Freezing machine with container for frozen samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure freezers face challenges in maintaining the cold chain and efficiently handling multiple samples in series, particularly due to limitations in sample sorting, tracking, and liquid nitrogen supply, which often require manual refilling and interrupt series processes.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure freezer with a container featuring at least two separate receptacles and a selection device for easy sample transfer, along with an automatic liquid nitrogen reservoir and drive means for convenient positioning, allows for continuous series processing without manual refilling and maintains sample traceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single container is used for receiving frozen samples, then the cold chain is maintained, but sample sorting and tracking become difficult and series processing is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple separate receptacles (first receptacle, second receptacle, etc.) that can be independently selected and positioned. Each receptacle can receive and store individual frozen samples separately, enabling sample sorting and tracking while maintaining the cold chain within the single container structure.
2Quantity of substance
If liquid nitrogen is manually refilled in the container, then the supply is replenished, but the series processing is interrupted and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an automatic liquid nitrogen supply device that autonomously refills the reservoir when the level is low, without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous liquid nitrogen supply and maintains series processing continuity by eliminating interruptions for manual refilling.
3Productivity
If multiple samples are frozen in series, then productivity increases, but liquid nitrogen supply may become insufficient and require interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a reservoir with automatic refilling capability that prepares and maintains adequate liquid nitrogen supply before it is needed. The automatic supply device monitors and replenishes liquid nitrogen levels proactively, ensuring sufficient supply for extended series freezing operations without interruption.
4Device complexity
If a single receptacle is used for frozen samples, then the structure is simple, but sample assignment and traceability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple distinct receptacles (first receptacle, second receptacle, etc.), each capable of holding individual samples. This segmentation enables sample assignment and traceability by providing separate, identifiable storage locations for different samples while maintaining overall structural simplicity through the modular receptacle design within the single container.
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 and uninterrupted processing of multiple samples in series, ensuring continuous operation and easy sample handling by allowing automatic liquid nitrogen replenishment and precise sample tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a container (100) for receiving the frozen sample with a reservoir (105) for liquid nitrogen
Implementation Method 2
freezing at pressures of around 2000 bar suppresses the formation of ice crystals and avoids structural damage to the sample. The process is called vitrification, which is the solidifying of a liquid by increasing its viscosity as it cools
Implementation Method 3
This is achieved by extremely rapid cooling (e.g. in liquid nitrogen)
Implementation Method 4
freezing at pressures of around 2000 bar suppresses the formation of ice crystals
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a freezing machine (150) for freezing samples, comprising a freezing apparatus (140) for freezing a sample received in the freezing machine (150), a container (100) for receiving the frozen sample with a reservoir (105) for liquid nitrogen, and a transfer device for transferring the frozen sample from the freezing apparatus (140) into the container (100), wherein the container (100) has at least two mutually separate receiving apparatuses (104) for in each case at least one frozen sample, there being provided a selection device for selecting one of the receiving apparatuses (104) for a frozen sample which is to be transferred into the container (100), wherein the freezing machine (150) is set up to transfer the frozen sample, by means of the transfer device, into the selected receiving apparatus (104) of the container (100); and to a method for transferring frozen samples into a container provided therefor.