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 lack automated retrieval mechanisms to maintain the cryogenic environment during sample access.
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 into an insulating sleeve for user access, maintaining the cryogenic environment and allowing for both manual and automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling of sample racks is used, then the system structure is simple, but operational efficiency is low and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The automated retrieval system enables the freezer to service itself by automatically rotating the rack carrier and elevating sample racks to the access port without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated mechanical system consisting of a drive system, rack puller, and insulating sleeve that automatically retrieve sample racks, eliminating the need for manual operation and improving productivity
2Ease of operation
If the door is opened for sample access, then user access is enabled, but the cryogenic environment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sleeve acts as an intermediary chamber between the cryogenic environment and the external environment. It allows sample racks to be elevated and accessed without opening the main freezer door, thereby maintaining the cryogenic temperature while enabling user access to samples
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the access function from the main freezer body by using a separate insulating sleeve that can be opened independently. This allows the main cryogenic environment to remain sealed and temperature-stable while providing a separate access pathway for sample retrieval
3Productivity
If automated retrieval system is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the rack puller integrates gripping, elevating, and positioning functions; the drive system integrates rotation and alignment functions; and the insulating sleeve integrates thermal isolation and access chamber functions. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high retrieval efficiency
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, automated, and precise retrieval of sample racks while maintaining the cryogenic environment, reducing manual handling errors and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The insulating sleeve houses the selected sample rack above the port
Implementation Method 2
The rack puller may be mounted to the top portion of the freezer and operates to engage the selected sample rack to elevate the rack through the freezer port and into the insulating sleeve
Implementation Method 3
The drive system may be mounted to the top portion of the freezer, and operates to rotate the sample racks to align a selected one of the sample racks with the port
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An automated cryogenic storage system includes a freezer (120) 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 (150) that is automatically positioned above an access port (122) of the freezer. The rack puller engages with a sample rack within the freezer, and elevates the rack into an insulating sleeve (160) 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.