RFID-Enabled Specimen Holder for Cryogenic Sample Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and managing biological samples stored at cryogenic temperatures face challenges such as label smudging, loss, and frost interference, leading to increased time and effort in recording and auditing, which can damage the samples.
Innovation Solution
An RFID-enabled specimen holder with a wireless transponder that can withstand cryogenic temperatures, allowing for secure and efficient identification and tracking of biological samples through a unique identifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If manual labels are attached to storage devices for identification, then identification information can be provided, but the labels can fall off or become smudged leading to unidentifiable samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical labels with RFID tags that store identification information electronically. The RFID tag contains a unique identifier that can be read wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical labels that can fall off or become smudged. The identification information is copied from the manual label format into an electronic storage medium that is more reliable in cryogenic conditions.
2Ease of operation
If samples are removed from liquid nitrogen for auditing or identification, then access to sample information is enabled, but the time spent outside the dewar increases and can damage the samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical identification methods (visual inspection of labels or barcodes) with RFID wireless identification. RFID readers can read tags through the container walls without removing samples from liquid nitrogen, eliminating the need for visual inspection that requires sample removal and is hindered by frost.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag acts as an intermediary between the sample and the identification system. The tag stores identification information and can be read wirelessly through the container wall, serving as a mediator that allows identification without direct visual access to the sample or its label.
3Productivity
If barcodes are used for identification, then automated reading is possible, but frost formation blocks optical observance and diffracts light making reading difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical barcode identification with RFID wireless identification. RFID uses electromagnetic fields to communicate between the tag and reader, bypassing the optical interference caused by frost. The electromagnetic waves can penetrate the frost and container wall to read the tag information.
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 accurate and rapid identification of biological samples without thawing, reducing the time required for inventory management and minimizing sample damage.
Implementation Method 1
The specimen holder includes a wireless transponder affixed to the external surface of the stick proximal of the specimen engagement area. In one aspect, the wireless transponder includes a passive RFID tag.
Data Source
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AI summary
A specimen holder includes a stick and an RFID tag. The stick is elongate along a longitudinal direction, and has a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end with respect to the longitudinal direction. The stick includes an outer surface and a distal portion of the outer surface that is closer to the distal end than the proximal end. The stick further includes an internal cavity that extends from a first terminal end to a second terminal end. The stick includes a midplane that is normal to the longitudinal direction, and the midplane is located equidistant between the distal end and the proximal end. The first terminal end, the second terminal end and an entirety of the internal cavity are all located between the midplane and the proximal end. The RFID tag is positioned within the internal cavity.