Freezing machine with container for frozen samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure freezing machines face challenges in maintaining the cold chain and efficiently handling multiple samples in series, as existing machines lack the ability to sort and track samples, and the liquid nitrogen supply often runs out during extended freezing operations.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure freezing machine with a container having multiple receiving devices and a transfer apparatus that allows for the selection and transfer of frozen samples, along with automatic liquid nitrogen refilling, enabling continuous operation without interrupting the freezing series and allowing for tracking and association of samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single container is used for receiving frozen samples, then the cold chain is maintained, but the ability to sort and track multiple samples is lost and the liquid nitrogen supply may run out during extended operations
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple separate receiving devices (first receiving device, second receiving device, etc.), each capable of independently receiving frozen samples. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple samples in series while maintaining the cold chain, as each receiving device can be independently positioned under the ejector for sample transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving devices are made movable relative to each other and to the ejector, allowing dynamic repositioning. The selection apparatus can shift receiving devices horizontally and/or rotate them vertically, enabling flexible selection of which receiving device receives the next sample without interrupting the freezing series.
2Ease of operation
If the container structure is simplified for easy operation, then sample sorting and tracking capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The selection apparatus incorporates a control system that tracks which receiving device is selected and positioned under the ejector. This feedback mechanism ensures that sample association is maintained throughout the freezing series, allowing the system to know which sample is in which receiving device without complicating the physical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the complexity of sample tracking and receiving device selection through the selection apparatus, which handles the coordination between the ejector and multiple receiving devices. This automation allows simple operation for the user while the system internally manages the complexity of maintaining sample association.
3Productivity
If liquid nitrogen refilling is manual, then the system remains simple, but extended freezing series must be interrupted for refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The container is pre-filled with sufficient liquid nitrogen before the freezing series begins. The selection apparatus is designed to work with this pre-filled state, allowing multiple samples to be processed continuously without interruption. The receiving devices are positioned to maximize the use of the initial liquid nitrogen supply.
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 simple and rapid execution of extended series of freezing operations with different samples, maintaining the cold chain and eliminating the need for manual refilling of liquid nitrogen, while ensuring sample association and trackability.
Implementation Method 1
a container for receiving the frozen sample, having a reservoir for liquid nitrogen
Implementation Method 2
a transfer apparatus for transferring the frozen sample from the freezing device into the container
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a freezing machine (150) for freezing samples, encompassing: a freezing device (140) for freezing a sample received in the freezing machine (150); a container (100) for receiving the frozen sample, having a reservoir (105) for liquid nitrogen; and a transfer apparatus for transferring the frozen sample from the freezing device (140) into the container (100), the container (100) comprising at least two receiving devices (104), separated from one another, each for at least one frozen sample; a selection apparatus being provided for selecting one of the receiving devices (104) for a frozen sample that is to be transferred into the container (100), the freezing machine (150) being configured to carry out the transfer of the frozen sample, by means of the transfer apparatus, into the respectively selected receiving device (104) of the container (100); and to a method for transferring frozen samples into a container provided therefor.