Modular sample store and method for storing and providing samples
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for temperature-sensitive biological, chemical, and biochemical samples face challenges such as ice crystal growth, rapid warming of dry ice-cooled containers, cumbersome liquid nitrogen storage, and limited capacity and complexity in robotic systems, particularly for automated and large-scale sample handling.
Innovation Solution
A modular sample store with a temperature-controlled storage area, a service area, and a transfer area, equipped with a motorized robot and integrally formed cubic vat modules for efficient storage and retrieval of samples, allowing for scalable capacity and easy assembly, with each module capable of operating within a wide temperature range of +25 °C to -90 °C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If samples are stored at -18 °C in commercially available freezers, then storage is simple and accessible, but ice crystal growth causes sample destruction artefacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the storage temperature parameter from -18 °C to -80 °C, 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 storage accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite cooling system combining a compressor-based refrigeration cycle with a refrigerant expansion mechanism, creating a hybrid thermal control system that achieves and maintains -80 °C temperatures more reliably than conventional freezers
2Reliability
If dry ice is used to cool containers to -78.5 °C, then ice crystal growth is reduced, but containers warm up rapidly after CO2 sublimation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a compressor that automatically activates when temperature rises above the set point, and a refrigerant expansion valve that self-regulates coolant flow, creating a closed-loop self-service temperature maintenance system that eliminates the need for periodic manual refilling of cooling media
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous cooling operation through a compressor-based system with automatic temperature control, ensuring uninterrupted cooling action rather than periodic cooling intervals, which maintains samples at -80 °C continuously and prevents temperature excursions
3Reliability
If liquid nitrogen is used for storage at -196 °C, then sample integrity is maintained, but storage becomes cumbersome and requires dedicated safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from -196 °C (liquid nitrogen) to -80 °C (compressor-based refrigeration), which maintains sample integrity for most biological and chemical samples while eliminating the need for cryogenic safety infrastructure and specialized handling procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical complexity of liquid nitrogen handling systems (including cryogenic storage tanks, transfer equipment, and safety interlocks) with a standard compressor-based refrigeration system, thereby simplifying the mechanical infrastructure while achieving comparable sample preservation
4Quantity of substance
If a large number of samples are stored in a single cold atmosphere, then storage capacity increases, but cooling down the volume takes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple independent refrigerated modules or zones, each with its own cooling capacity, allowing parallel cooling of multiple smaller volumes rather than attempting to cool one large volume, thereby reducing overall cooling time while maintaining total storage capacity
5Extent of automation
If a complex robot mechanism is used to access inner shelf positions, then sample retrieval is automated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary robotic arm or gripper mechanism that operates in the warm access zone to transfer samples between storage positions, rather than requiring the entire robot mechanism to operate within the cold environment, thereby reducing the complexity of cold-compatible components while maintaining full automation
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 design provides high storage density, efficient sample handling, and scalability, minimizing ice crystal growth and warming issues while maintaining sample integrity across a broad temperature range, supporting both upscaling and downscaling without disrupting functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device for cooling the storage area to at most -20 °C
Implementation Method 2
at least one deep cooling device for cooling the air in the storage area to at most -80 °C
Implementation Method 3
at least one ventilator for circulating the cooled air in the storage area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A modular sample store comprises a storage area for storing storage stacks, each storage stack holding at least one sample container; a transfer area located above the storage area; and a motorized robot located in the transfer area, the motorized robot including an end effector, an insulated hood and a lifting device, the lifting device being configured to at least partially lift a predetermined storage stack into the insulated hood from the storage area and up to a position which is accessible by the end effector, wherein the motorized robot is configured to,place the end effector into the insulated hood,engage a selected sample container in the predetermined storage stack with the end effector, andmove the end effector to remove the selected sample container of the predetermined storage stack from the insulated hood and a method for storing and providing samples.