Automated cryogenic storage system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryogenic storage systems require manual handling of sample racks, which is inefficient and prone to errors, as they need to be manually removed from the cryogenic environment for access or addition of samples, leading to potential temperature fluctuations and increased operational risks.
Innovation Solution
An automated cryogenic storage system with a freezer and retrieval system that includes a drive system, insulating sleeve, and rack puller, allowing for automated rotation and elevation of sample racks through a port for easy access, maintaining the cryogenic environment and enabling automated sample retrieval and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling of sample racks is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but efficiency and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service operation where the retrieval system independently rotates the rack carrier, positions selected racks, and transfers them through the port without requiring manual intervention inside the cryogenic environment, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity from the user perspective
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated retrieval system that uses a motorized rack carrier rotation mechanism and automated rack positioning system, substituting human labor with mechanical automation to improve productivity
2Ease of operation
If manual removal of racks from cryogenic environment is required, then access flexibility is improved, but temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated retrieval system acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables sample access without requiring direct manual entry into the cryogenic environment. The system rotates and positions racks externally, transferring them through a sealed port, thus maintaining temperature stability while providing operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the access process into external rack positioning and internal rack transfer operations. The rack carrier rotation and rack positioning occur externally without opening the cryogenic environment, separating the access function from the temperature-stable storage environment
3Measurement precision
If automated retrieval system is implemented, then handling precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that provide feedback on rack carrier rotation position and rack location, enabling precise positioning through automated control. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate rack alignment and transfer while managing system complexity through intelligent control
4Ease of operation
If racks are manually accessed through port opening, then operational simplicity is maintained, but operational safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated retrieval system serves as an intermediary that performs all hazardous operations outside the cryogenic environment. The system rotates racks, positions them, and transfers them through the sealed port, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle racks in the cryogenic zone, thus improving safety while maintaining operational simplicity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures efficient, automated, and precise handling of sample racks within the cryogenic environment, reducing human error and maintaining consistent low temperatures, thus enhancing storage integrity and operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
The insulating sleeve houses the selected sample rack above the port
Data Source
AI summary
An automated cryogenic storage system includes a freezer and an automation system to provide automated transfer of samples to and from the freezer. The freezer includes a bearing and a drive shaft though the freezer, the drive shaft being coupled to a rack carrier inside the freezer and adapted to be coupled to a motor. The automation module includes a rack puller that is automatically positioned above an access port of the freezer. The rack puller engages with a sample rack within the freezer, and elevates the rack into an insulating sleeve external to the freezer. From the insulating sleeve, samples can be added to and removed from the sample rack before it is returned to the freezer.