Semen Straw Transfer Assembly for Cryogenic Handling Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for handling animal semen straws during freezing and transfer are cumbersome, inefficient, and risk thermal shock due to direct contact with frozen straws.

Innovation Solution

An assembly comprising a freezing rack with a rectangular frame and transverse/longitudinal toothed walls, a transfer device with lateral skids and a collector, allowing for easy collection and transfer of straws without direct hand contact, using a device with non-return members to prevent straw ejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If direct hand contact is used to handle frozen straws, then manipulation is simple, but thermal shock risk increases and handling safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanipulation simplicityVSAvoidhandling safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transfer device with a collector as an intermediary tool between the operator and the frozen straws. The collector receives straws from the freezing rack through a mouth and allows transfer without direct hand contact, eliminating thermal shock risk while maintaining manipulation simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional freezing rack design is used, then straw freezing is effective, but transfer efficiency deteriorates due to cumbersome handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreezing effectivenessVSAvoidtransfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the freezing rack with a transfer device that includes a collector. The collector is integrated into the rack structure, allowing straws to be both frozen in position and then efficiently collected and transferred in one system, eliminating the need for separate handling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer device enables self-service transfer where the collector automatically receives straws from the freezing rack positions through its mouth and guides them for removal, reducing manual intervention and improving transfer efficiency while maintaining freezing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If collector mouth is positioned high, then straw collection is easy, but straw ejection risk increases due to gravity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollection easeVSAvoidstraw retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning non-return members at the collector mouth to prevent straw ejection before gravity can cause problems. These members are strategically placed to block the mouth opening and counteract the gravitational force that would otherwise cause straws to fall out during transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS12527658B2Assembly for handling a plurality of animal semen packaging straws

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 IMV TECH

AI summary

The assembly comprises a ramp (4) and a straw transfer device (60) comprising two lateral pads and a straw (1) collector arranged between the two lateral pads, the freezer ramp (4) and the transfer device (60) being configured to allow a first end position, to allow a second end position, and such that, by sliding the transfer device (60) from the first end position to the second end position with the pads that slide on angled sections (19) of the ramp (4), the plurality of straws (1) initially arranged on the ramp (4) is recovered in the collector of the transfer device (60).