid supply cavity are arranged in the transfer tray, and the liquid nitrogen in the liquid supply cavity enters the storage area through a gas phase; the transfer tray is provided with a cover plate corresponding to the storage area; the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit can selectively communicate with the liquid supply cavity of the transfer tray so as to supplement liquid nitrogen to the liquid supply cavity. A plurality of independent storage cavities and transfer trays are arranged, and the trays are divided into the storage areas, so that an operator can independently open the target transfer tray or the storage area to store and fetch a single batch of samples while other samples are still in a closed low-temperature environment during batch sample operation; therefore, the problems of severe temperature fluctuation and cross contamination are avoided, and the survival rate and storage quality of biological samples are greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biological sample processing equipment technology, specifically to a biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transportation system that integrates sample collection, temporary storage, transportation and storage functions. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of biological sample collection and long-term cryopreservation, a common cryopreservation procedure for biological samples is as follows: After collection, the biological samples are aliquoted into multiple cryovials, which are then placed together on a sample rack. For ease of batch management, multiple such sample racks are further housed in a large, liftable frame or basket, and finally, this frame is completely immersed in a large liquid nitrogen storage tank for preservation.

[0003] However, the above storage method has significant drawbacks in practice: when operators need to store or retrieve a specific batch or area of ​​samples from the storage tank, the entire frame must first be removed from the liquid nitrogen tank and fully exposed to room temperature before the target sample can be processed on that frame. This process means that a large number of other samples stored in the same frame, but not the target sample for this operation, will inevitably be removed from the liquid nitrogen environment along with the frame, experiencing one or even multiple drastic temperature fluctuations and thermal shocks from deep cryogenics to room temperature. Repeated temperature shocks can severely affect the activity and quality of biological samples, potentially leading to problems such as ice crystal recrystallization damaging cell structure, protein denaturation, and nucleic acid degradation. Furthermore, the frequent opening and closing of the entire frame increases the risk of external contaminants entering the storage environment and exacerbates the unnecessary volatilization of liquid nitrogen, increasing usage costs and safety hazards, thus requiring improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problem in existing technologies where non-target biological samples repeatedly experience temperature fluctuations, thermal shocks, and increased risk of contamination due to overall storage and retrieval operations, the present invention aims to provide a biological sample collection, storage, and transportation system. Through modular and independent design, it achieves precise, isolated, and continuous low-temperature management throughout the entire process from sampling point to storage point, enabling each batch of samples to be processed independently without affecting other samples, thereby eliminating unnecessary temperature interference.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transport system, comprising: The material collection vehicle includes a first vehicle body, a camera unit disposed on the first vehicle body, a first liquid supply unit disposed inside the first vehicle body, and a plurality of independent first storage cavities. A storage and transfer vehicle, comprising a second vehicle body, a second liquid supply unit disposed inside the second vehicle body, and multiple independent second storage chambers; At least one transfer tray, which can be selectively accommodated in the first storage cavity or the second storage cavity; The transfer tray is provided with a liquid supply chamber for containing liquid nitrogen, and a storage area located above the liquid supply chamber and communicating with the liquid supply chamber. Liquid nitrogen in the liquid supply chamber enters the storage area through the gas phase. The transfer tray is provided with a cover plate corresponding to the storage area. Both the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit can selectively communicate with the liquid supply chamber of the transfer tray to replenish the liquid supply chamber with liquid nitrogen.

[0006] As a further improvement of the present invention, the transfer tray is provided with a basket for holding sample racks in the corresponding storage area. The bottom of the basket is provided with multiple ventilation holes, and handles are provided on both sides of the basket extending outward.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, a porous adsorption unit is fixedly arranged inside the liquid supply chamber.

[0008] As a further improvement of the present invention, the transfer tray is provided with a liquid inlet corresponding to the liquid supply chamber, and a sealing plate driven by an elastic element to normally close the liquid inlet is provided at the liquid inlet. Both the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit include a liquid supply pipe for conveying liquid nitrogen, and the end of the liquid supply pipe is provided with a push-opening mechanism; When the transfer tray is pushed into a predetermined position in the storage cavity of the material collection vehicle or the storage transfer vehicle, the opening mechanism can push the sealing plate to open the liquid inlet, so that the liquid supply pipe is connected to the liquid supply cavity.

