Sperm freezing descent control device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a sperm freezing descent control device which comprises a liquid nitrogen tank used for containing liquid nitrogen, a pedestal and a controller, hollow horizontal rods are arranged on the pedestal, a winding wheel is rotatably connected between the inner side walls of the left ends of the horizontal rods, a fixed pulley is rotatably connected between the inner side walls of the right ends of the horizontal rods, and the fixed pulley is connected with the controller. A pull rope is wound on the winding wheel, and the free end of the pull rope naturally droops after bypassing the fixed pulley and is detachably connected with a hanging basket used for containing a freezing thin tube; a motor electrically connected with the controller is arranged at the left end of the horizontal rod, the output end of the motor is fixedly connected with the winding wheel, a distance sensor used for monitoring the height between the hanging basket and the liquid level of liquid nitrogen in the liquid nitrogen tank is arranged on the hanging basket, and the distance sensor is in signal connection with the controller. Different liquid nitrogen gas phase pre-freezing heights can be adjusted according to different semen qualities, so that the semen is ensured to be at a proper pre-freezing temperature, the semen freezing quality is improved, and the inactivation rate is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sperm freezing technology, and in particular to a sperm freezing slow-descent device. Background Technology

[0002] According to a new report released by the World Health Organization, a large number of people are affected by infertility: between 48.5 million and 72.4 million couples suffer from infertility, with a global prevalence of infertility among couples of reproductive age ranging from 12.6% to 17.5% (approximately one in six). Fertility preservation is now an important clinical need. Sperm freezing, combined with other assisted reproductive technologies, can be used in some clinical treatments for male fertility. Sperm cryopreservation is currently the "gold standard" for male fertility preservation and is one of the fundamental elements of assisted reproductive technologies.

[0003] Typically, the semen freezing process includes semen collection, quality assessment, semen dilution, cryogenic equilibration, liquid nitrogen gas phase pre-freezing, and liquid nitrogen preservation. Regarding how to improve the quality of frozen semen, current domestic and international research mainly focuses on the formulation of diluents. Recently, some literature has also reported that, due to the dilution effect, the ratio of diluent to fresh semen to be frozen in frozen semen will have a certain impact on the quality of sperm after thawing.

[0004] However, in practice, the current pre-freezing device for liquid nitrogen gas phase pre-freezing is a metal platform. The thin tube is placed on the metal platform and then placed into the liquid nitrogen gas phase for pre-freezing. However, for a long time, researchers and daily production personnel have not realized that the temperature of the liquid nitrogen gas phase varies with height. Depending on the quality of semen (such as sperm concentration, proportion of progressively motile sperm, etc.), the temperature required for pre-freezing semen is actually different. If a metal platform of fixed height is used for pre-freezing regardless of the quality of semen, without considering the height between the frozen semen tube and the liquid nitrogen surface, it will lead to a decrease in the quality of frozen semen and a high inactivation rate. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a sperm freezing slow-descent device that can adjust the liquid nitrogen gas phase pre-freezing height according to different semen qualities, which can solve the problems of low frozen sperm quality and high inactivation rate in the prior art.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a sperm cryopreservation slow descender, comprising a liquid nitrogen tank for holding liquid nitrogen, a platform and a controller, wherein a hollow horizontal rod is provided on the platform, a winding wheel is rotatably connected between the inner sidewalls of the left end of the horizontal rod, a fixed pulley is rotatably connected between the inner sidewalls of the right end of the horizontal rod, a pull rope is wound on the winding wheel, and the free end of the pull rope hangs down naturally after passing over the fixed pulley and is detachably connected to a basket for holding cryopreservation tubes;

[0007] The left end of the horizontal bar is equipped with a motor electrically connected to the controller. The output end of the motor is fixedly connected to the winding wheel. The basket is equipped with a distance sensor for monitoring the height between the basket and the liquid nitrogen level in the liquid nitrogen tank. The distance sensor is signal-connected to the controller.

[0008] Preferably, the free end of the pull rope is provided with an electromagnet electrically connected to the controller, and the basket is provided with a magnet adapted to the electromagnet.

[0009] Preferably, the sides and bottom of the suspended basket are perforated mesh structures.

[0010] Preferably, the liquid nitrogen tank is provided with an end cap at its upper end.

[0011] Preferably, a turntable is coaxially arranged on the winding wheel, the turntable is located outside the horizontal bar, the edge of the turntable is evenly provided with multiple grooves, the inside of the grooves is provided with inner ring steel columns, the left end of the horizontal bar is provided with a circular shell coaxial with the turntable, and the space between the circular shell and the turntable is filled with outer ring steel columns.

[0012] Preferably, the motor is a servo motor.

[0013] Preferably, the suspended basket is equipped with a temperature sensor that is connected to the controller signal.

