Automated vault module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryopreservation systems require manual handling of samples, which can lead to temperature fluctuations and inefficiencies in storing and retrieving biological samples at cryogenic temperatures, and lack automated systems for transferring samples between cryogenic environments.
Innovation Solution
An automated cryogenic storage system with multiple storage vaults and a sample handling module that maintains samples at cryogenic temperatures while allowing for automated transfer between vaults and removable cryogenic devices, using a robotic arm and controlled refrigeration to manage temperature and humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of samples is used, then ease of operation is improved, but temperature control and storage integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sample handling system performs operations autonomously without human intervention. The robotic arm, transfer mechanism, and cryogenic environment control work together to automatically retrieve, transfer, and store samples while maintaining temperature integrity, eliminating the need for manual handling while ensuring reliable temperature control throughout the process.
2Reliability
If automated sample handling is implemented, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sample handling system is divided into distinct functional modules: a robotic arm for sample retrieval, a transfer mechanism for moving samples between environments, and a cryogenic storage system for temperature maintenance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve reliable temperature control, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable.
3Productivity
If rapid transfer of samples is achieved, then productivity is improved, but maintaining cryogenic temperature during transfer becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer mechanism is designed to move samples rapidly through the non-cryogenic environment, minimizing the time samples are exposed to temperatures above the cryogenic threshold. By rushing through the warm zone as quickly as possible and immediately returning samples to the cryogenic environment, the system achieves high transfer speed while maintaining temperature integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If automated transfer between multiple storage vaults is enabled, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sample handling system is designed with universal components that can interface with multiple storage vaults and different sample container types. The robotic arm, transfer mechanism, and control system are configured to handle various sample formats and transfer between different cryogenic storage environments, providing versatility without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
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
Enables continuous maintenance of samples at cryogenic temperatures, facilitates efficient and rapid transfer of individual samples between storage environments, and ensures consistent temperature control during handling, thereby enhancing storage integrity and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining samples under a cryogenic temperature threshold (e.g., −134° C.)
Implementation Method 2
provide for storing a plurality of samples in a cryogenic environment
Implementation Method 3
move the sample quickly through a non-cryogenic environment while maintaining the sample under the cryogenic temperature threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic storage system provides automated storage and retrieval of samples in a cryogenic environment, as well as automated transfer of individual samples between cryogenic environments. Stored samples are maintained under a cryogenic temperature threshold, while also enabling access to the samples. The samples may be organized and tracked by scanning a barcode of each sample. The storage system can include multiple storage vaults and provide for transfer of individual samples between the storage vaults, as well as between a storage vault and a removable cryogenic storage device.