Cryocane With Pivotable Finger Retention For Cryovial Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for long-term storage of biological materials in cryovials do not efficiently manage and align multiple cryovials during both horizontal and vertical orientations, particularly when transitioning between storage and handling positions.
Innovation Solution
A cryocane device with a rod structure featuring radially extending fingers that engage with holding points, allowing pivotable support and secure alignment of cryovials, ensuring they remain vertically aligned during storage and handling, with geometries that prevent finger disengagement in vertical configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cryovials are stored in a dewar without a specialized holding device, then the storage capacity is maximized, but the alignment and manipulation of multiple cryovials becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cryocane as an intermediary device between the user and the cryovials. This cryocane features a rod with multiple holding points that can simultaneously engage with fingers on multiple cryovials, serving as a mediator to manipulate multiple vials together as a single unit, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The cryocane is segmented into multiple holding points distributed along its length, each capable of independently engaging a finger from a different cryovial. This segmentation allows the device to handle multiple cryovials simultaneously while maintaining individual engagement points, resolving the contradiction between storage density and manipulative ease
2Stability of the object's composition
If cryovials are held in a fixed position during storage, then alignment is maintained, but the ability to pivot and access cryovials during handling is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The holding points on the cryocane are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to adapt to different orientations. When the dewar is vertical, gravity and the geometry of the holding points maintain stable vertical alignment. When the dewar is tilted or horizontal for access, the holding points allow the cryocane and attached cryovials to pivot smoothly, thus providing both stability during storage and adaptability during handling
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on the dewar orientation. In vertical storage position, the holding points engage to maintain fixed vertical alignment. During horizontal access operations, the same holding points permit pivoting motion, effectively changing the degree of constraint from rigid to flexible based on operational context
3Reliability
If the holding points are designed to securely retain fingers, then cryovials are prevented from disengagement, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding points are designed to automatically engage with the fingers on cryovials through simple geometric interlocking, without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex actuation systems. The design leverages the inherent geometry of the finger and holding point interface to provide secure retention, achieving reliability while minimizing added complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A kit for performing long term storage of biological matter is provided. The kit includes an elongate rod, extending between opposed first and second ends, and at least one holding point disposed upon the rod between the first and second ends, the holding point comprising a recess defined within a wall. A cryovial with an internal volume is configured to receive a biological sample therein, the cryovial comprising at least one finger that extends radially outward from an outer circumference thereof, wherein the finger is configured to releasably mate with the at least one holding point upon the rod.