Insulated Storage Stack Layout for Robotic Low-Temperature Sample Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for temperature-sensitive biological, chemical, and biochemical samples face challenges such as ice crystal growth at moderate freezing temperatures, rapid warming of dry ice-cooled containers, and cumbersome liquid nitrogen storage, along with limitations in robotic handling and capacity for large-scale sample storage.
Innovation Solution
The development of a storage stack system with rigid insulation covers and a robotic sample store that uses a combination of trunnions and carrying pins to maintain temperature control, reduce ice crystal growth, and enhance robotic accessibility, featuring a resilient circumferential seal or sealing gaps to minimize air exchange and increase packing density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If samples are stored at moderate freezing temperatures (e.g., -18°C), then storage is simpler and less expensive, but ice crystal growth occurs causing sample destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from moderate freezing (-18°C) to deep freezing (-80°C or lower), which fundamentally alters the physical state of water in samples and prevents ice crystal growth that occurs at higher temperatures
2Reliability
If dry ice is used for cooling to -78.5°C, then ice crystal growth is reduced, but the containers warm up rapidly after CO2 sublimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite insulation structures combining multiple materials (vacuum insulation layers, reflective barriers, thermal conductive supports) to create a multi-layer thermal management system that maintains cooling effectiveness over extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermal mass and insulation to counterbalance the warming tendency of the storage system, creating a thermal buffer that resists temperature changes even after the active cooling agent (dry ice) is consumed
3Reliability
If liquid nitrogen is used for storage at -196°C, then sample preservation is excellent, but storage becomes cumbersome and requires safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the temperature parameter from extreme cryogenic (-196°C liquid nitrogen) to practical deep freezing (-80°C or lower), achieving sufficient sample preservation without the operational complexities and safety hazards of liquid nitrogen handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable dry ice packs or phase change materials that can be replaced periodically, avoiding the need for complex liquid nitrogen storage infrastructure and safety systems while maintaining adequate sample preservation
4Quantity of substance
If storage stacks are densely packed to increase capacity, then packing density improves, but air exchange between stacks increases causing temperature fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized insulation measures at the interfaces between storage stacks, applying thermal barriers specifically where air exchange occurs, rather than uniformly insulating the entire storage volume, thus maintaining temperature stability while preserving high packing density
5Productivity
If robotic handling is implemented for automated sample access, then productivity increases, but the robot mechanism becomes complex and requires operation in cold atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into modular stacks with standardized interfaces, allowing the robot to handle discrete units rather than navigating a complex continuous space, thereby reducing robotic mechanism complexity while maintaining automated access capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent organizes storage stacks in a grid arrangement with clear X, Y, and Z coordinate positions, enabling the robot to locate and access samples through programmed coordinate movement rather than complex mechanical searching, simplifying the robotic control system
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 provides efficient temperature maintenance, reduces ice crystal growth, enhances robotic accessibility, and increases packing density, allowing for reliable and efficient storage of temperature-sensitive samples across a wide range of temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient circumferential seal which is compressed in the X direction to a dimension that is equal to a first lattice constant of the orthogonal lattice and compressed in the Y direction to a dimension that is equal to a second lattice constant of the orthogonal lattice
Implementation Method 2
Each of the m×n storage stacks is provided with a rigid insulation cover
Data Source
AI summary
A storage stack for storing sample containers in a low temperature sample store, each storage stack includes first and second rigid lateral support flanges including a multitude of storage webs for supporting sample containers; a rigid back panel; a rigid bottom plate; and a rigid insulation cover. The insulation cover includes a handling plate and an insulation block. A number of insulation covers of all storage stacks of a storage stack array form an essentially continuous insulation layer on a storage area of the low temperature sample store. For all storage stacks, carrying elements are provided that statically connect the bottom plate of each individual storage stack with a bottom structure of the storage area, carry the entire weight of the individual storage stack and all sample containers inserted therein, and confer this entire weight to a bottom structure of the storage area of the low temperature sample store.