Modular sample store and method for transporting sample containers in a modular sample store
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for temperature-sensitive biological, chemical, and biochemical samples face issues such as ice crystal growth, limited capacity, complex robot mechanisms, and challenges in maintaining low temperatures, especially for automated and robotic storage and retrieval of large numbers of samples.
Innovation Solution
A modular sample store with integrally formed cubic vat modules, equipped with polymer foam insulation and a motorized robot for horizontal movement, allowing for scalable storage capacity, efficient temperature control from +25 °C to -90 °C, and easy servicing without thawing, while minimizing ice crystal growth and frost condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If samples are stored at -18 °C in conventional freezers, then storage is simple and accessible, but ice crystal growth causes sample destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional -18 °C freezer storage to -80 °C ultra-low temperature storage, fundamentally altering the thermal environment to prevent ice crystal growth and sample degradation while maintaining sample integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual freezer operations with an automated robotic system that includes a robot arm, transfer mechanism, and automated sample handling, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the cold environment
2Reliability
If dry ice is used for cooling to -78.5 °C, then ice crystal growth is reduced, but containers warm up quickly after CO2 sublimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive dry ice cooling with an active mechanical refrigeration system comprising a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator that maintains stable -80 °C temperatures continuously without depletion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cooling mechanism from phase-change material (dry ice) to a controlled thermodynamic refrigeration cycle, providing sustained temperature maintenance
3Reliability
If liquid nitrogen is used for storage at -196 °C, then sample preservation is excellent, but storage becomes cumbersome and requires safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the storage temperature from -196 °C liquid nitrogen to -80 °C mechanical refrigeration, finding an optimal balance between sample preservation and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces liquid nitrogen storage with a mechanical refrigeration system that eliminates safety hazards associated with cryogenic liquids while maintaining adequate sample preservation
4Quantity of substance
If a large number of samples are stored in a single freezer volume, then storage capacity is maximized, but cooling down the volume takes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into modular sections with individual cooling zones, allowing independent cooling of smaller volumes and reducing overall cooling time while maintaining high sample capacity
5Extent of automation
If a robot mechanism is used for automated sample retrieval, then sample provision is automated, but the robot mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex robotic arms with a simpler transfer mechanism that uses a movable platform and gravity-assisted sample movement, achieving automation with reduced mechanical complexity
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 modular sample store provides high storage density, efficient temperature control, and flexible scalability, ensuring sample integrity and reducing the time required for sample retrieval and storage, while maintaining a compact footprint and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The outside and inside liners in each case are separated by a clearance essentially being filled with a polymer foam material which 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
Implementation Method 2
a cooling device for cooling the storage area to at least -15 °C
Implementation Method 3
a lifting device for lifting storage stacks at least partially out of the storage area and into the transfer area and for lowering storage stacks into the storage area
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular sample store (1) comprises a storage area (2);a service area (5);a transfer area (6); a motorized robot (7) with a lifting device (8) and at least one platform (9); and a controller (10). The sample store (1) service area (5) comprises one integrally formed cubic vat module (11) and the sample store (1) storage area (2) comprises at least one integrally formed cubic vat module (11). Each one of said vat modules (11) comprises an essentially horizontal vat floor (14) and four joining vat walls (15) that are connected to the vat floor (14) and that are leaving an open vat space (16). The modular sample store (1) also comprises upper side walls (12) and a cover plate (13) to close the sample store. Each vat floor (14) and vat wall (15) comprises an outside liner (17) and an inside liner (18), which outside and inside liners (17,18) 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 (17,18) to each other as well as thermal insulation of and reinforcement to the thus integrally formed cubic vat module (11) sandwich construction.