[0009] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit include a storage tank, a liquid supply pipeline, a pumping component disposed on the liquid supply pipeline, and a control valve; The transfer tray is equipped with a sensor for detecting the state of liquid nitrogen in its liquid supply chamber. It also includes a control module, which is communicatively connected to the sensor, the pumping component and the control valve, and is configured to control the opening and closing of the pumping component and the control valve according to the signal from the sensor, so as to realize automatic replenishment of liquid to a designated transfer tray.

[0010] As a further improvement of the present invention, the photography unit includes a camera and a connecting rod, wherein the camera is connected to the upper end of the first vehicle body via the connecting rod.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the sampling vehicle is also equipped with a barcode scanner for identifying sample labels.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, both the material collection vehicle and the storage and transfer vehicle are equipped with a display module and a communication module. The display module is used to display system status information and to interact with external devices through the communication module.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, both the first vehicle body and the second vehicle body are provided with a liquid filling port on one side.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first vehicle body is provided with at least one drawer.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are: By setting up multiple independent storage chambers and transfer trays, and by dividing the trays into storage areas, operators can open the target transfer tray or storage area individually to access a single batch of samples during batch sample operations, while other samples remain in a sealed, low-temperature environment. This avoids drastic temperature fluctuations and cross-contamination, greatly improving the survival rate and storage quality of biological samples.

[0016] The combined action of the sampling vehicle and the storage transport vehicle enables the replenishment of liquid in the transport tray throughout the entire process, thereby ensuring the stability of the liquid nitrogen capacity of the transport tray throughout the entire process. At the same time, the transfer of samples through the transport tray ensures the low temperature control of the samples during the process, so as to avoid temperature shock. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the material sourcing vehicle of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the material-collecting vehicle of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the storage and transfer vehicle of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the storage and transfer vehicle of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer pallet of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the transfer pallet installation of the present invention.

[0018] Reference numerals: 1. Material collection vehicle; 2. Storage and transfer vehicle; 3. Transfer pallet; 4. First vehicle body; 5. Casters; 6. Camera unit; 7. First storage chamber; 8. Side door; 9. First liquid supply unit; 10. Camera; 11. Connecting rod; 12. Barcode scanner; 13. Button; 14. Ruler; 15. Storage box; 16. Drawer; 17. Storage tank; 18. Liquid supply pipeline; 19. Pumping component; 20. Control 21. Valve; 22. Liquid filling port; 23. Second vehicle body; 24. Liquid supply chamber; 25. Storage area; 26. Cover plate; 27. Basket; 28. Sample rack; 29. ​​Storage tank; 30. Vent hole; 31. Handle; 32. Porous adsorption unit; 33. Fixing mechanism; 34. Liquid inlet; 35. Sealing plate; 36. Liquid supply pipe; 37. Top opening mechanism; 38. Liquid level sensor; 39. Temperature sensor; 30. Display module. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, a biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transportation system mainly includes a sample collection vehicle 1, a storage and transportation vehicle 2, and a transfer tray 3 for transferring samples between the sample collection vehicle 1 and the storage and transportation vehicle 2.

[0021] Reference Figure 2-3 The material collection vehicle 1 includes a first vehicle body 4, with casters 5 at the bottom for easy movement. A camera unit 6 is located on the top of the first vehicle body 4. Multiple independent first storage chambers 7 are located on one side of the first vehicle body 4, each capable of accommodating a transfer tray 3. A side door 8 is provided on the first vehicle body 4 corresponding to each first storage chamber 7, used to close the first storage chamber 7. The side door 8 has a sealing strip along its edge to ensure a tight seal within the first storage chamber 7 when closed. A first liquid supply unit 9 is installed inside the first vehicle body 4.

[0022] Specifically, the photography unit 6 includes a camera 10 and a connecting rod 11. A barcode scanner 12 is fixedly installed on the top of the first vehicle body 4 to facilitate scanning and recording of sample information after collection. The camera 10 is connected to the top of the first vehicle body 4 via the connecting rod 11, which includes at least two mutually perpendicular rotating rods to achieve horizontal rotation adjustment of the camera 10. Furthermore, the top of the first vehicle body 4 is also equipped with a button 13, which is used to control the camera 10 to perform imaging actions. The camera 10 enables sample shooting and information recording, and the horizontal position of the camera 10 can be adjusted to meet the shooting needs of different samples.

[0023] Furthermore, the top of the first vehicle body 4 is equipped with X-axis and Y-axis scales 14 corresponding to the camera 10, which can be used to record the actual size when taking photos of specimens.