[0014] Compared to existing technologies, this invention utilizes a combination of a liquid nitrogen tank, controller, horizontal bar, winding wheel, fixed pulley, pull rope, basket, motor, and distance sensor. The controller starts the motor, which, based on the appropriate pre-freezing temperature for different semen qualities, drives the winding wheel to release the pull rope, lowering the basket containing the frozen semen tubes into the liquid nitrogen tank. The basket is suspended above the liquid nitrogen surface for a predetermined time. During pre-freezing, the liquid nitrogen gradually evaporates, causing the liquid level to drop. The distance sensor monitors the distance between the basket and the liquid surface in real time and transmits this information to the controller. The controller then controls the motor to slowly release the pull rope, ensuring the semen is at a suitable pre-freezing temperature. After pre-freezing, the basket is immersed in liquid nitrogen for cryopreservation. The liquid nitrogen vapor phase pre-freezing height can be adjusted according to different animal breeds, thereby ensuring the semen is at a suitable pre-freezing temperature, improving frozen semen quality, and reducing the inactivation rate.

[0015] Compared to existing technologies, this invention, through the arrangement of a turntable, a tank, an inner ring steel column, a circular outer shell, and an outer ring steel column, addresses the issue that during liquid nitrogen storage, the basket needs to be lowered into the liquid nitrogen by a pull rope. There is a possibility that the pull rope on the winding wheel may not be tightly wound. When released to the point where the pull rope is loosely wound, the basket will experience a sudden descent. At this point, the inner ring steel column is thrown out by centrifugal force and captured by the outer ring steel column. The collision generates damping, pushing the inner ring steel column back into the tank of the turntable, thus completing the descent. This continuous cycle of capture and descent achieves a constant speed and slow descent, preventing the basket from suddenly falling into the liquid nitrogen and causing splashing, freezing, or frostbite to personnel. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a top sectional view of the horizontal bar structure of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the circular outer shell of this utility model.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Liquid nitrogen tank; 2. Platform; 3. Horizontal bar; 4. Winding wheel; 5. Fixed pulley; 6. Pull rope; 7. Suspended basket; 8. Motor; 9. Distance sensor; 10. Electromagnet; 11. Magnet; 12. End cap; 13. Turntable; 14. Tank; 15. Inner ring steel column; 16. Circular outer shell; 17. Outer ring steel column. Detailed Implementation

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0021] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a sperm cryopreservation slow-descent device includes a liquid nitrogen tank 1 for holding liquid nitrogen, a platform 2 and a controller. A hollow horizontal rod 3 is provided on the platform 2. A winding wheel 4 is rotatably connected between the inner side walls of the left end of the horizontal rod 3, and a fixed pulley 5 is rotatably connected between the inner side walls of the right end of the horizontal rod 3. A pull rope 6 is wound on the winding wheel 4. The free end of the pull rope 6 passes over the fixed pulley 5 and hangs down naturally and is detachably connected to a basket 7 for holding cryopreservation tubes.

[0022] A motor 8 electrically connected to the controller is installed at the left end of the horizontal bar 3. The output end of the motor 8 is fixedly connected to the winding wheel 4. A distance sensor 9 is installed on the basket 7 to monitor the height between the basket 7 and the liquid nitrogen level in the liquid nitrogen tank 1. The distance sensor 9 is connected to the controller signal.

[0023] In order to achieve the purpose of automatic disassembly of the suspended basket 7, preferably, the free end of the pull rope 6 is provided with an electromagnet 10 electrically connected to the controller, and the suspended basket 7 is provided with a magnet 11 adapted to the electromagnet 10. When the electromagnet 10 is energized, it generates magnetism and can be attracted together with the magnet 11. When the electromagnet 10 is de-energized, it loses its magnetism and automatically separates from the magnet 11.

[0024] To achieve better freezing effect, preferably, the sides and bottom of the basket 7 are perforated mesh structures to increase the contact area between the freezing tube and the liquid nitrogen gas phase or liquid nitrogen liquid phase, thereby improving the freezing effect.

[0025] To prevent liquid nitrogen from evaporating, preferably, the liquid nitrogen tank 1 is provided with an end cap 12 at its upper end.

[0026] To improve the safety of the device, preferably, a turntable 13 is coaxially mounted on the winding wheel 4. The turntable 13 is located outside the horizontal bar 3. Multiple grooves 14 are evenly distributed along the edge of the turntable 13, and inner ring steel columns 15 are installed inside each groove 14. A circular outer shell 16, coaxial with the turntable 13, is located at the left end of the horizontal bar 3. Outer ring steel columns 17 are distributed between the circular outer shell 16 and the turntable 13. During the liquid nitrogen storage process, the basket 7 needs to be lowered into the liquid nitrogen by the pull rope 6, which may cause [problems / risks]. When the rope 6 on the winding wheel 4 is not tightly wound, the basket 7 will suddenly drop when released to the loosely wound rope 6. At this time, the inner ring steel column 15 is thrown out under centrifugal force and captured by the outer ring steel column 17. The collision generates damping and pushes the inner ring steel column 15 back into the groove 14 of the turntable 13, which is the longitudinal direction. The rotation continues, and the capture and longitudinal cycle is repeated to achieve a constant speed descent. This avoids the basket 7 from suddenly dropping into liquid nitrogen, which could cause liquid nitrogen to splash out and freeze or injure the staff. It is highly safe.

