Probe Tube Rack Handling in Open-Top Low-Temperature Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for low-temperature storage and handling of probe tubes are complex and lack a simple design for efficient access and minimal temperature variation.

Innovation Solution

A device with a low-temperature compartment, holder apparatus, and picker apparatus that allows for quick access to tube racks through a top opening, using a gripper to remove and insert individual tubes while maintaining temperature stability, and a method to operate the device in a controlled environment to reduce thermal stress and ice formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automated door and robotics are used to access probes, then probe access is automated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe access automationVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the door from the low-temperature compartment entirely, replacing it with an open top design. This eliminates the need for automated doors and complex sealing mechanisms while maintaining automated probe access through a simplified robotic arm that operates in the open space, directly reducing device complexity while preserving automation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the robotic arm access probes through a door from the outside, the invention inverts the approach by providing open access from the top and using the robotic arm to reach down into the compartment. This eliminates the door barrier and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If tube racks are accessed through a door, then temperature variations occur, but access is enabled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetube rack accessVSAvoidtemperature stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The door is completely removed from the low-temperature compartment, replacing the traditional access method. The open top design allows tube racks to be accessed by lowering them through the opening without requiring door opening/closing cycles, thereby eliminating temperature fluctuations caused by door operations while maintaining easy access capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Tube racks are pre-positioned in the low-temperature compartment and can be lowered through the open top when needed. This preliminary positioning allows for quick access without requiring door operations, maintaining both ease of operation and temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If gripper operates inside low-temperature compartment, then tube access is enabled, but ice formation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetube retrievalVSAvoidice formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A heated rail or guide structure is introduced as an intermediary element through which the gripper moves to access tubes in the low-temperature compartment. This intermediary provides a warm path for the gripper, preventing ice formation on the gripper components while still enabling tube retrieval from the cold compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripper system is divided into segments: the main body remains outside the low-temperature compartment, and only the necessary gripping components extend into the compartment through heated guides. This segmentation allows tube access while protecting the majority of the gripper from cold temperatures that cause ice formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 device enables efficient and quick handling of probe tubes with minimal temperature variation, reducing thermal stress and ice formation, and allows for independent operation of multiple tube racks for permanent storage and transfer.

Implementation Method 1

A low-temperature compartment (1), having insulated side and bottom walls (2, 3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11673142B2Device for the low-temperature storage and the handling of probe tubes in tube racks

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 LICONIC

AI summary

A device for the handling and the low-temperature storage of probe tubes in tube racks includes a low-temperature compartment having insulated side and bottom walls and at least one opening at a top side. The compartment is used for storing at least one tube rack at a low temperature. The device has a holder apparatus comprising a rack holder for holding a tube rack and a picker apparatus comprising a gripper adapted to remove and insert individual tubes from or into a tube rack held by the holder. The holder apparatus is adapted to displace the rack holder between an upper rack position outside low-temperature compartment above the opening and a lower rack position inside the compartment. The picker apparatus is adapted to displace the gripper between an upper gripper position outside the compartment above the opening and a lower gripper position inside the compartment below the opening.