[0024] Furthermore, the first vehicle body 4 is provided with multiple storage boxes 15 on its side, wherein different storage boxes 15 can be set with different specifications to meet the storage requirements of different tools, and the storage box 15 includes at least a sharps box for storing sharps and a collection tube for storing waste.

[0025] Furthermore, the first vehicle body 4 has a storage cavity on one side corresponding to the first storage cavity 7, and a drawer 16 is provided in the storage cavity. The instrument can be stored by setting the drawer 16.

[0026] Furthermore, the inner wall of the storage cavity is provided with a heat insulation layer, which in this embodiment is specifically a vacuum insulation panel, in order to minimize the loss of cold energy.

[0027] Furthermore, the first liquid supply unit 9 includes a storage tank 17, a liquid supply pipe 35 channels 18, a pumping component 19 mounted on the liquid supply pipe 35 channels 18, and a control valve 20. A liquid filling port 21 is provided on one side of the first vehicle body 4, which is connected to the storage tank 17 and used to add liquid into the storage tank 17. The input end of the liquid supply pipe 35 channels 18 is connected to the storage tank 17, and the output end of the liquid supply pipe 35 channels 18 forms a branch corresponding to each first storage cavity 7, forming a liquid outlet at the bottom of the first storage cavity 7. The control valve 20 is located near the liquid outlet to control the liquid discharge status of this branch. The pumping component 19 is specifically a cryogenic pump to meet the needs of liquid nitrogen transportation.

[0028] Reference Figure 4-5 The storage and transfer vehicle 2 includes a second vehicle body 22. The bottom of the second vehicle body 22 is also equipped with casters 5 for easy movement. Several second storage cavities are opened on one side of the second vehicle body 22 and a side door 8 is provided. The side door 8 is used to open or close the second storage cavity. The edge of the side door 8 is provided with a sealing strip to ensure the sealing effect after the side door 8 is closed.

[0029] Furthermore, the inner wall of the second storage cavity is provided with a heat insulation layer, which in this embodiment is specifically a vacuum insulation plate, in order to minimize the loss of cold energy.

[0030] Furthermore, the second liquid supply unit is located in the second storage cavity, and the structure of the second liquid supply unit is the same as that of the first liquid supply unit 9. Both include a storage tank 17, a liquid supply pipe 35 lines 18, a pumping component 19 and a control valve 20 installed on the liquid supply pipe 35 lines 18. The side of the second vehicle body 22 is also provided with a liquid filling interface 21 connected to the storage tank 17 to replenish the storage tank 17. The liquid supply pipe 35 lines 18 forms branches corresponding to each second storage cavity and forms a liquid outlet at the bottom of the second storage cavity. The control valve 20 is used to control the liquid outlet status of each branch.

[0031] Reference Figure 1-7 The transfer tray 3 has a liquid supply chamber 23 for containing liquid nitrogen and a storage area 24 located above and connected to the liquid supply chamber 23. The transfer tray 3 is provided with a cover plate 25 corresponding to the storage area 24. A basket 26 is provided in the storage area 24. A sample rack 27 is placed on the basket 26. Each sample rack 27 is provided with multiple storage slots 28. Multiple ventilation holes 29 are provided at the bottom of the basket 26. Handles 30 are provided on both sides of the basket 26 to facilitate the operator to place and take out the basket 26 from the storage area 24. Liquid nitrogen in the liquid supply chamber 23 enters the storage area 24 through the gas phase.

[0032] Furthermore, in order to extend the cooling time and increase stability, the interior of the liquid supply chamber 23 is fixedly filled with porous adsorption units 31, which are sponges in this embodiment, for adsorbing and slowly releasing liquid nitrogen.

[0033] Furthermore, the upper surface of the cover plate 25 is provided with a fixing mechanism 32 and a sticky note is connected through the fixing mechanism 32. Specifically, the fixing mechanism 32 includes two L-shaped fixing blocks, which are symmetrically arranged. One end of the fixing block is connected and fixed to the upper surface of the cover plate 25. At the same time, a slot is formed between the upper surface of the fixing block and the cover plate 25. The slot is used to engage one end of the sticky note to fix the position of the sticky note.

[0034] The sticky notes and fixed mechanism 32 make it easy for operators to record and store information for later organization and storage.

