Rotating Cryogenic Storage Rack for Stable Specimen Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultra-low temperature storage apparatuses for specimens like cord blood face challenges with temperature fluctuations affecting cell viability, moisture-induced condensation obscuring labels, and high maintenance and operational costs due to complex robotic systems and electrical dependencies.
Innovation Solution
A storage apparatus with a circular arrangement of rotating units and compartments, allowing independent storage and access, using a manual mechanism to prevent temperature fluctuations and condensation issues, while reducing complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional liquid nitrogen storage tanks with open-lid type are used, then storage capacity is improved, but temperature stability deteriorates causing cell viability loss
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tank is divided into multiple independent storage racks that can be accessed separately. Each rack contains cartridges stored in a closed environment, allowing access to one rack without exposing others to temperature fluctuations. This segmentation maintains temperature stability for stored specimens while preserving storage capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If open-lid type storage tanks are used, then storage capacity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to condensation obscuring labels
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple independent racks with individual access points. Only the specific rack being accessed is opened, while other racks remain closed. This prevents condensation from forming on the viewing windows of unaccessed racks, maintaining label readability and identification accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If automatic mechanical storage tanks with robotic arms are used, then storage-access accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage rack design enables operators to perform storage and retrieval operations independently without complex robotic systems. The rack structure itself facilitates easy access and identification of cartridges, allowing the system to serve itself through simple manual operations rather than requiring sophisticated automation.
4Measurement precision
If automatic mechanical storage tanks are used, then storage-access accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to moisture freezing in joints
Solution Approach 1:
The storage racks are designed to be removable from the main tank body. This extraction allows the racks to be handled separately in a controlled manner, avoiding the problem of moisture freezing in joints of fixed mechanical systems. The separable design simplifies operations by allowing racks to be taken out for access without manipulating complex mechanical joints in the cold environment.
5Ease of manufacture
If conventional liquid nitrogen storage tanks are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to temperature fluctuations affecting cell viability
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system uses multiple independent racks that maintain closed environments for stored cartridges. This segmentation provides reliable temperature protection for cells while using simple, cost-effective construction materials and methods. The modular rack design achieves reliability through architectural simplicity rather than expensive complex systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a storage apparatus, including: a base; an axle unit, supported on the base; a first storage-access unit and a plurality of storage units of which the bottoms correspond to the base and arranged in a first circle; a plurality of second storage units of which the bottoms correspond to the base and arranged in a second circle; a first rotating unit connected with the tops of the first storage units; a first cover unit connected with the tops of the second storage units; and a plurality of first rolling units connected with the first rotating unit, wherein the first storage-access unit and the first storage units can rotate relative to the second storage units. Accordingly, the storage apparatus of the present invention can be employed in storing and accessing the products independently.