Intelligent storage system integrating different temperature zones

Abstract

This utility model discloses an intelligent storage system integrating different temperature zones, relating to the field of biological sample storage technology. It includes a biological sample bank, which is equipped with a primary storage chamber, a secondary storage cabinet, and a tertiary liquid nitrogen tank. It also features a sample retrieval port, a sample conveyor belt, a human-machine interface screen, a single robotic arm, and an independent refrigeration system. The primary storage chamber has two symmetrically arranged storage racks, and a moving track is positioned between these racks. Two robotic arms reciprocate along this track. This system, through integrated design, integrates multi-temperature zone storage devices into a single housing. Combined with the track-type robotic arm, it achieves automated sample transfer. A centralized human-machine interface system enables unified operation and management, effectively solving the problems of dispersed storage devices, cumbersome operation, and data chaos associated with traditional storage devices. This significantly improves the efficiency, convenience, and security of biological sample storage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological sample storage technology, and in particular to an intelligent storage system that integrates different temperature zones. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional biobank equipment mainly includes liquid nitrogen tanks and cryogenic freezers. With the development of automation technology, some equipment has achieved automatic picking of box-level or tube-level samples. However, there are still many shortcomings in practical applications: for example, storage devices in different temperature zones are scattered in different areas, and operators need to walk back and forth to complete the sample picking and placing, which is time-consuming and inconvenient to manage. Moreover, some biological samples need to be cooled before being stored in liquid nitrogen tanks. Traditional methods require manual transfer of samples, which is cumbersome and can easily affect the activity of the samples. Some unmanned biobanks also use an open structure with AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles). The AGVs need to be equipped with additional navigation systems and charging equipment, which makes it difficult to guarantee stability and work efficiency.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides an intelligent storage system that integrates different temperature zones. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an intelligent storage system that integrates different temperature zones, thus solving the problems mentioned in the background section.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution: an intelligent storage system integrating different temperature zones, including a biobank, wherein the biobank is internally divided into a primary storage compartment, and a secondary storage cabinet and a tertiary liquid nitrogen storage tank are placed side by side inside the biobank. The primary storage compartment, the secondary storage cabinet, and the tertiary liquid nitrogen storage tank form an automated storage unit with different temperature zones inside the biobank for storing and refrigerating biological samples.

[0006] The biobank is also equipped with a sample retrieval port, and a placement plate is provided at the port of the sample retrieval port. Inside the biobank, a sample conveyor belt is provided at the sample retrieval port, and a human-computer interaction screen is provided on the outer side of the biobank near the sample retrieval port.

[0007] The primary storage compartment has two rows of storage racks symmetrically arranged inside, and a moving track is set between the two rows of storage racks inside the primary storage compartment. Two robotic arms can move back and forth on the moving track.

[0008] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the interior of the secondary storage cabinet has multiple storage compartments. An electronic tag is embedded directly below each storage compartment in the secondary storage cabinet and directly below each storage compartment on the storage rack. The front side of the secondary storage cabinet is equipped with an inductively operated automatic door.

[0009] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank is equipped with a programmable cooling device, and the storage port of the three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank is connected to a sample storage box that can extend or extend into it via a lift. The sample storage box is also provided with multiple storage compartments, and an electronic tag is embedded directly below each storage compartment. A sensor is also embedded on the front surface of the three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank.

[0010] As a further technical solution of this utility model, a fixing plate is installed on the side of the sample conveyor belt, and an electric push rod is fixed on the fixing plate. The telescopic end of the electric push rod is connected to a push plate at the edge of the upper surface of the sample conveyor belt. The push plate has a U-shaped structure, and infrared sensors are symmetrically installed on both sides of the inner wall of the push plate.

[0011] As a further technical solution of this utility model, a sample inlet is provided on one side of the primary storage chamber corresponding to the push plate, and a support plate is provided inside the primary storage chamber corresponding to the sample inlet. The electric push rod extends and retracts to move the push plate, which can push the sample plate on the sample conveyor belt into the support plate at the rear port of the sample inlet.

[0012] As a further technical solution of this utility model, a second moving track is installed inside the biobank near the secondary storage cabinet and the tertiary liquid nitrogen storage tank, and a single robotic arm that can move back and forth is installed on the second moving track. Both the single robotic arm and the double robotic arm are equipped with label scanners.

[0013] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the two sides of the biobank and one side of the primary storage chamber are provided with sealed movable doors, and the interior of the primary storage chamber and the interior of the secondary storage cabinet are each equipped with an independent refrigeration system.

[0014] As a further technical solution of this utility model, the biobank is also provided with an observation window and an inspection door. The human-machine interface screen is connected to the main controller, and the main controller is electrically connected to the independent refrigeration system, the programmable cooling device, the elevator, the dual robotic arms, the single robotic arm, the electric push rod, the infrared sensor, and the label scanner.

