Modular sample store
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample storage systems face challenges in maintaining low temperatures for biological and biochemical samples, leading to issues such as ice crystal growth, warming of samples, and cumbersome handling procedures, especially when dealing with large numbers of samples.
Innovation Solution
A modular sample store with a temperature-controlled storage area and a motorized robot system that allows for efficient storage and retrieval of samples within a controlled temperature range of -20°C to -90°C, utilizing integrally formed cubic vat modules with polymer foam insulation and a modular design for scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If samples are stored at -18°C in commercially available freezers, then storage is simple and accessible, but ice crystal growth occurs leading to sample destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage temperature parameter from -18°C to -80°C or lower, which fundamentally alters the physical state of water in samples and prevents ice crystal growth that occurs at higher temperatures, thereby maintaining sample integrity while preserving operational simplicity through automated systems
2Reliability
If samples are stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C, then ice crystal growth is prevented and sample integrity is maintained, but handling becomes cumbersome and requires dedicated safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects -80°C as an optimal temperature parameter that balances sample integrity (preventing ice crystal growth) with operational feasibility (avoiding liquid nitrogen's extreme handling requirements), achieving reliable storage without the safety measures and specialized training needed for cryogenic temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated robotic system as an intermediary between the storage system and human operators, allowing samples to be stored at optimal low temperatures while the robot handles all retrieval and manipulation tasks, eliminating the need for human personnel to directly handle extreme cold conditions
3Quantity of substance
If a large number of samples are stored in centralized facilities, then storage capacity is increased, but access time and retrieval efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical retrieval operations with an automated robotic system that uses computer-controlled movements, sensors, and automated handling mechanisms to rapidly locate and retrieve samples from large-scale storage facilities, dramatically reducing access time while maintaining high storage capacity
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular design is implemented for scalability, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into modular segments including standardized storage modules, robotic end-effectors, and control units that can be independently configured and scaled, allowing the system to adapt to different laboratory sizes and sample volumes while managing complexity through standardized interfaces and protocols
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 storage and retrieval of samples at controlled temperatures, minimizing ice crystal growth and warming, while allowing for easy scalability and maintenance, thus ensuring sample integrity and reducing handling time.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer foam material that provides fixation of the outside and inside liners to each other as well as thermal insulation of and reinforcement to the thus integrally formed cubic vat module sandwich construction
Data Source
AI summary
A modular sample store including a storage area; a service area; a transfer area; a motorized robot with a lifting device and at least one platform; and a controller. The sample store service area includes one integrally formed cubic vat module and the sample store storage area includes at least one integrally formed cubic vat module. Each one of the aforementioned vat modules includes an essentially horizontal vat floor and four joining vat walls that are connected to the vat floor and that are leaving an open vat space. The modular sample store also includes upper side walls and a cover plate to close the sample store. Each vat floor and vat wall includes an outside liner and an inside liner, which outside and inside liners in each case are separated by a clearance. This clearance is essentially filled with a polymer foam material that provides fixation of the outside and inside liners to each other as well as thermal insulation of and reinforcement to the thus integrally formed cubic vat module sandwich construction.