Dry-Ice Cryogenic Chamber for Sample Manipulation Below −50°C
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultra-low temperature storage systems are inadequate for maintaining sample integrity during operations that require temporary exposure to higher temperatures, such as sorting, inventory, and transport, as they fail to prevent temperature spikes and fluctuations, leading to potential sample degradation.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic processing system with a container featuring a gas-permeable dry-ice retainer that maintains a low temperature zone by allowing CO2 gas from sublimating dry ice to circulate, keeping samples at −50°C or lower for extended periods while allowing user access and manipulation without additional dry ice, using a design that includes a chamber with a dry ice retention space and a sample-holding portion, and temperature sensors for monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional ultra-low temperature storage systems are used, then samples can be maintained at low temperature, but temperature spikes and fluctuations occur during operations requiring temporary exposure to higher temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into separate compartments: a cold storage chamber for maintaining ultra-low temperatures and a manipulation chamber for operations requiring higher temperatures. This segmentation allows samples to be transferred between chambers without exposing them to prolonged temperature fluctuations, resolving the contradiction between temperature stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A controlled environment chamber serves as an intermediary space between the ultra-low temperature storage and ambient temperature operations. This intermediary chamber maintains a moderate temperature environment during transfer and manipulation operations, preventing direct exposure to temperature extremes and thus maintaining temperature stability while enabling ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If samples are exposed to higher temperatures for manipulation operations, then access and manipulation are enabled, but sample degradation occurs due to temperature spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments operations into distinct zones: ultra-low temperature storage zone for preservation and controlled manipulation zone for handling. This spatial segmentation ensures that manipulation operations occur in a controlled environment that prevents excessive temperature spikes, thereby maintaining sample integrity while enabling necessary operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-cools manipulation chambers and transfer pathways before sample introduction, and maintains controlled temperature gradients during operations. This beforehand cushioning prevents sudden temperature shocks that could cause sample degradation, allowing ease of operation without compromising sample integrity.
3Reliability
If constant refrigeration is used to maintain ultra-low temperatures, then sample integrity is preserved, but system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the active refrigeration requirement from the manipulation and transfer chambers, applying ultra-low temperature refrigeration only to the storage chamber. Passive insulation and thermal management techniques are used in manipulation areas, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sample integrity through controlled temperature zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Ultra-low temperature conditions are applied locally only where absolutely necessary (storage chamber), while manipulation and transfer areas operate at higher, more manageable temperatures. This localized application of extreme cooling reduces the overall refrigeration system complexity while preserving sample integrity during storage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If extensive manipulation operations are performed outside the frozen storage system, then operational flexibility is improved, but temperature control and sample integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a universal controlled environment chamber that can accommodate various manipulation operations (sorting, inventory, transfer, packaging) while maintaining stable temperature conditions. This multi-functional chamber enables operational flexibility without sacrificing temperature control, as all operations occur within the same controlled environment.
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 effectively maintains samples at ultra-low temperatures for several hours, preventing degradation and allowing continuous access and manipulation, ensuring sample integrity during operations like sorting and transport without the need for constant refrigeration.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gas permeable dry-ice retainer vertically disposed within the chamber and positioned to permit direct access to the chamber floor through the chamber opening
Implementation Method 2
a container comprising an insulated chamber
Data Source
AI summary
Cryogenic devices are provided in which solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) is used to maintain a temperature zone in which samples can be manipulated under conditions in which the sample is maintained at a temperature below −50° C.