Low-temperature storage system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing low-temperature storage systems face issues with heat transfer from outside into the storage chamber, increased noise due to engaging chains, and bulkiness, which lead to sample deterioration and higher cooling costs.

Innovation Solution

A low-temperature storage system with an in-storage unit inside the chamber and an external unit outside, featuring a reciprocating part connected to a turn guide and lift member for up-and-down movement, and a torque transmission part made of resin to reduce heat transfer and noise, with a detachable moving part for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the storage tray is taken out of the low-temperature storage chamber to retrieve a desired storage object, then the desired storage object can be accessed, but the temperature of the storage chamber rises and other storage objects deteriorate due to temperature increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to storage objectVSAvoidstorage chamber temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the storage chamber into multiple sections with independent rotary stages. Each section can rotate independently to bring desired storage objects to the access position without moving other sections, thus maintaining temperature stability in the overall chamber while enabling easy access to specific objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediate access chamber between the low-temperature storage chamber and the external environment. Storage objects are transferred to this intermediate chamber at a controlled temperature zone, allowing retrieval operations without exposing the entire storage chamber to temperature fluctuations and eliminating the need to remove the entire storage tray.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If engaging chains are used to move the reciprocating part up and down, then the transfer mechanism can operate, but noise increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer mechanism operationVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional engaging chain mechanical transmission system with a direct-drive or belt-driven mechanism. This substitution eliminates the meshing engagement between chains and sprockets that generates noise, while maintaining the reciprocating motion capability of the transfer mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Temperature

If large cooling materials are used to maintain low temperature in the storage chamber, then the temperature can be maintained, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage chamber temperatureVSAvoidcooling cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The storage chamber is divided into multiple independent thermal zones with separate cooling systems. Each zone can be cooled independently and only to the extent required, reducing the total cooling capacity needed compared to cooling a single large chamber, thereby reducing energy consumption and operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-cools storage objects in intermediate chambers or during transfer operations before placing them in the main storage chamber. This preliminary action reduces the thermal load on the main cooling system, allowing for smaller cooling materials and lower operational costs while maintaining the required low temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If the reciprocating part is positioned deep inside the storage chamber, then the transfer mechanism can access storage objects, but heat transfer from outside increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage object accessVSAvoidheat transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate access chamber or buffer zone between the external environment and the deep interior of the storage chamber. The reciprocating transfer mechanism operates in this intermediate zone, allowing access to storage objects without requiring components to extend deep into the cold chamber, thereby minimizing heat transfer while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11867456B2Low-temperature storage system

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO

AI summary

A low-temperature storage system 100 is provided, which can, with a simple structure, minimize heat transfer into the low-temperature storage chamber, reduce the operation noise, allow easy positioning of a reciprocating part inside the low-temperature storage chamber, and preclude device bulkiness outside the low-temperature storage chamber. The low-temperature storage system 100 includes a low-temperature storage chamber 110, and a transfer mechanism 120. The transfer mechanism 120 includes an in-storage unit 121 and an external unit 140. The in-storage unit 121 includes a reciprocating part 122 that holds the storage objects C, a turn guide 126 that guides the reciprocating part 122, and a lift member 131 that causes the reciprocating part 122. The external unit 140 includes a torque transmission part 141, a lift transmission part 147, and a detachable moving part 150 that drives the torque transmission part 141 and lift transmission part 147.