An integrated frozen carrier

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of integrated frozen carrier, belong to the field of assisted reproductive technology. Including carrier rod body and sheath tube. Among them, one end of carrier rod body is provided with carrier sheet and is coaxially sliding fit with sheath tube. The one end of sheath tube is coaxially connected with protective sleeve, the end of protective sleeve away from sheath tube is provided with sealing metal ring, guide groove for guiding carrier sheet is opened on sheath tube lateral wall along axial direction, guide groove is communicated with protective sleeve, carrier sheet can be moved between the retraction position in protective sleeve and the advancing position outside protective sleeve, sealing metal ring is configured to make the end of protective sleeve closed when being radially compressed. The integrated frozen carrier can reduce the difficulty of sample vitrification freezing and storage operation using frozen carrier, improve operation efficiency while reducing operation risk.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of assisted reproductive technology, and in particular to an integrated cryogenic support rod. Background Technology

[0002] Embryo freezing technology is a key technology in modern assisted reproductive technology (ART), and it is of great significance. It preserves the "hope for pregnancy" for patients whose reproductive function may be impaired due to diseases such as cancer requiring radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It allows for embryo transfer when the woman's body has been conditioned and the uterine environment is more favorable, reducing the risk of implantation failure. A single ovulation induction cycle may yield multiple eggs, resulting in multiple embryos. By preserving the excess high-quality embryos, they can be used directly for subsequent transfers if the first transfer is unsuccessful, avoiding the need for repeated ovulation induction and egg retrieval procedures. This saves time, reduces physical pain and costs, improves the efficiency of a single egg retrieval cycle, and provides necessary time to wait for the results of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and other tests.

[0003] The mainstream embryo cryopreservation carriers on the market are mainly divided into two categories: open cryopreservation carriers and closed cryopreservation carriers. Currently, most animal research laboratories and human assisted reproductive technology centers use open cryopreservation carriers for the cryopreservation of gametes and embryos. This type of carrier typically consists of a slender plastic handle and a thin plate at the end to hold the embryo sample. During operation, a tiny droplet containing the embryo is placed directly onto the thin plate at the end of the carrier, and then directly exposed to liquid nitrogen for rapid cooling. This highly efficient heat exchange allows for extremely high cooling rates, which is crucial for successful vitrification.

[0004] However, the thin sheet at the end of the carrier rod is very thin and fragile. The vitrified carrier rod and thin sheet must be quickly fitted with a pre-cooled sheath. The sheath's function is to prevent the carrier rod and thin sheet from being damaged or adhering to other samples during storage, and to isolate them from liquid nitrogen. However, during the fitting and removal of the sheath, the thin sheet is prone to scratching the sheath, resulting in embryo loss. Furthermore, to prevent liquid nitrogen ingress during rapid operations, most of the post-loading steps usually need to be completed in the liquid nitrogen gas phase. However, the sheath is generally only 3 mm in outer diameter, and the carrier rod and thin sheet are only about 1 mm wide. The fitting, alignment, and removal operations are difficult and carry a high risk of scratching, requiring extremely high operator skill, and are cumbersome with a low margin for error. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides an integrated cryogenic support rod, which reduces the difficulty of vitrification and storage of samples using a cryogenic support rod, improving operational efficiency while reducing operational risks. The technical solution is as follows: This utility model embodiment provides an integrated cryogenic support rod, including a support rod body and a sheath tube. One end of the support rod is provided with a support rod sheet which is coaxially and slidably engaged with the sheath tube; One end of the sheath is coaxially connected to a protective sleeve. A sealing metal ring is provided at the end of the protective sleeve away from the sheath. A guide groove for guiding the carrier plate is provided axially on the side wall of the sheath. The guide groove communicates with the protective sleeve. The carrier plate can move between a retracted position inside the protective sleeve and an advanced position outside the protective sleeve. The sealing metal ring is configured to close the end of the protective sleeve when radially pressed.

[0006] Optionally, the sidewall of the sealing metal ring is provided with a pre-cut slit extending axially.

[0007] Optionally, the sealing metal ring is fixedly fitted onto the outer wall of the protective sleeve at the end away from the sheath; or the sealing metal ring is fixedly nested within the protective sleeve at the end away from the sheath.