[0015] This invention provides an intelligent storage system that integrates different temperature zones, and has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0016] 1. This design integrates intelligent storage systems with different temperature zones, combining primary storage chambers, secondary storage cabinets, and tertiary liquid nitrogen storage tanks into a single housing to form an integrated storage system with different temperature zones. This avoids the need for dispersed equipment, reduces the need for operators to travel back and forth, lowers time costs, and improves management efficiency. Furthermore, through the use of mobile tracks in conjunction with dual or single robotic arms, the automatic transfer of samples between storage units and human-machine interfaces is achieved without human intervention, reducing the risk of sample contamination and improving storage and retrieval efficiency.

[0017] 2. This design integrates an intelligent storage system with different temperature zones. The three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank is equipped with a programmable cooling device, which can set the cooling program through a human-machine interface screen to achieve automatic cooling of samples before they are put into storage. This eliminates the need for manual sample transfer, ensuring sample activity and simplifying the operation process. In addition, the secondary storage cabinet is equipped with an inductively controlled automatic door to ensure the sealing and temperature stability of each temperature zone. Furthermore, the combination of electronic tags and tag scanners enables accurate identification and positioning of sample information. With the support of a centralized human-machine interface system, sample data from each storage unit can be managed uniformly, avoiding data confusion. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a first structural perspective view of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a second structural perspective view of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a top view of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the push plate and sample inlet in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank and elevator in this utility model.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Biobank; 11. Sealed moving door; 12. Sample retrieval port; 13. Human-machine interface screen; 2. Primary storage compartment; 21. Storage rack; 22. Moving track one; 23. Dual robotic arms; 24. Sample inlet; 3. Secondary storage cabinet; 4. Tertiary liquid nitrogen tank; 41. Sample storage box; 42. Elevator; 43. Programmable cooling device; 5. Sample conveyor belt; 6. Fixing plate; 61. Electric push rod; 62. Push plate; 7. Single robotic arm; 71. Moving track two. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] Please see Figure 1-5 This utility model provides a technical solution for an intelligent storage system integrating different temperature zones: the intelligent storage system integrating different temperature zones includes a biobank 1, which is internally divided into a primary storage compartment 2, and also contains a secondary storage cabinet 3 and a tertiary liquid nitrogen tank 4 placed side by side inside the biobank 1. The primary storage compartment 2, the secondary storage cabinet 3, and the tertiary liquid nitrogen tank 4 form different temperature zones inside the biobank 1 for storing and refrigerating biological samples. Sealed sliding doors 11 are provided on both sides of the biobank 1 and one side of the primary storage compartment 2 to facilitate equipment maintenance and internal cleaning. Both the primary storage chamber 2 and the secondary storage cabinet 3 are equipped with independent refrigeration systems. These independent refrigeration systems allow for independent temperature settings for the primary storage chamber 2 and the secondary storage cabinet 3, facilitating the setting of different temperature zones according to the storage requirements of biological samples. Furthermore, the primary storage chamber 2, the secondary storage cabinet 3, and the tertiary liquid nitrogen storage tank 4 each form different temperature zones through independent refrigeration systems or liquid nitrogen refrigeration. For example, the temperature zone inside the primary storage chamber 2 is -20℃, the temperature zone inside the secondary storage cabinet 3 is -80℃, and the temperature zone inside the tertiary liquid nitrogen storage tank 4 is -190℃, etc., to meet the storage temperature requirements of different biological samples.

[0026] The biobank 1 is equipped with a sample retrieval port 12, and a placement plate is provided at the port of the sample retrieval port 12. A sample conveyor belt 5 is installed inside the biobank 1 corresponding to the sample retrieval port 12 for transferring samples between the retrieval port and the human-machine interface. A human-machine interface screen 13 is installed on the outer side of the biobank 1 near the sample retrieval port 12. The human-machine interface screen 13 is connected to a main controller. The main controller is electrically connected to an independent cooling system, a programmable cooling device 43, a lift 42, dual robotic arms 23, a single robotic arm 7, an electric push rod 61, an infrared sensor, and a label scanner, enabling centralized control of the entire system. Operators can use the human-machine interface screen 13 to set the temperature of each storage unit, control the sample storage and retrieval process, and view sample information and equipment operating status.

[0027] The secondary storage cabinet 3 has multiple storage compartments inside. Electronic tags are embedded directly below each storage compartment in the secondary storage cabinet 3 and directly below each storage compartment on the storage rack 21 to identify sample information and facilitate sample retrieval. The front of the secondary storage cabinet 3 is equipped with an induction automatic opening door. When the single robotic arm 7 moves in front of it, the door opens automatically to facilitate sample storage and retrieval. In addition, the secondary storage cabinet 3 has a built-in independent refrigeration system, which can independently set the temperature according to the needs to adapt to the refrigeration storage requirements of specific samples.

