Rotatable Lock Chamber for Low-Temperature Storage Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-temperature storage devices face challenges in providing efficient accessibility for automated transport devices while maintaining effective thermal and atmospheric insulation, particularly at temperatures below -20°C, to prevent ice formation and humidity ingress.
Innovation Solution
A low-temperature storage device with a rotatable lock chamber and a pivotal/displaceable transport device that allows for precise manipulation and alignment of objects, combined with a refrigeration system and insulating walls to maintain low temperatures and prevent moisture entry, along with a transfer chamber at a slightly warmer temperature for reduced humidity flux.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotatable lock chamber is used to enable automated access, then accessibility for automated transport devices is improved, but thermal insulation and prevention of humidity ingress deteriorate due to the rotating mechanism creating potential leakage paths
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer chamber is introduced as an intermediary space between the storage chamber and the external environment. This transfer chamber receives objects from the storage chamber through the rotatable lock chamber and provides them to the external environment, thereby isolating the storage chamber from direct exposure to the external environment and maintaining its thermal insulation while enabling automated access.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is divided into multiple independent chambers: a storage chamber for storing objects, a transfer chamber for intermediate handling, and a rotatable lock chamber for controlled access. This segmentation allows the storage chamber to maintain its insulation integrity while the transfer chamber handles the interaction with the external environment through the rotatable mechanism.
2Extent of automation
If a rotatable lock chamber with a transport device is used, then automated manipulation and alignment of objects is improved, but device complexity increases due to the additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable lock chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as a sealed access point, provides rotational positioning, and interfaces with the transfer chamber. The transport device within the lock chamber is designed to handle various objects (microplates, sample tubes, cartridges) using a universal manipulator mechanism, reducing the need for specialized components for each object type.
3Reliability
If the lock chamber is made gas-tight to prevent humidity entry, then insulation effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation for the rotating mechanism deteriorates due to sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer chamber acts as an intermediary that is temporarily opened to receive objects from the storage chamber through the gas-tight lock chamber. After the transfer is complete, the transfer chamber can be sealed again, allowing the lock chamber to maintain its gas-tight seal for extended periods, thereby reducing the frequency of operations on the sealing mechanism.
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 efficient and automated access to stored objects while maintaining optimal insulation and temperature control, reducing ice formation and humidity ingress, thus ensuring reliable operation of laboratory storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
a refrigerator device adapted and structured to cool the storage chamber to a storage temperature below 0°C, in particular below -20°C, typically at approximately -80°C
Implementation Method 2
An insulating wall enclosing the storage chamber. This wall provides thermal insulation.
Implementation Method 3
The lock chamber prevents a free gas exchange between the storage chamber and its surroundings
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The storage device comprises a storage chamber (1) for storing objects at e.g. -80°C, a transfer chamber (2) for intermediate object storage at e.g. -20°C and a transport device (3) arranged between them. The transport device comprises a pivotal and vertically displaceable carriage (38) and is arranged in a rotatable lock chamber (4).