[0035] Furthermore, the transfer tray 3 is provided with a liquid inlet 33 corresponding to the liquid supply chamber 23. A sealing plate 34 driven by an elastic element to normally close the liquid inlet 33 is provided at the liquid inlet 33. Specifically, the elastic element is a torsion spring. One end of the sealing plate 34 is hinged to the liquid supply chamber 23, and the torsion spring is provided at the hinge to guide the sealing plate 34 to remain closed with the liquid inlet 33.

[0036] Both the first liquid supply unit 9 and the second liquid supply unit include a liquid supply pipe 35 for conveying liquid nitrogen. The end of the liquid supply pipe 35 is provided with a top opening mechanism 36. In this embodiment, the liquid supply pipe 35 is a branch formed by the liquid supply pipe 35 18 corresponding to the first storage cavity 7 and the second storage cavity respectively. The top opening mechanism 36 is specifically located at the end of the branch pipe. When the transfer tray 3 is inserted into the first storage cavity 7 or the second storage cavity, the liquid inlet 33 corresponds to the end of the branch, so that the liquid supply pipe 35 can touch the sealing plate 34 and drive the sealing plate 34 to flip, thereby allowing the liquid supply pipe 35 to enter the liquid supply cavity 23 and communicate with the liquid supply cavity 23, thereby completing the replenishment of liquid in the liquid supply cavity 23.

[0037] Furthermore, the liquid supply chamber 23 is equipped with a liquid level sensor 37 and a temperature sensor 38. Specifically, there are four temperature sensors 38, which are respectively located at the top corner of the liquid supply chamber 23.

[0038] Furthermore, both the first vehicle body 4 and the second vehicle body 22 are equipped with a control module, which is specifically a control circuit board. The control module is electrically connected to the liquid level sensor 37, the control valve 20, and the temperature sensor 38, respectively. The control module is configured to: mainly based on the signal of the liquid level sensor 37, start an automatic liquid replenishment program when the liquid level is lower than a first preset threshold; at the same time, continuously monitor the signal of the temperature sensor 38, and if the temperature exceeds the safety threshold, issue an alarm and may trigger emergency liquid replenishment or protection actions.

[0039] The control module is equipped with an identification unit for each first storage cavity 7 or second storage cavity, which is used to identify the location of the first storage cavity 7 or second storage cavity installed on each transfer tray 3.

[0040] Specifically, the identification unit is a barcode scanning module located at the low position of the first storage cavity 7 and the second storage cavity. The transfer tray 3 is equipped with a barcode corresponding to the barcode scanning module. When the transfer tray 3 is inserted into the corresponding first storage cavity 7 or second storage cavity, the barcode is scanned by the barcode scanning module to complete data reading and positioning.

[0041] In use, when the transfer tray 3 is inserted into the first storage cavity 7 or the second storage cavity, the corresponding control module is connected to the liquid level sensor 37 and the temperature sensor 38. At this time, the liquid level sensor 37 detects the liquid nitrogen level in the liquid supply cavity 23, and at the same time, the temperature sensor 38 in the corner detects the temperature in the liquid supply cavity 23. When the liquid nitrogen in the liquid supply cavity 23 is less than the predetermined value, or when the temperature in the liquid supply cavity 23 is higher than the predetermined value, it is considered that the liquid nitrogen in the liquid supply cavity 23 is insufficient. At this time, the control module controls the electronic control switch valve to open according to the signal of the liquid level sensor 37, and starts the cryogenic pump, which drives the liquid nitrogen in the storage tank 17 into the liquid supply cavity 23 to complete the replenishment of the liquid supply cavity 23.

[0042] Furthermore, both the first vehicle body 4 and the second vehicle body 22 are equipped with a display module 39. The display module 39 is used to display system status information and interact with external devices through a communication module. The display module 39 is specifically a display screen, which is electrically connected to the control module, so that the operator can easily view the specific status of the transfer pallet 3.

[0043] The biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transport system provided in this embodiment is used as follows: The system covers both sample collection and transport stages. During the collection stage, only the collection cart 1 is used. This cart is located in the operating room and uses drawers 16 and storage boxes 15 to hold different collection instruments. The collected sample tissue is recorded by the imaging unit 6 on the top of the first cart 4 and then placed in a cryovial. The cryovial is then placed in the storage slot 28 of the sample rack 27. After multiple collections of a single sample, the cover 25 is closed and the sample information is recorded on a note. This ensures that during subsequent multiple collections of samples, the batch of samples is located in the storage area 24 and frozen by liquid nitrogen in the supply chamber 23. After collection, the transport tray 3 is inserted into the corresponding first storage chamber 7, connecting the first supply unit 9 to the supply chamber 23. The control module and sensors then monitor whether the liquid nitrogen in the supply chamber 23 needs to be replenished.

