Low-temperature storage device with rotating lock chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-temperature storage devices face challenges in providing efficient accessibility by automated transport devices while maintaining effective thermal and atmospheric insulation, particularly at temperatures below −20° C., to prevent ice formation and humidity ingress.
Innovation Solution
A low-temperature storage device with a rotatable lock chamber and a pivotal/displaceable transport device, equipped with a manipulator, allows for efficient object handling and transfer between storage and transfer locations, incorporating a refrigerator device for temperature control and insulating walls to prevent moisture entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rotatable lock chamber with automated transport device is added to enable automated access, then accessibility and productivity are improved, but device complexity and insulation performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is divided into distinct functional modules: a storage chamber for holding objects, a lock chamber for automated transport operations, and an insulating wall separating these zones. This segmentation allows the automated transport mechanism to operate in the lock chamber without compromising the thermal insulation of the storage chamber, thus improving productivity while maintaining insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock chamber serves as an intermediary zone between the storage chamber and the external environment. It houses the automated transport device and acts as a buffer that prevents direct thermal exchange between the cold storage chamber and the warmer external atmosphere, thereby enabling automated access while preserving insulation integrity.
2Reliability
If the storage chamber is well-insulated to prevent humidity ingress, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The lock chamber is designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic repositioning of its opening to face either the storage chamber or the external environment. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain a closed, well-insulated state during storage while allowing easy access during transport operations, thus improving both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock chamber acts as an intermediary that decouples the insulation requirements from the accessibility requirements. It provides a controlled interface where automated transport can occur without requiring the storage chamber itself to be frequently opened, thereby maintaining insulation performance while improving operational ease.
3Reliability
If a rotatable lock chamber is used to prevent gas exchange, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas-tight sealing function is localized to the lock chamber and its connection interfaces, rather than requiring the entire storage device to be complex. The lock chamber is designed as a separate, self-contained module with sealing mechanisms at its interfaces, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational position of the lock chamber is used as a control parameter to manage gas exchange. When the lock chamber opening faces the storage chamber, gas exchange is prevented; when it faces externally, controlled exchange occurs during transport. This parameter-based control achieves reliable sealing without requiring complex active sealing mechanisms.
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 quick and efficient object handling and storage at extremely low temperatures while maintaining insulation, reducing humidity influx and facilitating automated access for laboratory objects like microplates.
Implementation Method 1
A refrigerator device (5) adapted and structured to cool the storage chamber (1) to a storage temperature below 0°C, in particular below -20°C, advantageously between -90°C and -60°C
Implementation Method 2
An insulating wall (10) enclosing the storage chamber (1). This wall provides thermal insulation
Implementation Method 3
Also, it is advantageously gas-tight in order to prevent humidity from entering the storage chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The storage device comprises a storage chamber for storing objects at e.g. −80° C., a transfer chamber for intermediate object storage at e.g. −20° C. and a transport device arranged between them. The transport device comprises a pivotal and vertically displaceable carriage and is arranged in a rotatable lock chamber.