[0028] The three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank 4 is used for ultra-low temperature storage of biological samples. The three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank 4 is equipped with a programmable cooling device 43, which can set the cooling program through the human-machine interface screen 13 to realize automatic program cooling before the sample is put into storage, so as to ensure the activity of the sample. The storage port of the three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank 4 is connected to a sample storage box 41 that can extend or extend into its interior through the elevator 42. The sample storage box 41 is also equipped with multiple storage compartments, and an electronic tag is embedded directly below each storage compartment. Sensors are also embedded on the front surface of the three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank 4. When the single robotic arm 7 moves to the front of the three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank 4, the sensor detects the single robotic arm 7 and transmits a signal to the main controller on the human-machine interface screen 13, thereby controlling the single robotic arm 7 to stop moving and then put the sample plate it grabs into the corresponding storage compartment of the sample storage box 41.

[0029] The primary storage compartment 2 has two rows of storage racks 21 symmetrically arranged inside, and a moving track 22 is set between the two rows of storage racks 21 inside the primary storage compartment 2. Two robotic arms 23 can move back and forth on the moving track 22. The two robotic arms 23 can move along the moving track 22 to grasp and place the samples in each storage compartment of the primary storage compartment 2. Moreover, the two robotic arms 23 are equipped with label scanners, which can accurately place the grasped sample plates into the corresponding storage compartments on the storage racks 21 in conjunction with the two robotic arms 23.

[0030] A fixing plate 6 is installed on the side of the sample conveyor belt 5. An electric push rod 61 is fixed on the fixing plate 6. The telescopic end of the electric push rod 61 is connected to a push plate 62 at the edge of the upper surface of the sample conveyor belt 5. The push plate 62 has a U-shaped structure, and infrared sensors are symmetrically installed on both sides of the inner wall of the push plate 62. A sample inlet 24 is opened on one side of the primary storage compartment 2 corresponding to the push plate 62. A support plate is set inside the primary storage compartment 2 corresponding to the sample inlet 24. The extension and retraction of the electric push rod 61 drives the push plate 62 to move, which can push the sample plate on the sample conveyor belt 5 into the support plate at the rear end of the sample inlet 24. If it is necessary to store the sample plate in the primary storage compartment 2, the two infrared sensors will jointly sense the sample plate on the sample conveyor belt 5. When both infrared sensors sense the sample plate, the electric push rod 61 extends and pushes the push plate 62 to push the sample plate on the sample conveyor belt 5 onto the support plate of the sample inlet 24, so that the sample plate can be picked up and placed into the corresponding storage compartment on the storage rack 21 by the dual robotic arms 23.

[0031] Inside the biobank 1, near the secondary storage cabinet 3 and the tertiary liquid nitrogen storage tank 4, there is a second moving track 71, and a single robotic arm 7 that can move back and forth is installed on the second moving track 71. The single robotic arm 7 is equipped with a label scanner for scanning the electronic tags below the corresponding storage compartment.

[0032] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: When the sample is stored, the operator places the sample plate on the placement plate of the sample retrieval port 12, and inputs the sample information and storage temperature zone command through the human-machine interaction screen 13. After receiving the command, the main controller starts the sample conveyor belt 5 to transport the sample plate.

[0033] If the storage temperature zone is the primary storage compartment 2, when the sample plate is transported to the corresponding position of the push plate 62, both infrared sensors on the inner wall of the push plate 62 will sense the sample plate and send a signal to the main controller. The main controller will control the electric push rod 61 to extend and push the push plate 62 to push the sample plate onto the carrier plate inside the sample inlet 24. Then, the main controller will control the dual robotic arms 23 to move along the moving track 22 to the top of the carrier plate, grab the sample plate, and move it to the corresponding storage cell according to the preset storage position. The label scanner will scan the electronic tag below the storage cell to match the information. After confirming that there is no error, the sample plate will be placed into the storage cell to complete the storage.

[0034] If the storage temperature zone is a secondary storage cabinet 3 or a tertiary liquid nitrogen storage tank 4, after the sample conveyor belt 5 transports the sample plate to the designated position, the single robotic arm 7 moves along the moving track 71 to the top of the sample plate, grabs the sample plate and moves it to the corresponding storage unit. When the single robotic arm 7 moves to the front of the secondary storage cabinet 3, the induction automatic door opens, and the label scanner scans the electronic tag of the storage compartment to match the position and puts in the sample.

