Cryogenic storage and freezing beaker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryopreservation methods using liquid nitrogen require continuous monitoring and addition to maintain temperature, leading to temperature fluctuations and potential confusion in storing biological materials from different sources.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic storage system with a double-walled pod and cold finger configuration, utilizing a mechanical cooler to maintain constant temperatures between 14 to 55 Kelvin, and including electronic tracking and identification components for accurate storage and transport of biological materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid nitrogen is used for cryopreservation storage, then low temperature storage is achieved, but temperature fluctuations occur and continuous monitoring is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cold finger as an intermediary thermal coupling element between the cooling source and the storage beaker. This cold finger acts as a heat transfer mediator that maintains stable thermal contact, ensuring consistent cooling without requiring direct liquid nitrogen contact, thereby reducing temperature fluctuations while maintaining cryopreservation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of continuously adding liquid nitrogen with an automated mechanical cooler system. The mechanical cooler automatically maintains the required temperature without human intervention, eliminating temperature fluctuations caused by manual refilling and providing stable, reliable cryopreservation storage.
2Productivity
If multiple biological materials are stored in the same vessel, then storage efficiency is improved, but confusion and mix-ups increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple separate storage beakers, each dedicated to specific biological materials. This segmentation physically separates different materials while maintaining efficient storage capacity, eliminating confusion and mix-ups that occur when multiple materials are stored together in a single vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements electronic tracking and identification systems that create digital copies and records of biological material information. These electronic identifiers track each material's origin, location, and history, ensuring accurate identification and preventing mix-ups while allowing efficient storage management.
3Temperature
If liquid nitrogen is continuously added to maintain temperature, then storage temperature is maintained, but time and effort for monitoring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating cooling system using a mechanical cooler that automatically maintains the required storage temperature without human intervention. The system monitors and adjusts cooling automatically, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and refilling of liquid nitrogen, thereby saving time and effort while maintaining stable temperatures.
4Temperature
If conventional cryopreservation systems are used, then basic storage is achieved, but temperature control precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature monitoring and electronic tracking systems that provide continuous feedback on storage conditions. This feedback mechanism allows for precise temperature control by detecting and responding to temperature changes, ensuring high measurement precision and accurate maintenance of cryopreservation temperatures.
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 provides stable cryopreservation and reduces the risk of temperature fluctuations and mix-ups by maintaining consistent low temperatures and enabling precise tracking and identification of biological materials.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical cooler configured to maintain the temperature of the cold finger to between 14 to 55 Kelvin
Implementation Method 2
a double-walled pod having a vacuum area disposed within the double-walled pod
Implementation Method 3
a cold finger that may be configured to thermally couple the storage beaker to the cooling source
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to providing a cryogenic storage device and system that can be regulated at a constant temperature for cryopreservation of biological materials. A cryogenic storage system for cryopreservation of biological materials is provided that may include a storage beaker having at least one storage chamber formed therein, a cooling source, and a cold finger that may be configured to thermally couple the storage beaker to the cooling source.