[0027] To achieve precise control over the descent distance of the suspended platform 7, preferably, the motor 8 is a servo motor.

[0028] In order to achieve the purpose of real-time monitoring of the temperature at the height of the suspended platform 7, preferably, the suspended platform 7 is equipped with a temperature sensor that is connected to the controller signal.

[0029] In practical use, the frozen semen tubes are placed in the basket 7. The controller starts the motor 8 and electromagnet 10. The electromagnet 10 is energized and generates magnetism, attracting the magnet 11. According to the appropriate pre-freezing temperature for different semen qualities, the motor 8 drives the winding wheel 4 to rotate and release the pull rope 6, releasing the basket 7 containing the frozen semen tubes into the liquid nitrogen tank 1. The basket 7 is suspended above the liquid nitrogen surface at a predetermined distance for a predetermined time. During the pre-freezing process, the liquid nitrogen in the liquid nitrogen tank 1 gradually evaporates and the liquid level drops. The distance sensor 9 monitors the distance between the basket 7 and the liquid surface in real time and transmits the distance information to the controller. The controller controls the motor 8 to slowly release the pull rope 6 to ensure that the semen is at a suitable pre-freezing temperature. After the pre-freezing is completed, the basket 7 is immersed in liquid nitrogen for freezing and preservation. After the electromagnet 10 is de-energized, it loses its magnetism, and the pull rope 6 is pulled out of the liquid nitrogen tank 1. The end cap 12 is then closed.

[0030] If the rope 6 on the winding wheel 4 is not tightly wound, when released to the loosely wound rope 6, the basket 7 will have a sudden descent tendency. At this time, the inner ring steel column 15 is thrown out under centrifugal force and captured by the outer ring steel column 17. The collision generates damping, and the collision pushes the inner ring steel column 15 back into the groove 14 of the turntable 13, which is the longitudinal direction. The rotation continues, and the capture and longitudinal cycles are always repeated to achieve a constant speed descent, avoiding the basket 7 from suddenly falling into liquid nitrogen, causing liquid nitrogen to splash out and freeze or frostbite the staff.

[0031] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A sperm cryopreservation slow-descent device, comprising a liquid nitrogen tank (1) for holding liquid nitrogen, a platform (2), and a controller, characterized in that: A hollow horizontal rod (3) is provided on the pedestal (2). A winding wheel (4) is rotatably connected between the inner walls of the left end of the horizontal rod (3). A fixed pulley (5) is rotatably connected between the inner walls of the right end of the horizontal rod (3). A pull rope (6) is wound on the winding wheel (4). The free end of the pull rope (6) hangs down naturally after passing over the fixed pulley (5) and is detachably connected to a basket (7) for holding frozen thin tubes. The left end of the horizontal bar (3) is provided with a motor (8) electrically connected to the controller. The output end of the motor (8) is fixedly connected to the winding wheel (4). The basket (7) is provided with a distance sensor (9) for monitoring the height between the basket (7) and the liquid nitrogen level in the liquid nitrogen tank (1). The distance sensor (9) is connected to the controller signal.

2. The sperm freezing and lowering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The free end of the pull rope (6) is provided with an electromagnet (10) electrically connected to the controller, and the basket (7) is provided with a magnet (11) adapted to the electromagnet (10).

3. The sperm freezing and lowering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sides and bottom of the suspended basket (7) are hollowed-out mesh structures.

4. The sperm freezing and lowering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid nitrogen tank (1) is provided with an end cap (12) at its upper end.

5. A sperm freezing and slow-descent device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A turntable (13) is coaxially arranged on the winding wheel (4). The turntable (13) is located outside the horizontal rod (3). Multiple grooves (14) are evenly arranged on the edge of the turntable (13). Inner ring steel columns (15) are arranged inside the grooves (14). A circular outer shell (16) coaxial with the turntable (13) is arranged at the left end of the horizontal rod (3). Outer ring steel columns (17) are arranged between the circular outer shell (16) and the turntable (13).

6. The sperm freezing and lowering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The motor (8) is a servo motor.

7. A sperm cryopreservation slow-descent device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The suspended basket (7) is equipped with a temperature sensor that is connected to the controller signal.

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