Cryobag Thawing Heater Plates for Uniform Cell Warming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thawing methods for cryogenically preserved cells in bag-format vessels are inconsistent, technique-dependent, and prone to contamination, with inadequate control over the thawing process, leading to potential cell damage and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A sample thawing device with independently controllable heating plates and sensors for precise temperature control, eliminating liquid contact and using a cantilever assembly for uniform heat transfer, along with a drawer mechanism for automated thawing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual thawing methods are used, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but consistency and reliability of thawing process deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesimplicityVSAvoidconsistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thawing device automatically monitors temperature and adjusts heating power without user intervention. The microprocessor controller continuously reads temperature sensor data and modulates heater output to maintain optimal thawing conditions, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while ensuring consistent results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the sample temperature and feed this information back to the microprocessor controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts heating power to maintain the temperature within the optimal range, ensuring reliable and consistent thawing outcomes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If rapid thawing is performed, then time efficiency is improved, but cell damage from temperature gradients increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethawing speedVSAvoidcell damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system applies heat locally and selectively to different regions of the sample container. Temperature sensors positioned at multiple locations detect local temperature variations, and the controller adjusts heating zones to eliminate temperature gradients, preventing cell damage while maintaining efficient thawing speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes heating parameters (power level, duration, distribution) based on real-time temperature measurements. The microprocessor adjusts heating intensity and timing to optimize the thawing rate, maintaining speed while preventing excessive temperature gradients that would damage cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If automated temperature control is implemented, then thawing consistency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethawing consistencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical monitoring and adjustment with an automated electronic control system. A microprocessor controller with temperature sensors and electronic heating elements automates the thawing process, providing consistent results while the modular design keeps the overall system manageable in complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Use of energy by moving object

If liquid contact thawing methods are used, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an intermediary heating mechanism (conductive heating plates or controlled electromagnetic heating) to transfer heat to the sample without direct liquid contact. This intermediary method maintains efficient heat transfer while eliminating the contamination risk associated with liquid baths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Provides consistent, controlled, and efficient thawing of cryobags, minimizing cell damage and contamination, suitable for field applications and larger volumes, with improved heat transfer efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

using a cantilever assembly for uniform heat transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

independently controllable heating plates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

During the transition from the cryogenic storage temperature to the conclusion of the phase change to a completely liquid state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS12584833B2Systems, devices, and methods for automated thawing of bag-format storage vessels

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 BIOLIFE SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

The present invention discloses sample thawing devices, systems, and methods, that are configured to take bag-format sample vessels, referred to as “cryobags”, and to thaw the contents of such cryobags. The contents of such cryobags are samples with cells, and the thawing of such samples is based on the temperature, volume, and mass of the sample in order to evenly distribute heat and avoid ice crystallization damage to the cells during thawing. Paired heater plates form an assembly configured to support, clamp, and thaw individual cryobags. The heater plate pair has an articulated member that is repositioning to provide for ease in inserting and removing samples.