Automated Cryogenic Storage And Retrieval System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryopreservation methods require manual handling of samples in cryogenic storage freezers, which can lead to temperature fluctuations and inefficient access to samples, compromising the integrity and accessibility of biological substances over extended storage periods.
Innovation Solution
An automated cryogenic storage and retrieval system that maintains samples at cryogenic temperatures, featuring a transfer module with a working chamber for sample tube transfer between sample boxes, a box transport robot for moving sample boxes, and a picker robot for transferring individual tubes, enabling automated storage, retrieval, and transfer of samples while maintaining cryogenic conditions and allowing for barcode scanning and identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of samples in cryogenic storage freezers is used, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature stability and sample integrity deteriorate due to temperature fluctuations during manual access
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service operations where the robotic arm autonomously retrieves sample boxes from cryogenic storage, transports them through temperature-controlled corridors, and places them in working chambers without human intervention, thereby maintaining temperature stability and sample integrity
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature-controlled corridor acts as an intermediary between the cryogenic storage environment and the working chamber, serving as a thermal buffer that prevents temperature fluctuations from affecting samples during transfer operations
2Productivity
If manual removal of racks or trays from cryogenic environment is used, then ease of operation is improved for users, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficient access and extended storage times
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of removing and handling racks is replaced by an automated robotic system that uses a robotic arm to autonomously retrieve sample boxes, transport them through corridors, and place them in working chambers, significantly improving sample access efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into multiple independent cryogenic storage freezers with separate working chambers, allowing parallel access to different sample boxes simultaneously, thereby improving overall productivity without compromising user accessibility
3Quantity of substance
If multiple cryogenic storage freezers are used, then quantity of stored samples is increased, but device complexity increases due to multiple transfer modules and coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Each cryogenic storage freezer is designed as a universal module that can independently store different types of samples and can be accessed by any working chamber in the system, allowing the same hardware configuration to serve multiple functions and reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic storage system includes a transfer module configured to service one or more cryogenic storage freezers. The transfer module includes a working chamber that maintains a cryogenic environment for the transfer of sample tubes between different sample boxes. One or more freezer ports enable the transfer module to receive a sample box extracted from a respective freezer. An input/output (I/O) port enables external access to samples. A box transport robot operates to transport sample boxes between the freezer ports, the working chamber, and the I/O port. A picker robot operates to transfer sample tubes between sample boxes within the working chamber.