Cryogenic Sample Storage Layout for Ice-Free Automated Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-temperature storage systems for laboratory samples face challenges in maintaining reliable operation and controlling humidity, leading to ice deposits and equipment malfunction, especially when manually accessing samples stored at very low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A low-temperature storage system with a storage zone at temperatures below −50°C, a handling zone above it maintained between 0°C and −20°C, and a chamber for easier access and maintenance, equipped with an automated transport device and a gas supply for dry gas to prevent humidity and ice formation, along with a design allowing for easy mounting and removal of storage racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual access to the storage zone is performed, then sample retrieval is possible, but temperature stability is affected and ice deposits accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into a cold storage zone (below -50°C) and a warmer handling zone (above -20°C but below 0°C), separated by a threshold. The automated transport device transfers samples between these zones, allowing manual access only to the warmer handling zone while the cold storage zone remains sealed and temperature-stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated transport device acts as an intermediary between the cold storage zone and the warmer handling zone. It automatically transfers samples without human intervention, eliminating the need for manual access to the cold zone and preventing temperature fluctuations and ice deposit accumulation.
2Extent of automation
If automated transport device is placed in the storage zone, then sample manipulation is automated, but equipment reliability decreases due to low temperature effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the automated transport device from the extreme cold storage zone, placing it in a warmer handling zone instead. This segmentation allows the automated device to operate in more favorable temperature conditions while still achieving automated sample transport through the threshold into the cold storage zone.
3Reliability
If storage zone is well-insulated, then temperature stability is maintained, but access for maintenance and sample loading is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage into a sealed, well-insulated cold storage zone and a warmer, accessible handling zone. The handling zone serves as an interface that maintains the insulation of the cold zone while providing easy access for maintenance and sample loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling zone acts as an intermediary space between the user and the cold storage zone. All maintenance and loading operations are performed in this warmer zone, which can be accessed without compromising the insulation and temperature stability of the cold storage zone.
4Device complexity
If humidity control is not implemented, then equipment operation is simpler, but ice deposits accumulate and affect operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system preliminarily controls humidity by maintaining the handling zone at a temperature above -20°C but below 0°C, which prevents moisture from condensing and freezing. This preliminary humidity control in the handling zone prevents ice deposits before they can form in the cold storage zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling zone serves as a humidity control intermediary, capturing and managing moisture before it can enter the cold storage zone. By maintaining controlled conditions in this intermediate zone, the system prevents humidity-related problems without requiring complex humidity control systems throughout the entire storage facility.
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 system ensures reliable manipulation of samples at low temperatures, minimizes ice deposits, and provides controlled access for maintenance, maintaining the integrity of the storage environment while allowing for efficient sample handling and storage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cooling unit for cooling the storage zone to the first temperature
Implementation Method 2
a gas supply adapted and structured to feed dry gas to the storage zone and to maintain an overpressure in the storage zone
Implementation Method 3
a gas supply adapted and structured to feed dry gas to the storage zone and to maintain an overpressure in the storage zone
Data Source
AI summary
The storage comprises, from the bottom to the top, a low temperature storage zone, for storing the samples, a handling zone, housing at least part of an automatic transport device, and an access zone, where the user can enter for maintenance. A separating wall consisting of removable panels insulates the access zone, for the rooms below it. A peripheral housing, contains a peripheral chamber for temporarily storing the samples at slightly higher temperatures. A liquid nitrogen container, is used to feed dry gas to the storage zone and to maintain it under slight overpressure for preventing the entry of moisture.