Insulating Brick Wall for Temperature-Controlled Sample Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample storage systems face challenges in efficiently managing large volumes of biological or chemical samples, including temperature control, sample retrieval, and access flexibility, which can lead to exposure to undesirable conditions and inefficiencies in laboratory space usage.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage and management system utilizing a vertical carousel and gantry-type tray shuttle with modular design, allowing for independent operation and access at multiple levels, and the use of foam bricks for insulation, enabling rapid and controlled retrieval of samples while minimizing temperature changes and reducing the need for additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If samples are stored in a rack allowing individual insertion/removal, then sample accessibility is improved, but the system footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where racks are placed within trays, and multiple trays are stacked vertically within a single footprint area. This allows individual rack access while maintaining a compact overall system size, as the nested arrangement maximizes space utilization without requiring additional horizontal space for each access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal rack arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked tray configuration. By utilizing vertical stacking of trays within the same footprint, the system provides multiple access points and increased storage capacity without expanding the horizontal area, effectively solving the contradiction between accessibility and footprint.
2Productivity
If the storage compartment is accessed frequently, then sample retrieval efficiency is improved, but temperature stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions multiple racks within trays and stacks multiple trays vertically, organizing samples in advance according to retrieval patterns. This preliminary arrangement allows rapid access to frequently needed samples without requiring extensive system reconfiguration or prolonged door opening, thus maintaining temperature stability while improving retrieval efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a movable shutter in the insulating wall that can be dynamically opened only to the extent necessary for sample access. This dynamic control minimizes the duration and extent of thermal exposure during retrieval operations, allowing efficient sample access while maintaining overall temperature stability in the storage compartment.
3Ease of operation
If die cutting equipment is added for seal separation, then container accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the seal separation function with the existing automated rack handling mechanism. The seal is designed to be separated along with the rack when removed from the tray, eliminating the need for separate die cutting equipment. This merging of functions maintains container accessibility while avoiding additional complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the seal separation operation from the main storage system by designing the seal to be easily separated at the point of rack removal. This allows the seal to be detached along with the rack without requiring integrated die cutting machinery, thereby improving container accessibility while keeping the overall device complexity low.
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 system provides efficient and reliable access to large volumes of samples with reduced exposure to environmental changes, improved reliability, and flexible access points, enhancing laboratory efficiency and sample integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the trays (or stacks of trays), have a block of insulating material at one end so that all trays together combine to form an insulated wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3c
Figure 3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for partitioning temperature controlled volumes. The system comprises a storage compartment having a plurality of storage positions at different heights, the temperature controlled compartment having an access side; an insulating wall disposed along the access side, the insulating wall comprising a plurality of separable bricks slidably stacked within a plurality of vertical guides to define a plurality of columns, wherein each brick has a recess formed in its front face; and a tray shuttle compartment disposed along a side of the insulating wall opposite the storage compartment, the tray shuttle compartment enclosing a robotics mechanism for removing trays from and replacing trays into the plurality of storage positions. The robotics mechanism has a lifting pin that aligns with and fits within the recess in a brick that is located nearest to a pre-determined storage position, lifts the brick and any bricks stacked on top of the brick to open a gap in the insulating wall, retrieves or replaces a tray from or into the rack by reaching through the gap, and lowers the lifted bricks to close the gap after the tray has been retrieved or replaced.