Automated cryogenic storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryogenic storage systems require manual handling of sample racks, which is inefficient and prone to errors, and do not provide an automated method for accessing and retrieving samples from a cryogenic environment.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic storage system with an automated retrieval system that includes a drive system, insulating sleeve, and rack puller to rotate and elevate sample racks for easy access through a top port, allowing for automated and manual retrieval of samples while maintaining the cryogenic environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual handling of sample racks is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service retrieval where the drive system automatically rotates the rack carrier and the rack puller automatically elevates selected racks through the access port, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated mechanical system consisting of a drive system with a rack carrier rotation mechanism and a rack puller with elevation mechanism, substituting human labor with automated mechanical components
2Device complexity
If manual handling of sample racks is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs rack selection and retrieval operations autonomously without human intervention, eliminating human error sources while maintaining system reliability through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that provide feedback on rack positions and retrieval status, ensuring accurate and reliable operation by monitoring and adjusting the automated processes in real-time
3Productivity
If automated retrieval system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated retrieval system is divided into distinct functional modules: a drive system for rotating the rack carrier and a rack puller for elevating racks, allowing independent optimization and maintenance of each component while achieving high overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The rack carrier serves multiple functions by both storing multiple sample racks and rotating to position selected racks, while the rack puller simultaneously engages and elevates racks through the access port, reducing the number of separate components needed
4Reliability
If automated retrieval system is implemented, then reliability is improved by reducing human error, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves high reliability through automated self-service operations where the drive system and rack puller autonomously perform retrieval tasks without human intervention, eliminating human error while keeping complexity manageable through automation
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 precise automated retrieval of samples, reducing human error and improving operational efficiency while maintaining the integrity of the cryogenic storage environment.
Implementation Method 1
The insulating sleeve houses the selected sample rack above the port
Implementation Method 2
The insulating sleeve may further include an inlet to channel an expellant gas into the insulating sleeve
Data Source
AI summary
An automated cryogenic storage system includes a freezer and an automation system to provide automated transfer of samples to and from the freezer. The freezer includes a bearing and a drive shaft though the freezer, the drive shaft being coupled to a rack carrier inside the freezer and adapted to be coupled to a motor. The automation module includes a rack puller that is automatically positioned above an access port of the freezer. The rack puller engages with a sample rack within the freezer, and elevates the rack into an insulating sleeve external to the freezer. From the insulating sleeve, samples can be added to and removed from the sample rack before it is returned to the freezer.