Systems and methods for cryogenic storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic storage systems experience temperature non-uniformity and nitrogen gas discharge issues due to the larger door size compared to racks, leading to inefficiencies in operation and storage stability.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic storage system with an inner and outer door configuration that allows racks to be rotatable relative to the center and doors, enabling only one rack to be accessed at a time through either door, minimizing door movement and nitrogen gas discharge, and optimizing rack placement for uniform temperature maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large door is used to allow rack insertion and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but nitrogen gas discharge increases and temperature uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door is divided into two separate doors (first door and second door) positioned at different locations on the cryogenic storage tank. This segmentation allows racks to be accessed from different positions, reducing the need to open the entire door area and minimizing nitrogen gas discharge while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Racks are arranged in a circular pattern around the cryogenic storage tank, adding a rotational dimension to the access system. This circular arrangement allows any rack to be positioned at either door location, enabling selective access that minimizes door opening size and reduces nitrogen gas discharge.
2Productivity
If multiple racks are accessible simultaneously through the door, then productivity is improved, but temperature uniformity and storage stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The access system is segmented into two separate door locations with a selection mechanism that allows only one rack to be accessed at a time. This segmentation prevents simultaneous access to multiple racks, maintaining temperature uniformity while still providing efficient productivity through the automated selection and rotation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a selection mechanism that tracks and controls which rack is accessed, providing feedback to ensure only one rack is removed or inserted at any given time. This feedback control maintains temperature stability while managing access efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If door position and rack arrangement require additional movement, then ease of operation worsens, but packing density can be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a rotation mechanism that dynamically repositions racks in a circular arrangement around the cryogenic storage tank. This dynamic rotation allows any rack to be brought to either door location, increasing packing density while minimizing the movement required for door operation through automated positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism automatically positions the desired rack at the appropriate door location without requiring manual intervention for door opening or rack repositioning. This self-service automation increases packing density while reducing the time and effort required for door operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides cryogenic storage systems and methods of using the cryogenic storage systems. A cryogenic storage system of the present disclosure may comprise a cryogenic tank with an inner door and an outer door, and a robot apparatus located adjacent to the cryogenic tank. The cryogenic tank may store multiple racks such that at most a single rack is removable through the inner door or the outer door. The cryogenic tank may store the multiple racks in multiple groups of racks comprising a first group of racks located at a first radial distance and a second group of racks located at a second radial distance that is greater than the first radial distance. The robot apparatus may selectively open and close the inner or outer doors, and insert or withdraw the single rack into or out of the cryogenic tank through the inner door or the outer door.