Cryogenic Storage Bath With Overflow-Controlled Nitrogen Level
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryopreservation and vitrification methods face challenges in maintaining precise control over the level of liquid nitrogen in storage baths, which can lead to inefficient use and handling of biological samples, particularly in cryobanking and assisted reproduction applications.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic storage device with a divided chamber system, utilizing a vertical and horizontal barrier to regulate the level of liquid nitrogen, allowing for automatic overflow control and adjustable positioning of sample-containing vials, ensuring consistent temperature maintenance and efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single undivided chamber is used for cryogenic storage, then the device structure is simple, but the liquid nitrogen level cannot be precisely controlled and sample positioning is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The storage chamber is divided into multiple sub-chambers (first sub-chamber and second sub-chamber) separated by a first barrier. This segmentation allows independent liquid nitrogen level control in each sub-chamber, enabling precise level regulation while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A second barrier extends horizontally from the first barrier to create a multi-dimensional partitioning system. This adds a second spatial dimension to the chamber division, enabling both liquid nitrogen level control and sample vessel positioning in different spatial planes without excessive structural complexity.
2Reliability
If the entire vial is submerged in liquid nitrogen, then the sample is well-preserved, but the cap or closure may be damaged and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the vial are subjected to different temperature conditions: the distal end containing the sample is submerged in liquid nitrogen for reliable preservation, while the proximal end with the cap remains above the liquid nitrogen level to avoid damage and facilitate handling. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between preservation reliability and handling ease.
3Productivity
If manual level regulation is used, then the device structure is simple, but time is wasted and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The divided chamber system with barriers enables automatic liquid nitrogen level regulation through passive overflow control between sub-chambers. The system self-regulates the liquid nitrogen level without requiring manual intervention, improving productivity while keeping the device structure relatively simple through clever use of gravity and chamber partitioning.
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 device enables precise control over the liquid nitrogen level, maintaining optimal temperature conditions for cryopreservation and vitrification, enhancing sample viability and safety while minimizing handling difficulties and costs.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal insulating material covers at least a portion of one or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the container
Implementation Method 2
a first member having a surface extending generally vertically from the bottom wall portion of the container divides the interior chamber into a first sub-chamber adapted for receiving a volume of cryogenic freezing medium and a second sub-chamber
Implementation Method 3
a second member having a surface extending generally horizontally between the sidewall portions of the container, wherein the generally horizontal surface comprises at least one opening formed therein configured to receive one or more biological sample-containing vessels
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the cryopreservation and/or vitrification of a biological sample in a freezing medium is described. The device preferably comprises a bath for receiving a vessel containing a biological sample in liquid-phase nitrogen. In one example, the bath includes a first member extending generally vertically from a bottom wall portion which divides the interior chamber of the bath into a first sub-chamber adapted for receiving a volume of cryogenic freezing medium and a second or overflow sub-chamber adapted to receive freezing medium from the first sub-chamber. A second member extends generally horizontally between the sidewall portions of the bath and includes at least one opening for receiving a biological sample-containing vessel(s). A kit including a cryogenic storage device and a vessel is also described.