Automated Cryogenic Sample Storage With Dry Gas Ice Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-temperature storage systems for laboratory samples face challenges in maintaining temperature stability and preventing ice deposits, which affect the reliable operation of equipment and sample access, especially when manual access is minimized to avoid temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A low-temperature storage system with a storage zone at temperatures below -50°C, a handling zone above at temperatures between 0°C and -20°C, and an access zone for user access, along with a peripheral chamber for sample handling, utilizing a dry gas supply to prevent humidity and ice formation, and featuring a transport device that moves samples between zones while maintaining controlled temperatures and humidity levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If manual access to the storage zone is avoided to maintain temperature stability, then temperature stability is improved, but sample access convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple zones with different temperature levels: a cold storage zone for sample storage and a warmer handling zone for sample manipulation. This segmentation allows automated robots to operate in the warmer zone while samples are stored in the colder zone, maintaining temperature stability while enabling convenient sample access through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
An automated robot system acts as an intermediary between the cold storage zone and the external environment. The robot retrieves samples from the cold zone, brings them to the handling zone for manipulation, and returns them, thereby eliminating the need for manual access to the cold zone while maintaining temperature stability.
2Productivity
If automated transport device is used to quickly access samples, then sample access speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is segmented into simple vertical shafts for sample transfer and a separate horizontal movement mechanism for the robot. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by breaking down the transport function into basic, manageable components rather than requiring a complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample transport utilizes vertical shafts (vertical dimension) while the robot operates horizontally. This dimensional separation allows independent optimization of each transport mode, simplifying the overall system design while maintaining high sample access speed through efficient vertical-to-horizontal transitions.
3Reliability
If handling zone is maintained at higher temperature for reliable equipment operation, then equipment reliability is improved, but temperature control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct thermal zones: a cold storage zone and a warmer handling zone. Each zone is independently temperature-controlled, allowing the handling zone to be maintained at a temperature suitable for equipment operation while the storage zone remains cold. This segmentation simplifies temperature control by treating each zone as a separate system with its own requirements.
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 operation of equipment, minimizes ice deposits, and provides convenient access to samples while maintaining controlled temperature and humidity conditions, ensuring the stability and integrity of stored samples.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a dry gas supply to prevent humidity and ice formation
Implementation Method 2
The transport device is structured and adapted to move samples between the storage zone, the handling zone and the chamber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The storage comprises, from the bottom to the top, a low temperature storage zone (6) for storing the samples, a handling zone (7) housing at least part of an automatic transport device (9) and an access zone (8) where the user can enter for maintenance. A separating wall (14) consisting of removable panels (15) insulates the access zone (9) for the rooms below it. A peripheral housing (2) contains a peripheral chamber (50) for temporarily storing the samples at slightly higher temperatures. A liquid nitrogen container (4) is used to feed dry gas to the storage zone and to maintain it under slight overpressure for preventing the entry of moisture.