Rotatable-Cup Cryopreservation Canister for Faster Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing canister assemblies for cryopreservation containers allow reproductive samples to warm up and thaw quickly when removed from liquid nitrogen, necessitating a solution that increases storage capacity while maintaining sample integrity and reducing nitrogen loss.
Innovation Solution
A canister assembly with two cylindrical cups sharing a longitudinal axis, one fixed and one rotatable, allowing for efficient sample retrieval and minimizing nitrogen evaporation, featuring a thermal bridge and apertures for liquid nitrogen flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single canister with screened bottom is used for cryopreservation, then the samples can be cooled by direct contact with liquid nitrogen, but when the canister is removed from the tank, all samples must be taken out of contact with refrigerant causing them to warm up and thaw quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The canister is divided into multiple stacked canister units (first canister unit, second canister unit, etc.), each with its own screened bottom and sample storage chamber. This segmentation allows individual units to be removed from liquid nitrogen while other units remain submerged, enabling selective sample retrieval without thawing all samples. Each unit independently maintains its refrigerant contact status.
Solution Approach 2:
The canister assembly incorporates a dynamic configuration where canister units can be selectively added or removed from the stack. The handle mechanism allows flexible assembly and disassembly of individual canister units, enabling the system to adapt to different retrieval needs while maintaining sample integrity through controlled refrigerant contact.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple canisters are stored in a cryopreservation tank, then storage capacity increases, but the number of canisters requires more liquid nitrogen and increases nitrogen loss
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple canister units are stacked vertically one on top of another, forming a nested configuration within a single canister assembly. This nesting approach maximizes the use of vertical space in the cryopreservation tank, increasing storage capacity without proportionally increasing the volume of liquid nitrogen required. The shared handle and compact structure reduce the overall footprint compared to separate canisters.
3Ease of operation
If a rigid handle with single canister is used, then the canister is easy to manipulate, but the storage capacity in the cryopreservation container is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple canister units are merged into a single integrated canister assembly that shares a common handle. This combination maintains the ease of manipulation associated with a single-handle design while significantly increasing storage capacity by stacking multiple sample-containing units. The unified handle allows the entire stack to be manipulated as one unit or individual units can be selectively added/removed.
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
Enhances storage capacity and sample safety by reducing thawing time and nitrogen usage, facilitating quick and safe removal of samples while maintaining temperature stability.
Implementation Method 1
allowing liquid nitrogen flow through
Implementation Method 2
apertures for liquid nitrogen flow
Implementation Method 3
featuring a thermal bridge
Implementation Method 4
being the other cups eccentric rotatory movement allowing access to the immediately inferior cup
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a canister assembly (1a; 1b) for a cryopreservation container comprising: a rigid elongated handle (2) having a hook in the upper part suitable for supporting said handle in said cryopreservation container, a thermal bridge in the upper part of said handle, and a lower portion; at least two cylindrical cups (7a, 8a; 7b, 8b) having a series of apertures in the bottom side, in which said at least two cups are located one on top of the other sharing the same longitudinal axis, and being attached to said lower part of said handle; being separated by a supporting member attached in a fixed manner to the upper cylindrical cup (7a; 7b); wherein the bottom cylindrical cup (8a; 8b) is attached in a fixed manner to the lower part of the handle by fixing means (11) and the upper cylindrical cup comprises cylindrical joint means suitable for rotating the upper cylindrical cup around the handle's axis.