[0035] When the single robotic arm 7 moves to the front of the three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank 4, the sensor detects the single robotic arm 7 and sends a signal to the main controller, controlling the single robotic arm 7 to stop moving. At the same time, the programmable cooling device 43 starts cooling according to the preset program. The elevator 42 drives the sample storage box 41 to extend. After the label scanner matches the electronic tag, the single robotic arm 7 puts the sample plate into the storage compartment of the sample storage box 41. Then the elevator 42 drives the sample storage box 41 to retract into the three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank 4, completing the ultra-low temperature storage.

[0036] During sample collection: The operator inputs sample information through the human-machine interface screen 13. After the main controller retrieves the sample storage location, it controls the corresponding robotic arm, such as dual robotic arms 23 or single robotic arms 7, to move to the target storage compartment. The label scanner scans the electronic tag to confirm the sample information. After grabbing the sample, it moves along the track to the sample conveyor belt 5. The sample conveyor belt 5 transports the sample to the sample pick-up and drop-off port 12, where the operator can then retrieve the sample.

[0037] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model. Structures, devices, and operating methods not specifically described or explained in this utility model are implemented according to conventional methods in the art, unless otherwise specified or limited.

Claims

1. An intelligent storage system integrating different temperature zones, including a biobank (1), characterized in that, The biobank (1) is divided into a primary storage compartment (2), and a secondary storage cabinet (3) and a tertiary liquid nitrogen tank (4) are placed side by side inside the biobank (1). The primary storage compartment (2), the secondary storage cabinet (3) and the tertiary liquid nitrogen tank (4) form an automated storage unit with different temperature zones inside the biobank (1) for storing and refrigerating biological samples. The biosample bank (1) is also provided with a sample collection port (12), and a placement plate is provided at the port of the sample collection port (12). A sample conveyor belt (5) is provided inside the biosample bank (1) corresponding to the sample collection port (12), and a human-computer interaction screen (13) is provided on the outer side of the biosample bank (1) near the sample collection port (12). The primary storage compartment (2) is symmetrically provided with two rows of storage racks (21), and a moving track (22) is provided between the two rows of storage racks (21) inside the primary storage compartment (2), on which two robotic arms (23) can reciprocate.

2. The intelligent storage system integrating different temperature zones according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interior of the secondary storage cabinet (3) has multiple storage compartments. Electronic tags are embedded directly below each storage compartment in the secondary storage cabinet (3) and directly below each storage compartment on the storage rack (21). The front side of the secondary storage cabinet (3) is equipped with an inductive automatic opening door.

3. The intelligent storage system integrating different temperature zones according to claim 2, characterized in that, The three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank (4) is equipped with a programmable cooling device (43), and the storage port of the three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank (4) is connected to a sample storage box (41) that can extend or extend into it via an elevator (42). The sample storage box (41) is also equipped with multiple storage compartments, and an electronic tag is embedded directly below each storage compartment. A sensor is also embedded on the front surface of the three-stage liquid nitrogen storage tank (4).

4. The intelligent storage system integrating different temperature zones according to claim 3, characterized in that, A fixing plate (6) is installed on the side of the sample conveyor belt (5). An electric push rod (61) is fixed on the fixing plate (6). The telescopic end of the electric push rod (61) is connected to a push plate (62) at the edge of the upper surface of the sample conveyor belt (5). The push plate (62) has a U-shaped structure, and infrared sensors are symmetrically installed on both sides of the inner wall of the push plate (62).

5. The intelligent storage system integrating different temperature zones according to claim 4, characterized in that, A sample inlet (24) is provided on one side of the primary storage chamber (2) corresponding to the push plate (62). A support plate is provided inside the primary storage chamber (2) corresponding to the sample inlet (24). The electric push rod (61) extends and retracts to drive the push plate (62) to move, which can push the sample plate on the sample conveyor belt (5) into the support plate at the rear port of the sample inlet (24).

6. The intelligent storage system integrating different temperature zones according to claim 5, characterized in that, The biobank (1) is also equipped with a second moving track (71) near the secondary storage cabinet (3) and the tertiary liquid nitrogen storage tank (4), and a single manipulator (7) that can move back and forth is installed on the second moving track (71). Both the single manipulator (7) and the double manipulator (23) are equipped with label scanners.

7. The intelligent storage system integrating different temperature zones according to claim 6, characterized in that, The biobank (1) is equipped with sealed sliding doors (11) on both sides and one side of the primary storage chamber (2). The interior of the primary storage chamber (2) and the interior of the secondary storage cabinet (3) are equipped with independent refrigeration systems.

8. The intelligent storage system integrating different temperature zones according to claim 7, characterized in that, The biobank (1) is also equipped with an observation window and an inspection door. The human-machine interface screen (13) is connected to the main controller. The main controller is electrically connected to the independent refrigeration system, the programmable cooling device (43), the elevator (42), the dual robotic arms (23), the single robotic arm (7), the electric push rod (61), the infrared sensor, and the label scanner.

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