Cryogenic Dewar Airlock and Carousel for Secure Sample Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryopreservation systems for reproductive cells and embryos lack visual control and automation in the placement and withdrawal of biological material, leading to a complex and potentially error-prone process, especially in sealed Dewar vessels where high pressures and lack of visual access complicate sample handling.
Innovation Solution
A sealed cryogenic Dewar vessel with a telescopic cane manipulator and airlock system that allows for visually controlled, automatic loading and retrieval of biological material containers within a matrix of receptacles, using a carousel system and a cryocooler to maintain the cryogenic environment, along with a camera for imaging and authorization units for secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealed Dewar vessel is used to prevent contamination, then sample security is improved, but pressure control and sample access become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sealed Dewar vessel into multiple compartments: a storage chamber for samples and an airlock chamber for sample transfer. The airlock acts as an intermediate segment that allows sample access without compromising the seal of the main storage chamber, thus maintaining both security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The airlock serves as an intermediary chamber between the external environment and the sealed storage chamber. Samples are transferred through this intermediate space using a robotic manipulator, allowing access to samples while maintaining the integrity of the sealed environment.
2Device complexity
If manual placement and withdrawal of samples is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but error rate and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic manipulator with integrated camera and RFID reader performs sample identification and verification automatically during the transfer process. The system serves itself by capturing images and reading RFID tags without human intervention, ensuring accurate sample identification while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic manipulator that uses optical (camera) and electromagnetic (RFID) systems for sample identification and tracking. This substitution reduces human error while maintaining system simplicity through integration.
3Loss of information
If visual monitoring of samples is implemented, then sample tracking is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic manipulator is designed with multiple functions integrated into a single device: mechanical sample transfer, optical imaging for visual monitoring, and RFID reading for identification. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while providing comprehensive sample tracking and information capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the camera system, RFID reader, and robotic manipulator into an integrated assembly that operates as a unified system. By merging these components, the patent reduces the number of separate systems needed while achieving comprehensive visual monitoring and sample tracking.
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 simplifies the loading and retrieval of biological samples, reduces the risk of mix-ups, and provides patients with updated information on their sample state through digital consent and tracking, ensuring efficient and secure cryopreservation with minimal risk of thawing or contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a sealed cryogenic Dewar vessel accommodating a liquefied gas in an inner space
Implementation Method 2
The head of the Dewar vessels is not sealed at their top to prevent high pressure build up by allowing for slow liquid nitrogen evaporation vent to the ambient
Data Source
AI summary
A cryogenic device for storing biological material containers comprises: a sealed cryogenic Dewar vessel; (b) a matrix of receptacles disposed in an inner space of the cryogenic Dewar vessel and configured for receiving and storing biological material containers; (c) means for loading and retrieving the biological material containers. The loading/retrieving means comprises a telescopic cane manipulator configured for loading and retrieving the biological material containers within the matrix. The receptacles are carried by a carousel member rotatable around an axis thereof. The receptacles are arranged into a number of groups distributed over the carousel member. Each group of the receptacles has a central point positioned at distance R1 from the rotation axis of the carousel member. a center of each receptacle within the group is positioned around a central point thereof at distance R2.