[0008] Optionally, the protective sleeve is pre-marked with etched lines, which are located between the sealing metal ring and the end of the protective sleeve near the sheath.

[0009] Optionally, a snap-fit ​​protrusion is provided on the side wall of the support rod, and a first snap-fit ​​groove matching the snap-fit ​​protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the guide groove away from the protective sleeve. Optionally, the inner wall of the guide groove is provided with a second latch that matches the snap-fit ​​protrusion, and the second latch is located between the first latch and the other end of the guide groove. Optionally, multiple first and second bayonets are provided, with multiple first bayonets arranged adjacent to each other and spaced apart along the axial direction of the sheath, and multiple second bayonets arranged adjacent to each other and spaced apart along the axial direction of the sheath. Optionally, the protective sleeve is a transparent thin-walled plastic tube.

[0010] Optionally, the side wall of the support rod is provided with a first anti-slip texture arranged along the axial direction, and the first anti-slip texture is embedded between the openings of the guide groove.

[0011] Optionally, the sidewall of the sheath is provided with a second anti-slip texture arranged along the axial direction.

[0012] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this utility model embodiment include at least the following: It employs an embedded installation design for the carrier rod and sheath, with a sliding fit allowing the carrier rod sheet to extend and retract relative to the protective sleeve at one end of the sheath. Operators can expose or retract the carrier rod sheet as needed for sample freezing and loading / storage. The sliding structure design makes operation simple and efficient. Guide grooves on the sheath ensure stable movement of the carrier rod and carrier rod sheet, preventing displacement or jamming. A sealing metal ring ensures the isolation of embryo samples from liquid nitrogen after freezing, avoiding the risk of cross-contamination. Operators can extend and retract the carrier rod sheet with one hand, eliminating the need for alignment and assembly between the sheath and freezing carrier rod in traditional methods. This reduces reliance on personnel and lowers operational risks. The integrated design solves the problems of operational complexity, high contamination risk, and inefficient cooling associated with separate freezing carrier rod designs in existing technologies. It effectively reduces the difficulty of sample vitrification and storage using freezing carrier rods, improving operational efficiency while reducing operational risks. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated refrigeration support rod in the retracted state provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated refrigeration support rod in the extended state provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of one side of the support rod provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the other side of the support rod provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of one side of the sheath provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the other side of the sheath provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 7 This is a side view of the integrated refrigeration support rod provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective sleeve provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a sealing metal ring and a protective sleeve provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of another assembly structure of a sealing metal ring and a protective sleeve provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0015] In the diagram: 1-Mount body; 2-Sheath; 11-Mount plate; 12-Snap-fit ​​protrusion; 13-First anti-slip groove; 21-Protective sleeve; 22-Sealing metal ring; 23-Guide groove; 24-Matching installation section; 25-Second anti-slip groove; 211-Marking line; 221-Pre-cut slit; 231-First snap; 232-Second snap. Detailed Implementation To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated refrigeration support rod in the retracted state provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated refrigeration support rod in the extended state provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of one side of the support rod provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the other side of the support rod provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of one side of the sheath provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the other side of the sheath provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 7 This is a side view of the integrated refrigeration support rod provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the protective sleeve provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of a sealing metal ring and a protective sleeve provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another assembly structure of a sealing metal ring and a protective sleeve provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figures 1 to 10 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides an integrated refrigeration carrier rod, including a carrier rod body 1 and a sheath tube 2.

[0017] The rod body 1 has a rod support plate 11 at one end, which is coaxially and slidably fitted with the sheath tube 2. A protective sleeve 21 is coaxially connected to one end of the sheath tube 2, and a sealing metal ring 22 is provided at the end of the protective sleeve 21 away from the sheath tube 2. A guide groove 23 is axially formed on the side wall of the sheath tube 2 to guide the rod support plate 11, and the guide groove 23 communicates with the protective sleeve 21. The rod support plate 11 can move between a retracted position inside the protective sleeve 21 and an advanced position outside the protective sleeve 21. The sealing metal ring 22 is configured to close the end of the protective sleeve 21 during radial compression.

