Low-temperature automated storage for laboratory samples with automated access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low-temperature storage systems for laboratory samples face challenges in maintaining reliable equipment operation and controlling humidity, leading to ice deposits and temperature instability, especially when accessing samples stored at very low temperatures like -80°C.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a storage zone at -80°C, a handling zone above it at a warmer temperature, and a chamber accessible for maintenance, with an automated transport device and a gas supply to maintain dry gas overpressure, preventing ice formation and allowing reliable equipment operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual access to the storage zone is performed, then samples can be accessed, but temperature stability is affected and ice deposits accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated transport device performs sample retrieval operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention in the storage zone. The system serves itself by automatically transporting samples between the storage zone and handling zone, eliminating the need for operators to physically access the cold storage environment and thereby maintaining temperature stability while still enabling sample access.
2Productivity
If automated transport device is used, then sample access speed is improved, but equipment reliability is reduced due to low temperature effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into functionally separate zones: the storage zone maintained at very low temperatures for sample storage, and the handling zone maintained at higher temperatures for equipment operation. The automated transport device operates primarily in the warmer handling zone, segmenting the functions to allow both rapid sample access and reliable equipment operation without the low-temperature reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated transport device acts as an intermediary between the cold storage zone and the warmer handling zone. It transports samples quickly through the temperature transition, enabling fast sample access while the equipment itself operates in the temperature-stable handling zone, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Reliability
If handling zone is maintained at higher temperature, then equipment operation is improved, but humidity control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The handling zone is maintained with a controlled atmosphere that minimizes humidity effects. By using inert or controlled gas environments in the handling zone, the system enables reliable equipment operation at higher temperatures while preventing the humidity-related harmful effects that would otherwise occur in warmer conditions.
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
This design ensures reliable sample manipulation and minimizes ice deposits, maintaining temperature stability and ease of access while controlling humidity, thus enhancing the operational reliability and convenience of the storage system.
Implementation Method 1
an automated transport device is arranged at least partially in the handling zone and adapted and structured to move the samples between the storage zone, the handling zone and the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a separating wall separates the access zone and the handling zone
Implementation Method 3
a gas supply to maintain dry gas overpressure in the storage zone, preventing ice formation
Data Source
AI summary
An automated low-temperature storage for storing laboratory samples includes a storage zone for storing the samples that is maintainable at a first temperature below −20° C.; a handling zone located above the storage zone that is maintainable at a second temperature above the first temperature and below 0° C.; a chamber laterally adjacent to the storage zone and the handling zone for storing the samples at a third temperature that is higher than the first temperature and below 0° C.; and a vertical wall separating the chamber from the handling zone and storage zone. A first opening arranged in said vertical wall connects the handling zone and the chamber; and an automated transport device is arranged at least partially in the handling zone and is configured to move the samples between the storage zone, the handling zone, and the chamber.