Cryogenic storage system and method of transporting a sample in a cryogenic storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryogenic storage systems lack efficient methods for organizing, tracking, and transferring samples between different cryogenic storage freezers and input/output ports, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential sample integrity issues due to manual handling and temperature control challenges.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic storage system with a transfer module that includes a working chamber maintaining a cryogenic environment for sample tube transfer, a box transport robot for moving sample boxes between freezers and I/O ports, and a picker robot for transferring tubes between boxes, equipped with mechanisms to handle various sample box formats and maintain temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling of sample boxes is used in traditional cryogenic storage systems, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and sample transfer efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated robots that perform sample box transport and sample tube transfer operations independently without human intervention. The first robot autonomously navigates between storage freezers and the working chamber to transport sample boxes, while the second robot automatically transfers sample tubes between boxes within the working chamber, enabling the system to service itself
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling operations are replaced with automated robotic systems equipped with specialized end effectors. The robots use programmable control systems and automated gripping mechanisms to perform tasks previously requiring human hands, thereby increasing productivity while managing complexity through automation
2Reliability
If sample boxes are frequently removed from cryogenic environment for manual access, then ease of operation improves, but sample integrity and temperature control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
An automated robotic system acts as an intermediary between the user and the cryogenic storage environment. The robots perform all sample access operations through automated mechanisms, eliminating the need for users to manually remove sample boxes from the cryogenic environment. This maintains temperature stability and sample integrity while still providing access functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to access samples through automated interfaces without physically entering or manipulating the cryogenic environment. The robotic systems handle all extraction, transfer, and return operations autonomously, allowing users to retrieve samples through simple commands while the samples remain protected in the controlled cryogenic environment throughout the process
3Productivity
If automated robotic systems are implemented for sample transfer, then productivity improves, but device complexity and initial cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules: a first robot dedicated to sample box transport between storage freezers and working chamber, a second robot dedicated to sample tube transfer within boxes, specialized end effectors for gripping, and a controlled working chamber. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance and operation
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic systems are designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple sample box formats and configurations. The end effectors can adapt to different box types, and the robots can perform various operations including transport, positioning, and transfer tasks, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each function
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample box formats are accommodated, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and handling mechanism complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The end effectors incorporate adjustable and reconfigurable gripping mechanisms that can dynamically adapt to different sample box formats. The gripping force, jaw position, and configuration can be modified programmatically to match the specific dimensions and features of various box types, allowing a single mechanism to handle multiple formats without requiring separate specialized grippers for each format
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 efficient and organized transfer of samples between cryogenic storage freezers and I/O ports, maintaining sample integrity by maintaining temperatures below the glass transition temperature, and accommodating various sample box formats, thus improving storage and retrieval processes.
Implementation Method 1
a working chamber (120) configured to maintain a cryogenic environment for transfer of sample tubes between different sample boxes
Implementation Method 2
maintaining temperatures below the glass transition temperature
Implementation Method 3
The box transport robot may maintain an environment above a glass transition temperature of the samples being transported through the chamber
Implementation Method 4
The ejector may include a pair of arms configured to clamp opposite sides of the first sample box. The ejector may also include a floor configured to support a sample box, where the floor includes one or more portions that are depressible via a force applied by the box transport robot
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A cryogenic storage system (100) includes a transfer module (101) configured to service one or more cryogenic storage freezers (105a). The transfer module (101) includes a working chamber (120) that maintains a cryogenic environment for the transfer of sample tubes between different sample boxes. One or more freezer ports (108a) enable the transfer module (101) to receive a sample box extracted from a respective freezer (105a). An input/output (I/O) port (125) enables external access to samples. A box transport robot (130) operates to transport sample boxes between the freezer ports (108a), the working chamber (120), and the I/O port (125). A picker robot (140) operates to transfer sample tubes between sample boxes within the working chamber (120).