[0018] In this embodiment of the invention, when the integrated cryopreservation carrier rod is assembled, its carrier rod body 1 is axially embedded in the guide groove 23 installed on the sheath tube 2. The dimensions of both are pre-designed. The guide groove 23 is a recessed structure that passes through the sheath tube 2 on both sides and is open along the side wall. The carrier rod body 1 is embedded and installed in it and can slide axially, thereby driving the carrier rod lever 11 to move relative to the sheath tube 2. In the retracted position, the end of the carrier rod body 1, that is, the end away from the carrier rod plate 11, is flush with the open end face of the other end of the sheath tube 2. At this time, the carrier rod plate 11 used to hold the embryo sample is entirely located inside the protective sleeve 21. Before the vitrification and freezing operation of the embryo sample is performed, the end of the protective sleeve 21 away from the sheath tube 2 is connected to the outside through the provided sealing metal ring 22. The operator can hold the sheath 2 with one hand and press the side wall of the carrier rod 1 exposed at the opening of the guide groove 23 with their thumb. Pushing the carrier rod 1 along the guide groove 23 causes the carrier rod sheet 11, located inside the protective sleeve 21, to extend from the opening of the sealing metal ring 22 to the advance position, loading the embryo sample and inserting it into liquid nitrogen for vitrification. After loading and vitrification, the operator pushes the carrier rod 1 back to its initial position with their thumb, causing the carrier rod sheet 11 to retract into the protective sleeve 21. Then, using a special tool, the operator squeezes the outer wall of the sealing metal ring 22 to deform it, sealing the carrier rod sheet 11 and the embryo sample within the protective sleeve 21. The protective sleeve 21, with its transparent material (such as transparent plastic) and the sealing effect of the sealing metal ring 22, allows the operator to easily check the status of the carrier rod sheet when needed. When embryo samples need to be retrieved again, after thawing, remove the entire integrated cryogenic carrier rod, use special scissors to cut off the sealing metal ring 22 at the end of the protective sleeve 21 along the middle section to reconnect the protective sleeve 21 with the outside, and push the carrier rod body 1 to make the carrier rod sheet 11 extend again.

[0019] The integrated cryogenic carrier provided in this embodiment employs an embedded installation design of the carrier body 1 and the sheath 2. The carrier plate 11 extends and retracts relative to the protective sleeve 21 at one end of the sheath 2 via a sliding fit. Operators can expose or retract the carrier plate 11 as needed for sample freezing and loading / storage. The sliding structure design makes operation simple and efficient. The guide groove 23 on the sheath 2 ensures stable movement of the carrier body 1 and the carrier plate 11, preventing displacement or jamming. The sealing metal ring 22 ensures the isolation of the embryo sample from liquid nitrogen after freezing, avoiding the risk of cross-contamination. Operators can extend and retract the carrier plate 11 with one hand, eliminating the need for alignment and assembly between the sheath and the cryogenic carrier in traditional methods. This reduces reliance on personnel and lowers operational risks. The integrated design solves the problems of complex operation, high contamination risk, and inefficient cooling associated with the separate design of cryogenic carriers in existing technologies. It effectively reduces the difficulty of sample vitrification and storage using cryogenic carriers, improving operational efficiency while reducing operational risks.

[0020] Optionally, the sidewall of the sealing metal ring 22 is provided with a pre-cut slit 221 extending axially. Exemplarily, in this embodiment of the present invention, by pre-cutting one or more slits along the axial direction to facilitate the stress deformation of the metal ring 22, it can compress and deform according to a predetermined trajectory after being compressed, thereby ensuring sealing.

[0021] Optionally, the sealing metal ring 22 is fixedly fitted onto the outer wall of the protective sleeve 21 at the end away from the sheath 2; or the sealing metal ring 22 is fixedly nested within the protective sleeve 21 at the end away from the sheath 2. For example, refer to... Figure 9 In one possible implementation, the sealing metal ring 22 can be installed on the outer wall of the protective sleeve 21 by a sleeve connection. For fixation, a special tool is used to squeeze the outer wall of the sealing metal ring 22 to create dotted indentations that cut into the protective sleeve 21 to achieve axial fixation. During the sealing operation, a special tool such as a compression plier is used to squeeze the outer wall of the sealing metal ring 22, causing the sealing metal ring 22 and the inner protective sleeve 21 section to deform and close together to achieve a seal. The protective sleeve 21 can be made of PP or PVC material, using its toughness to ensure that it can deform under pressure at thawing temperatures without breaking. (Reference...) Figure 10In another possible implementation, a variable-diameter stepped structure can be machined at the end of the protective sleeve 21, and nested with the corresponding variable-diameter stepped structure on the sealing metal ring 22. This allows the sealing metal ring 22 to be integrally positioned axially at the end of the protective sleeve 21, with a dotted recessed structure used for mutual fixation at the nested area. During the compression sealing process, only the main section of the sealing metal ring 22 needs to be deformed for sealing; the protective sleeve 21 section does not need to deform simultaneously, further eliminating the risk of structural breakage and improving overall structural stability.

