Monitoring apparatus for temperature-controlled sample collection and transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biological samples face temperature fluctuations and cellular damage during transfer between temperature-controlled storage environments due to lack of continuous monitoring and inadequate temperature control, leading to potential thawing and degradation.
Innovation Solution
A handheld carrier with integrated sample identification and temperature sensing capabilities, along with a temperature-controlled container, enables continuous monitoring and tracking of sample temperatures during transfer, ensuring they remain within critical limits by displaying identification and temperature data to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If samples are transferred between temperature-controlled storage environments using open trays or basins, then the transfer process is simple and quick, but the sample temperature rises rapidly causing cellular damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature-controlled transfer device that acts as an intermediary between storage environments. This device maintains a controlled temperature during transfer, preventing direct exposure to ambient conditions that would cause rapid temperature rise and cellular damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary temperature monitoring and control before transfer begins. Temperature sensors detect changes in real-time, and the controlled environment is prepared in advance to receive samples at the appropriate temperature, preventing thermal shock.
2Reliability
If samples are monitored continuously during transfer, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor sample temperature during transfer, and this information is fed back to a control system that adjusts environmental conditions to maintain temperature within safe ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is integrated into the transfer device itself, making the device self-monitoring. The device automatically detects temperature changes and adjusts its own environmental controls without requiring external monitoring equipment or manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If samples are exposed to ambient environment during identification and retrieval, then operational flexibility is improved, but sample integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transfer process into segmented zones with different temperature controls. Samples can be identified and retrieved in a controlled manner within the temperature-controlled device, maintaining integrity while allowing operational flexibility through staged processing.
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
This solution minimizes temperature changes during sample transfer, maintains sample integrity, and provides a true thermal history, ensuring biological samples are handled safely and effectively between storage environments.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor to detect a temperature of the biological sample
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for transporting, handling and monitoring samples in a temperature-controlled storage environment. The system includes a handheld carrier configured to transfer samples to and from a temperature-controlled storage station and a temperature-controlled container for receiving and housing one or more carriers. The carrier includes an integrated sample identification and temperature sensing capability configured to monitor a thermal history of one or more samples during transport, handling and storage including as the samples are conveyed between the temperature-controlled storage environment and the temperature-controlled container. That is, the carrier is adapted to be held in the hand during use. A carrier for conveying and monitoring samples during transport, handling and storage is also provided.