RFID Specimen Holder Sleeve for Cryogenic Sample Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and managing biological samples stored at cryogenic temperatures face challenges such as label smudging, loss, and frost interference, leading to increased time and effort in recording and auditing, and potential sample misidentification.
Innovation Solution
A specimen holder with a body and a sleeve, equipped with a wireless transponder, allows for secure attachment and identification of biological samples, maintaining functionality at cryogenic temperatures through the use of RFID technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual labeling or barcode labels are used to identify biological samples, then identification information can be provided, but the labels can be erased, smudged, fall off, or become unreadable due to frost formation under cryogenic storage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical labels (stickers, written markings) with a wireless transponder system that uses electromagnetic fields for identification. The transponder is embedded in the specimen holder and communicates specimen information wirelessly to readers, eliminating the need for physical labels that are susceptible to frost, erosion, or detachment under cryogenic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using physical labels that directly contact or attach to the specimen holder, the system creates an information copy in the form of a wireless transponder that stores identification data. This digital copy can be read remotely without physical contact, avoiding the harmful effects of frost and temperature cycling on physical labeling surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If samples are frequently removed from the dewar for identification or auditing, then sample information can be accessed, but the time spent outside the dewar increases the risk of sample damage and temperature loss
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transponder enables non-contact identification, allowing operators to read specimen information from a distance without physically handling or removing samples from the dewar. This substitution of physical label reading with wireless communication minimizes the time samples are exposed to ambient temperatures, reducing the risk of thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The transponder system allows the specimen holder to essentially identify itself automatically when brought near a reader, eliminating the need for manual intervention to read labels. This automated self-identification reduces handling time and keeps samples in their controlled cryogenic environment for longer periods.
3Loss of information
If multiple manual labeling steps are performed on specimen holders, then identification information can be recorded, but the time and effort required for recording and auditing increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transponder stores complete identification information as digital data, eliminating the need for manual writing, printing, or reading of physical labels. All specimen information is captured in the transponder's memory, allowing for instant electronic retrieval and audit without manual recording processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual labeling and recording operations with an automated wireless communication system. When a transponder is read by a compatible device, information is transferred electronically, eliminating the time-consuming manual processes of writing, affixing, and physically reading labels, thereby significantly reducing auditing time.
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
Enables reliable and efficient identification and inventory management of biological samples without the need for manual labeling, reducing time and effort in sample handling and minimizing sample misidentification.
Implementation Method 1
A specimen holder with a body and a sleeve, equipped with a wireless transponder, allows for secure attachment and identification of biological samples, maintaining functionality at cryogenic temperatures through the use of RFID technology.
Data Source
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AI summary
A specimen holder includes a body, a sleeve, and a wireless transponder. The body has distal and proximal portions, the distal portion including a surface that carries a specimen upon engagement of the body with the specimen, and the proximal portion including a first pair of parallel surfaces. The sleeve has distal and proximal portions, a side wall, and an internal cavity at least partially enclosed by the side wall. The distal portion of the sleeve includes a second pair of parallel surfaces. The wireless transponder is sized to be positioned within the internal cavity of the sleeve. The sleeve is attachable to the body by capturing one of the first and second pairs of parallel surfaces between the other of the first and second pairs of parallel surfaces.