Modular Sample Store With Insulated Vat Modules for Cold Retrieval
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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 manufacture
If samples are stored at -18°C in commercial freezers, then storage is simple and accessible, but ice crystal growth causes sample destruction artifacts
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 still providing accessible storage
2Reliability
If samples are stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C, then ice crystal growth is prevented, but handling becomes cumbersome and requires dedicated safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects -80°C as an optimal temperature parameter that provides sufficient protection against ice crystal growth while being significantly more manageable than liquid nitrogen temperatures, eliminating the need for specialized safety infrastructure and training
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standard laboratory freezers with off-the-shelf components rather than specialized liquid nitrogen infrastructure, replacing expensive and complex safety systems with simpler, more accessible equipment that achieves the same protective function
3Quantity of substance
If a large number of samples are stored in a single cold atmosphere volume, then storage capacity increases, but cooling down the volume takes a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple separate storage units or modules, each with its own cooling capacity. This segmentation allows individual units to be cooled quickly and independently, while the overall system provides large storage capacity through aggregation of multiple smaller units
4Ease of operation
If a complex robot mechanism is used to access inner shelf board positions, then sample retrieval capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the robot mechanism to operate from the top of the storage unit rather than penetrating through adjacent shelves. This dimensional change allows the robot to access samples vertically from above, eliminating the need for complex articulated gripper mechanisms that must navigate through and around shelf structures
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 expansion and maintenance, thus ensuring sample integrity and reducing handling time.
Implementation Method 1
which outside and inside liners in each case are separated by a clearance essentially being 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
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.