[0022] Optionally, the protective sleeve 21 is pre-marked with a scribe line 211, located between the sealing metal ring 22 and the end of the protective sleeve 21 near the sheath 2. Exemplarily, in this embodiment of the invention, a scribe line 211 is machined around the protective sleeve 21 of the thin-walled tube structure. Specifically, this scribe line 211 is located between the carrier rod sheet 11 in its initial or retracted state and the sealing metal ring 22. After thawing, the operator can use a special tool to circumferentially cut along the scribe line 211 to re-expose and expose the embryo sample. This provides an indicator for the operator's cutting operation, ensuring operational accuracy.

[0023] Optionally, a locking protrusion 12 is provided on the side wall of the support rod 1, and a first latch 231 matching the locking protrusion 12 is provided on the inner wall of the guide groove 23 away from the protective sleeve 21. Exemplarily, in this embodiment of the invention, when the support rod 1 is in its initial state relative to the sheath 2, or when it is retracted to its retracted state after vitrification, the locking protrusion 12 on the support rod 1 will engage with the first latch 231 in the guide groove 23 to achieve axial limiting and fixation. At this time, the end of the support rod 1 can be flush with the open end face of the other end of the sheath 2. During the process of manipulating the locking protrusion 12, the operator can clearly feel the locking and be prompted to slide it into place and stop applying force, preventing the support rod 1 from being pulled too far and separating from the sheath 2, thus ensuring operational and structural stability.

[0024] Optionally, a second latch 232 matching the latching protrusion 12 is provided on the inner wall of the guide groove 23. The second latch 232 is located between the first latch 231 and the other end of the guide groove 23. Exemplarily, in this embodiment of the present invention, a second latch 232 is also provided in the section of the guide groove 23 between the first latch 231 and the other end of the guide groove 23. When the operator moves the carrier rod 1 away from the latch of the first latch 231 and slides it a certain distance towards the protective sleeve 21, the latching protrusion 12 and the second latch 232 engage again to achieve limiting and fixing. Through the preset interval, the carrier rod sheet 11 can be completely extended and exposed outside the sealing metal ring 22 at this time, which facilitates the operator to carry the embryo sample and perform vitrification freezing operations, avoids pushing it out too far and separating it from the sheath 2, and further ensures the stability of operation and structure.

[0025] Optionally, multiple first latches 231 and second latches 232 are provided. Multiple first latches 231 are arranged adjacent to each other and spaced apart along the axial direction of the sheath tube 2, and multiple second latches 232 are arranged adjacent to each other and spaced apart along the axial direction of the sheath tube 2. Exemplarily, in a preferred embodiment of this utility model, three first latches 231 for limiting the initial and retracted states of the carrier rod 1, and three second latches 232 for limiting the extended and exposed state of the carrier rod 1, are provided along the extension direction of the guide groove 23, and are arranged with small intervals between them. During the process of switching the carrier rod 1 between two states, the operator can receive multiple locking prompts when it is about to reach the desired position and after it has reached the desired position. Simultaneously, it serves as a backup locking position that cooperates with the locking protrusion 12 for fixation, ensuring that the carrier rod 1 can be accurately adjusted into position.

