Handheld Thawer With Compliant Thermal Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thawing methods for cryogenically preserved cells are inefficient and prone to variability due to reliance on manual control and water baths, which can lead to temperature gradients, contamination, and exposure to toxic cryoprotectants, affecting cell viability and consistency.
Innovation Solution
A battery-operated, hand-held dry thawing instrument with a thermally-conductive compliant material-lined heater block that efficiently thaws samples from liquid nitrogen temperatures, minimizing energy consumption and providing a consistent thawing profile, suitable for field applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a water bath is used for thawing, then the thawing speed is increased, but temperature gradients and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermally conductive platform as an intermediary between the heating element and the vial. This platform mediates heat transfer to provide uniform thermal distribution, eliminating temperature gradients while maintaining rapid thawing speeds. The platform acts as a thermal interface that ensures consistent contact and heat distribution across the vial bottom.
2Device complexity
If manual control is used for thawing, then device complexity is reduced, but thawing consistency and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and control circuitry that automatically monitor and adjust heating parameters during the thawing process. The device self-regulates to maintain the optimal thawing profile without requiring manual intervention, ensuring consistent results while keeping the user interface simple. The automated feedback loop maintains precision without adding complex user operations.
3Loss of time
If high bath temperature is used for rapid thawing, then thawing time is reduced, but cell damage from toxic cryoprotectant exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or controlled heating cycles rather than continuous high-temperature exposure. By regulating the heating process through controlled temperature profiles, the device achieves rapid thawing while limiting the duration and intensity of cryoprotectant exposure, thereby reducing cellular toxicity effects.
4Adaptability or versatility
If portable design is implemented, then field applicability is improved, but energy capacity and heating power are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is designed to concentrate thermal energy locally at the vial-bottom interface rather than heating a large volume. This localized heating approach maximizes the effectiveness of limited battery power by directing energy precisely where needed, enabling portable operation while maintaining adequate heating capability for rapid thawing.
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 device ensures rapid and consistent thawing of frozen samples, reducing the risk of cell damage and contamination, while being portable and energy-efficient, thus enhancing cell recovery and viability.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element thermally coupled with the heater block and being configured to heat the heating block to thaw the frozen sample in the vial
Implementation Method 2
a thermally-conductive compliant material lining an inner surface of the vial receptacle formed by the heater block
Implementation Method 3
a thermally-conductive compliant material lining an inner surface of the vial receptacle formed by the heater block
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to sample thawing. Features described herein may limit power requirements of the thawing device and may thereby increase the portability of the thawing device. The device may include a housing; a heater block housed within the housing and forming a vial receptacle; a thermally-conductive compliant material may line an inner surface of the receptacle; and a heating element may be coupled with the heater block. The thermally-conductive compliant material may be molded to a shape of a bottom portion of the vial so as to fittingly mate with the bottom portion of the vial. In some embodiments, the heater block does not have moveable components and may be a single non-segmented piece. An ejection pin may be provided configured to break contact between the vial and the thermally-conductive compliant material. Additionally, the receptacle may be localized to the vial region adjacent to the frozen sample.