[0044] During the transport phase, since the sampling cart 1 needs to be located in the operating room for a long time and in order to ensure sterility, the sampling cart 1 does not have the function of external transport. At this time, the transport needs to be achieved through the storage transport cart 2. That is, during the transport process, the transport tray 3 is moved from the first storage chamber 7 to the second storage chamber, and the second liquid supply unit is connected to the transport tray 3. This is combined with the control module to realize the liquid nitrogen monitoring of the transport tray 3 during the transport process. Then, the transport tray 3 is transferred to the sample bank for long-term cryopreservation through the storage transport cart 2.

[0045] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transport system, characterized in that, include: The material collection vehicle (1) includes a first vehicle body (4), a camera unit (6) disposed on the first vehicle body (4), a first liquid supply unit (9) disposed inside the first vehicle body (4), and a plurality of independent first storage cavities (7); The storage transfer vehicle (2) includes a second vehicle body (22), a second liquid supply unit disposed inside the second vehicle body (22), and a plurality of independent second storage cavities; At least one transfer tray (3) is available, which can be selectively accommodated in the first storage cavity (7) or the second storage cavity; The transfer tray (3) is provided with a liquid supply chamber (23) for containing liquid nitrogen, and a storage area (24) located above the liquid supply chamber (23) and communicating with the liquid supply chamber (23). Liquid nitrogen in the liquid supply chamber (23) enters the storage area (24) through the gas phase. The transfer tray (3) is provided with a cover plate (25) corresponding to the storage area (24). Both the first liquid supply unit (9) and the second liquid supply unit can selectively communicate with the liquid supply chamber (23) of the transfer tray (3) to replenish the liquid supply chamber (23) with liquid nitrogen.

2. The biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer tray (3) is provided with a basket (26) for holding sample racks (27) in the storage area (24). The bottom of the basket (26) is provided with multiple ventilation holes (29), and handles (30) are provided on both sides of the basket (26).

3. The biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A porous adsorption unit (31) is fixedly installed inside the liquid supply chamber (23).

4. The biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer tray (3) is provided with a liquid inlet (33) corresponding to the liquid supply chamber (23), and a sealing plate (34) driven by an elastic element to normally close the liquid inlet (33) is provided at the liquid inlet (33); Both the first liquid supply unit (9) and the second liquid supply unit include a liquid supply pipe (35) for conveying liquid nitrogen, and the end of the liquid supply pipe (35) is provided with a top opening mechanism (36); When the transfer tray (3) is pushed into a predetermined position in the storage cavity of the material collection vehicle (1) or the storage transfer vehicle (2), the opening mechanism (36) can push the sealing plate (34) to open the liquid inlet (33) so that the liquid supply pipe (35) is connected to the liquid supply cavity (23).

5. The biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquid supply unit (9) and the second liquid supply unit include a storage tank (17), a liquid supply pipe (35) (18), a pumping component (19) disposed on the liquid supply pipe (35) (18), and a control valve (20); The transfer tray (3) is equipped with a sensor for detecting the state of liquid nitrogen in its liquid supply chamber (23); It also includes a control module, which is communicatively connected to the sensor, the pumping component (19) and the control valve (20), and is configured to control the opening and closing of the pumping component (19) and the control valve (20) according to the signal from the sensor, so as to realize automatic replenishment of liquid to the designated transfer tray (3).

6. The biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photography unit (6) includes a camera (10) and a connecting rod (11), and the camera (10) is connected to the upper end of the first vehicle body (4) through the connecting rod (11).

7. A biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transport system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sampling vehicle (1) is also equipped with a barcode scanner (12) for identifying sample labels.

8. The biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the material collection vehicle (1) and the storage and transfer vehicle (2) are equipped with a display module (39) and a communication module. The display module (39) is used to display system status information and to interact with external devices through the communication module.

9. A biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first vehicle body (4) and the second vehicle body (22) are provided with a liquid filling port (21) on one side.

10. A biological sample collection and liquid nitrogen storage and transport system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first vehicle body (4) is provided with at least one drawer (16).

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