Cryogenic Carrying Case With LN2 Control and Temperature Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting and storing biomaterials, such as bone grafts and skin grafts, are inefficient and prone to temperature fluctuations, leading to reduced viability and increased risk of graft failure due to inadequate monitoring and handling practices.
Innovation Solution
A portable, compact cryogenic carrying case with a microcontrolled multicore pressure system for temperature regulation, integrated sterile instruments, and communication capabilities to monitor and log the biomaterial's temperature, location, and handling, ensuring proper storage and preparation for surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If biomaterials are transported on dry ice by distribution companies, then the biomaterials can be kept at low temperatures during transport, but the cost increases and one-time use containers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous temperature monitoring with data loggers that record temperature at regular intervals during transport. The system provides feedback through visual indicators (LED lights) and digital displays showing current temperature status, allowing real-time verification that biomaterials remain within required temperature ranges without requiring manual checking or trust in the carrier's procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary temperature monitoring system between the dry ice and the biomaterials. This includes insulated container walls, temperature-sensing probes positioned near the biomaterials, and data logging devices that act as mediators to measure and record the actual temperature experienced by the biomaterials, providing objective verification independent of the shipping method
2Loss of information
If manual checking of biomaterial shipments is performed at each transport stage, then some record of transport is maintained, but full knowledge of what is happening to the biomaterials remains deficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated temperature monitoring and data logging throughout the entire transport chain, eliminating gaps in information that occur with manual checking. The system continuously records temperature, location (via GPS), and handling events without interruption, providing an unbroken chain of custody and condition data from origin to destination without requiring personnel intervention at each checkpoint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical checking procedures with automated electronic monitoring systems. Temperature sensors, data loggers, and communication modules automatically track and report biomaterial conditions without human intervention, substituting the manual form-checking process with an automated information gathering and transmission system that provides complete and accurate data
3Temperature
If biomaterials are transferred from dry ice to -80°C freezer or liquid nitrogen tank without delay, then temperature stability is maintained, but this vital step can be overlooked in a busy hospital
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the receiving facility in advance by providing them with real-time transport data and pre-cooling the storage containers. The system notifies the receiving hospital when the biomaterials are approaching, allowing them to prepare the -80°C freezer or liquid nitrogen tank in advance. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for rushed transfers and ensures the receiving facility is ready to immediately continue the cold chain without delay
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the transport system to self-manage the transfer process by providing automated temperature monitoring and alerts that guide hospital personnel through the transfer procedure. The system independently tracks when transfer is needed, notifies appropriate staff, and provides step-by-step guidance, reducing reliance on human memory and attention in busy hospital environments
4Measurement precision
If temperature monitoring is performed every 24 hours, then some temperature data is recorded, but this frequency is insufficient to detect suboptimal temperatures that harm biologicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic temperature monitoring at multiple frequency levels: continuous recording at high frequency (every few seconds or minutes) for detailed detection, and summary reporting at lower frequency (hourly or daily) for overview. This multi-level periodic monitoring captures both transient temperature excursions and overall trends, providing comprehensive temperature history without requiring constant high-level intervention, thus achieving high measurement precision with manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs excessive monitoring capacity by continuously recording temperature data at high frequency beyond what is minimally required, then selectively analyzing only the relevant portions. This ensures that no temperature excursion is missed while allowing the system to focus computational resources on analyzing critical events rather than processing every data point, effectively achieving high measurement precision without proportionally increasing operational complexity
5Volume of stationary object
If older shipments are stored in the same freezer as newer ones, then freezer space is utilized, but older shipments can become confused with newer ones reducing cell viability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates unique digital copies of shipment information including patient ID, shipment date, and temperature profile that are stored electronically and linked to each physical container through unique identifiers (barcodes or RFID tags). This digital twin system allows the freezer management system to track and distinguish each shipment's identity and age without requiring physical separation, enabling accurate identification and retrieval while maximizing freezer space utilization through efficient stacking and storage arrangements
6Temperature
If biomaterials are removed from freezer to be ready for use, then they become too warm due to delays causing loss of cell viability, but keeping them in freezer maintains temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes biomaterials from the freezer in advance of surgery and maintains them in a controlled intermediate state using the portable carrying case with active temperature control. The system begins warming or maintaining the biomaterials at optimal temperature hours before the scheduled procedure, allowing sufficient preparation time without rushing the final transfer from freezer, thus eliminating the trade-off between early removal and last-minute temperature control
7Temperature
If distributors have personnel wait in the room ready for surgery, then biomaterial temperature is controlled, but this is very expensive and highly inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The portable carrying case is equipped with autonomous temperature control capabilities including heating elements, cooling systems, and automated temperature regulation that allow it to independently maintain biomaterials at optimal temperature without requiring a distributor representative to be present. The system self-monitors temperature, self-adjusts to maintain setpoints, and provides alerts only when intervention is needed, transforming from a service requiring human attendance to a self-sufficient device that eliminates the need for expensive on-site support staff
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 case maintains biomaterials at precise temperatures, reduces the risk of graft failure by ensuring proper handling and monitoring, and facilitates real-time data tracking, enhancing the viability and success rate of biomaterial procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an internal microcontrolled multicore pressure system, simplifies transportation and storage of biomaterials
Data Source
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AI summary
[0060] A compact, mobile communicating carrying case for the transport and storage of temperature sensitive materials. The carrying case regulates to preset cryogenic temperatures without external input. Cryogenic temperature control is provided by use of a liquid nitrogen cooling system. A microprocessor controlled double function solenoid, temperature sensors, and several mechanical one way release valves regulate the cooling system. Peripheral integrated modules collect, send, receive and display information such as location, core temperature, and the nature of the enclosed material. The carrying case provides a compact laser etched working area, in addition to a set of basic surgical instruments, needed for procedures using biological materials.