Simulacrum Labware for Thermal Stability in Sample Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated sample storage systems face issues with thermal instability and uneven temperature distribution due to low thermal inertia, leading to poor preservation of biological samples, especially in partially filled or sparsely populated storage areas, which can affect the quality and integrity of the samples.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of simulacrum labware substitutes that simulate the characteristics of active labware, such as size and shape, to maintain a uniform temperature distribution and increase the thermal inertia of the storage system, allowing for maximum storage capacity and efficient cooling of samples, even in partially filled areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage areas are left empty to accommodate variable sample storage needs, then storage flexibility is improved, but thermal instability and temperature variations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simulacrum labware substitutes that replicate the physical characteristics (size, shape, thermal mass) of actual labware without containing samples. These copies maintain the thermal properties needed for stable temperature distribution while allowing flexible storage configuration. The substitutes are interchangeable with real labware, providing both adaptability and thermal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the thermal mass distribution by placing simulacrum substitutes in specific locations based on the actual sample storage pattern. This changes the thermal parameters of the storage environment to compensate for empty spaces, maintaining uniform temperature distribution regardless of how many samples are stored or where they are positioned.
2Productivity
If samples are stored in partially filled areas to maximize storage capacity, then storage efficiency is improved, but temperature uniformity and sample preservation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Simulacrum substitutes are placed in empty storage locations to replicate the thermal presence of actual samples. This creates a uniform thermal environment across the entire storage area, ensuring that samples in partially filled areas experience the same temperature stability as if the storage were fully populated, thereby maintaining sample preservation quality while maximizing storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulacrum labware acts as a thermal intermediary between the cooling system and the actual samples. It absorbs and distributes thermal energy uniformly throughout the storage area, mediating the temperature distribution to protect samples from thermal fluctuations even when storage is not fully utilized.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cooling power is increased to compensate for low thermal inertia in sparsely populated areas, then temperature stability is improved, but energy consumption worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By adding simulacrum substitutes, the system changes the thermal mass parameter of the storage environment. This increased thermal inertia naturally dampens temperature fluctuations, reducing the need for high cooling power. The thermal stability is achieved through passive thermal mass rather than active energy input, thereby maintaining temperature stability while avoiding excessive energy consumption.
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
This solution ensures a steady and uniform temperature profile within the storage system, reducing exposure to higher temperatures, decreasing the time for samples to freeze, and minimizing temperature variations, thereby enhancing the preservation of biological samples and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
increase the thermal inertia of the storage system, allowing for maximum storage capacity and efficient cooling of samples
Implementation Method 2
ensures a steady and uniform temperature profile within the storage system, reducing exposure to higher temperatures, decreasing the time for samples to freeze
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature controlled sample specimen laboratory storage system, for storing sample specimens disposed in one or more of labware units and labware devices, includes a refrigerated chamber with a storage array therein having predetermined storage locations defining a predetermined capacity of one or more of labware unit storage and labware device storage of the storage array, where the storage array has a predetermined area, and at least one simulacrum labware substitute having a predetermined characteristic that simulates a corresponding one of the one or more of the labware units and labware devices. The at least one simulacrum labware substitute is disposed within the storage array so that the predetermined capacity of the one or more of the labware unit storage and the labware device storage of the storage array, of predetermined area, is unconstrained by the at least one simulacrum labware substitute held in the storage location.