Monitoring apparatus for temperature-controlled sample collection and transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biological samples face temperature fluctuations during transfer between controlled-temperature storage environments, leading to potential thawing and cellular damage, with existing methods lacking effective temperature tracking and control.
Innovation Solution
A handheld carrier with integrated sample identification and temperature sensing capabilities, allowing continuous monitoring of sample temperature and identity during transfer between temperature-controlled environments, and a portable temperature-controlled container for secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If samples are transferred between temperature-controlled storage environments using open trays or basins, then the transfer process is simple and quick, but the sample temperature rises rapidly causing thawing and cellular damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature-controlled transfer container as an intermediary device between storage environments. This container maintains a controlled temperature environment during transfer, preventing direct exposure of samples to ambient conditions. The container acts as a mediator that enables quick transfer while simultaneously protecting sample integrity by eliminating temperature excursions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer container creates a protected environment that isolates samples from the ambient temperature atmosphere. By maintaining a controlled temperature environment within the container during transfer, the system prevents harmful thermal exposure while allowing rapid movement between storage locations.
2Ease of operation
If samples are processed in open basins or on dry ice in ambient environment, then the processing is straightforward, but the temperature control is lost and samples may degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature-controlled transfer container serves multiple functions: it acts as a storage vessel, a transfer device, and a temperature-controlled processing environment. This multi-functional design allows samples to be processed within the controlled environment without requiring separate equipment, maintaining both simplicity and temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled environment within the transfer container serves as an intermediary between the ambient processing environment and the samples. It provides the necessary temperature control during processing operations while allowing straightforward access and manipulation of samples.
3Productivity
If samples are repeatedly cycled between frozen and thawed states, then the samples can be accessed and processed, but cell structure damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature monitoring and control feedback mechanisms that track sample temperature throughout the transfer and processing cycle. This feedback ensures that temperature remains within safe limits, preventing unintended thawing and subsequent refreezing cycles that would damage cell structures while still allowing necessary sample access.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature-controlled environment maintains continuous protection of samples throughout the entire transfer and processing sequence. By eliminating temperature fluctuations and maintaining stable conditions continuously, the system allows sample accessibility without subjecting samples to repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
4Reliability
If the transfer time is minimized to reduce exposure to ambient temperature, then sample integrity is maintained, but the complexity of tracking and monitoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines temperature control, temperature monitoring, and sample transfer functions into a single integrated transfer container system. By merging these functions, the system maintains sample integrity through rapid controlled transfer without requiring separate complex tracking and monitoring systems, as the temperature control itself prevents the need for extensive monitoring interventions.
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 ensures minimal temperature changes during sample transfer, maintains the integrity of biological samples by preventing temperature excursions above critical levels, and provides a comprehensive thermal history of the samples.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier includes an integrated sample identification and temperature sensing capability configured to monitor a thermal history of one or more samples during transport, handling and storage
Implementation Method 2
a handheld carrier configured to transfer samples to and from a temperature-controlled storage station
Implementation Method 3
a portable temperature-controlled container for receiving and housing one or more carriers
Data Source
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AI summary
A system is provided for transporting, handling and monitoring samples in a temperature-controlled storage environment. The system includes a handheld carrier configured to transfer samples to and from a temperature-controlled storage station and a temperature-controlled container for receiving and housing one or more carriers. The carrier includes an integrated sample identification and temperature sensing capability configured to monitor a thermal history of one or more samples during transport, handling and storage including as the samples are conveyed between the temperature-controlled storage environment and the temperature- controlled container. That is, the carrier is adapted to be held in the hand during use. A carrier for conveying and monitoring samples during transport, handling and storage is also provided.