Cryopreservation Container IC Tag for Frost-Resistant Specimen Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryopreservation methods for reproductive cells like sperms and ova face challenges with specimen misidentification, reduced working efficiency due to frost interference, and lack of real-time traceability, leading to decreased fertilization and implantation ratios.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an IC tag capable of functioning in liquid nitrogen environments, providing a long-term identification solution for cryopreservation containers, canisters, and canes, allowing for accurate specimen identification and data recording without thawing, and enabling real-time patient information access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If information data is written by hand or labels are put on the end portion of containers, then specimen identification is possible, but misidentification may occur and working efficiency is reduced due to frost interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual writing and visual label recognition with an automated IC tag reading system. The IC tag reader automatically reads identification information from IC tags mounted on containers, eliminating the need for manual writing or visual label inspection. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated electronic reading resolves the contradiction by providing both accurate identification (improving reliability) and automated processing (improving productivity by eliminating frost-related reading delays).
Solution Approach 2:
The IC tag serves as an intermediary between the specimen container and the identification system. Instead of directly reading handwritten text or labels that are affected by frost, the system uses IC tags as an intermediate medium that can be reliably read electronically. This intermediary element decouples the identification function from the physical container surface, allowing accurate reading even when frost is present on the container exterior.
2Reliability
If containers are stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C, then cryopreservation is effective, but frost adheres to containers making information unreadable
Solution Approach 1:
The IC tag acts as an intermediary that separates the information storage function from the container surface. The IC tag is mounted on the container and can be read electronically without requiring the container surface to be visible or accessible. This allows the container to remain in liquid nitrogen with frost accumulation while the IC tag information remains readable through electronic interrogation, preventing information loss while maintaining cryopreservation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces visual reading mechanisms (which require direct line of sight and are blocked by frost) with electronic reading mechanisms. The IC tag reader uses electromagnetic fields to read information from the IC tag without physical contact or visual line of sight requirements, eliminating the problem of frost blocking information access while maintaining the cold storage environment.
3Device complexity
If manual recognition of specimen information is used, then no additional equipment is needed, but time is lost and misidentification errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual recognition with automated IC tag reading. The IC tag reader automatically reads identification information from containers, eliminating the time-consuming manual process of reading handwritten labels or examining physical tags. This substitution increases device complexity slightly (adding reading equipment) but dramatically reduces time loss and eliminates human error in specimen identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The IC tag system enables self-service identification where the container's own IC tag provides its identification information automatically when scanned. The system serves itself by having each container carry its own readable identification that can be instantly accessed without human intervention for reading or interpretation, reducing time loss and eliminating misidentification errors.
4Ease of operation
If specimens are kept at normal temperature during handling, then handling is easier, but quality changes occur reducing fertilization and implantation ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The automated IC tag reading system allows identification to occur quickly without requiring specimens to be removed from or warmed in the liquid nitrogen environment. The electronic reading can be performed through the container wall or with minimal exposure to normal temperature, maintaining specimen quality while enabling easy handling and identification. This resolves the contradiction by allowing handlers to work efficiently without compromising specimen temperature sensitivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a cryopreservation container that prevents confusion of specimens to be used for treatment and that is suitable for individual management of fertilized eggs and the like to be cryopreserved. IC tags are attached to a cryopreservation tank 61, a canister 51, a cane 41, and cryopreservation containers such as an ovum storage container 1 and sperm storage containers 71, 81. The cryopreservation containers may also have individual identification codes attached hereto. An ovum storage container 11 is configured by fitting an IC tag 12 from the rear end of a rod-like part 2 of a conventional ovum storage container 1. In addition, the IC tag 12 is formed by providing an inlet 15 inside a thin-walled pipe 14 made of a synthetic resin. The inlet 15 may be fixed at both ends by means of fixing members 18, 18 composed of a nonconductive material, or may be integrally molded with a nonconductive synthetic resin material 20.