[0026] Optionally, one end of the sheath 2 is provided with a mating installation section 24 with a smaller outer diameter, and the protective sleeve 21 is fixedly fitted onto the mating installation section 24. Exemplarily, in this embodiment of the invention, one end of the sheath 2 is provided with a mating installation section 24 specifically designed for a variable-diameter fit with the protective sleeve 21. During product assembly, the inner ring of the protective sleeve 21 is aligned with the outer ring of the mating installation section 24 for axial nesting, and a special tool is used to heat and press the outer ring of the protective sleeve 21 in the mating section to achieve a tight fit. Simultaneously, the variable-diameter fit ensures that the outer walls of the protective sleeve 21 and the sheath 2 are relatively flush after installation, improving the structural integrity and aesthetics of the integrated refrigeration support rod.

[0027] Optionally, a first anti-slip texture 13 is provided on the side wall of the support rod 1, arranged axially, and the first anti-slip texture 13 is embedded between the openings of the guide groove 23. Exemplarily, in this embodiment of the invention, by providing a protruding first anti-slip texture 13 structure on the section of the support rod 1 embedded between the openings of the guide groove 23, the toothed anti-slip texture on its surface increases the contact area and friction between the support rod 1 and the operator's fingers when performing a pushing operation, reducing relative slippage during operation and providing better control and ease of operation.

[0028] Optionally, a second anti-slip texture 25 arranged axially is provided on the side wall of the sheath tube 2. Furthermore, by providing the second anti-slip texture 25 arranged axially at the bottom of the sheath tube 2, that is, on the other side opposite to the opening of the guide groove 23, the stability of the operator's hand grip on the sheath tube 2 during operation is further improved, preventing it from loosening and slipping.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the invention, the sheath 2 can be manufactured in various colors during injection molding to match the carrier rod 1, thereby increasing the distinguishability of the samples being carried.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an” or “a” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “comprising” or “including” and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding “comprising” or “including” encompass the elements or objects listed following “comprising” or “including” and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms “connected” or “linked” and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0031] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., 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. An integrated refrigeration support rod, characterized in that, include: The support rod (1) and the sheath (2). One end of the rod body (1) is provided with a rod plate (11) and is coaxially slidably engaged with the sheath (2); One end of the sheath (2) is coaxially connected to a protective sleeve (21). A sealing metal ring (22) is provided at the end of the protective sleeve (21) away from the sheath (2). A guide groove (23) for guiding the carrier plate (11) is provided axially on the side wall of the sheath (2). The guide groove (23) communicates with the protective sleeve (21). The carrier plate (11) can move between the retracted position inside the protective sleeve (21) and the advancing position outside the protective sleeve (21). The sealing metal ring (22) is configured to close the end of the protective sleeve (21) when radially pressed.

2. The integrated refrigeration support rod according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing metal ring (22) has a pre-cut slit (221) extending axially on its side wall.

3. The integrated refrigeration support rod according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing metal ring (22) is fixedly fitted onto the outer wall of the protective sleeve (21) away from the sheath (2); or the sealing metal ring (22) is fixedly nested into the protective sleeve (21) away from the sheath (2).

4. The integrated refrigeration support rod according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective sleeve (21) has a pre-set marking line (211) located between the sealing metal ring (22) and the end of the protective sleeve (21) near the sheath (2).

5. The integrated refrigeration support rod according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The side wall of the support rod (1) is provided with a snap-fit ​​protrusion (12), and the inner wall of the guide groove (23) away from the protective sleeve (21) is provided with a first snap-fit ​​(231) that matches the snap-fit ​​protrusion (12).

6. The integrated refrigeration support rod according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inner wall of the guide groove (23) is provided with a second latch (232) that matches the latching protrusion (12). The second latch (232) is located between the first latch (231) and the other end of the guide groove (23).

7. The integrated refrigeration support rod according to claim 6, characterized in that, Multiple first bayonets (231) and multiple second bayonets (232) are provided. Multiple first bayonets (231) are arranged adjacent to each other and spaced apart along the axial direction of the sheath (2). Multiple second bayonets (232) are arranged adjacent to each other and spaced apart along the axial direction of the sheath (2).

8. The integrated refrigeration support rod according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The protective sleeve (21) is a transparent thin-walled plastic tube.

9. The integrated refrigeration support rod according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The side wall of the support rod (1) is provided with a first anti-slip texture (13) arranged along the axial direction, and the first anti-slip texture (13) is embedded between the openings of the guide groove (23).

10. The integrated refrigeration support rod according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The sheath (2) has a second anti-slip texture (25) arranged along the axial direction on its side wall.

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