Modular Cryogenic Storage Apparatus for Scalable Biospecimen Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid nitrogen cryopreservation tanks have limited storage capacity for cryovials and cryogenic plate racks, hindering expansion without significant cost increases.
Innovation Solution
A biospecimen storage and retrieval apparatus with a detachable storage device, operating device, and sealing device, allowing flexible expansion of storage space by adding storage devices while maintaining a cryogenic environment and automating storage and retrieval processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional fixed structure cryopreservation tank is used, then the storage structure is simple, but the storage capacity is limited and cannot be expanded effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The cryopreservation tank is divided into a storage device and an operating device that can be detachably connected. The storage device contains multiple storage chambers that can be independently configured, allowing the system to be scaled by adding or removing storage chambers without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connection between the storage device and operating device enables dynamic reconfiguration of the system. Users can adjust the storage capacity by connecting or disconnecting storage devices based on actual storage needs, transforming a static system into a dynamic, adaptable one.
2Ease of operation
If the storage device is detached from the operating device, then maintenance and flexibility are improved, but the cryogenic environment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device is extracted as a separate, detachable unit from the operating device. This allows the storage device to be removed for maintenance, cleaning, or reconfiguration without affecting the operating device or the overall cryogenic environment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is designed with pre-configured sealing structures and connection interfaces that ensure the cryogenic environment is maintained before detachment and quickly restored after reconnection, minimizing the time the system is vulnerable to environmental changes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual storage and retrieval operations are used, then the device complexity is low, but the exposure to room temperature increases and sample activity rises
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate transfer chamber is introduced between the cryogenic storage environment and the external room temperature environment. This intermediary space allows samples to be transferred without direct exposure to room temperature, maintaining sample integrity while enabling automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated robotic system that can manipulate storage containers and transfer samples through the intermediate chamber, reducing human exposure to cryogenic environments and minimizing sample temperature fluctuations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a biological sample storage and retrieval apparatus, comprising a storage device, with the interior thereof being a cryogenic environment for storing a biological sample, and the biological sample comprising cryogenic vials and a cryogenic shelf for holding the cryogenic vials; an operation device detachably connected to the storage device for receiving a transfer tank for holding the biological sample and performing storage and retrieval of the biological sample in the storage device by means of the transfer tank; and a sealing device, the sealing device being used for sealing the storage device when the storage device is detached from the operation device. A cryogenic storage and retrieval method is also provided.