Spirally ascending/descending cryogenic storage apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic storage apparatuses pose safety hazards by damaging cell activity during retrieval, are large in size, have small storage capacity, and are inconvenient to operate, leading to inefficient storage and increased nitrogen consumption.
Innovation Solution
A spirally ascending/descending cryogenic storage apparatus with a rotating storage rack and drive assembly within a liquid nitrogen tank, allowing for precise movement of shelf boxes to an access opening without exposing the entire tank, maintaining a deep cryogenic environment and optimizing storage capacity and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire tank cover is opened to retrieve a cryopreservation tube, then the operator can access the sample, but the entire cryopreservation tube or box is exposed to room temperature, damaging cell activity
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into modular shelf boxes that can be independently accessed. Each shelf box contains multiple cryopreservation tubes, and only the specific shelf box containing the target sample needs to be retrieved, not the entire tank. This segmentation allows selective access while maintaining cryogenic conditions for all other samples.
Solution Approach 2:
A closed transition chamber serves as an intermediary space between the cryogenic storage environment and the external environment. The shelf box is transferred through this chamber, which maintains a controlled temperature gradient, preventing direct exposure of samples to room temperature during the retrieval process.
2Ease of operation
If a closed transition chamber is provided above the liquid nitrogen tank to store or retrieve cryopreservation tubes, then sample retrieval can be performed, but the entire closed transition chamber needs to be refrigerated, greatly increasing liquid nitrogen consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf box containing the target sample is extracted from the cryogenic storage tank and transferred to the transition chamber for retrieval operations. This allows the majority of the storage tank to remain sealed and maintain cryogenic conditions, while only a small portion (the transition chamber) experiences temporary temperature changes during access operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval system is segmented into the main cryogenic storage tank and a separate transition chamber. The transition chamber handles only the specific shelf box being accessed, rather than requiring the entire storage volume to be opened or refrigerated, thereby minimizing liquid nitrogen consumption.
3Ease of operation
If the entire basket is retrieved into the closed transition chamber to access cryopreservation tubes, then closed retrieval is achieved, but samples on the entire basket are affected and a large amount of liquid nitrogen is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system uses a rotating rack with multiple independently accessible shelf boxes. Only the specific shelf box containing the target sample needs to be moved to the transition chamber for retrieval, rather than retrieving the entire basket. This segmentation dramatically reduces the number of samples affected during each access operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating storage rack provides dynamic repositioning of shelf boxes to the access location. This allows any shelf box to be brought to the transition chamber position as needed, enabling closed retrieval of specific samples without moving or exposing other samples stored on the rotating rack.
4Ease of operation
If manual access methods are used to retrieve cryopreservation tubes, then operation flexibility is maintained, but the retrieval rate is low and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a drive assembly that automatically rotates the storage rack and positions shelf boxes at the access location. This dynamic automation maintains operational flexibility (the operator still selects which sample to retrieve) while dramatically improving retrieval rate by eliminating manual searching and handling time.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating storage rack automatically positions the required shelf box at the access position based on the operator's selection, reducing manual intervention. The system serves itself by mechanically positioning samples, allowing the operator to focus on selection rather than physical retrieval operations.
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
Ensures stable temperature during sample retrieval, eliminates safety hazards, increases storage capacity, and improves retrieval efficiency while reducing nitrogen consumption and overall size.
Implementation Method 1
The drive shaft assembly includes a lead screw and a rotation shaft sleeve
Implementation Method 2
The cryogenic storage tank is provided with a drive assembly and a rotating storage rack therein. A temperature in the cryogenic storage tank is continuously maintained in a certain deep cryogenic range.
Implementation Method 3
liquid nitrogen is provided at a bottom in the liquid nitrogen tank
Data Source
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AI summary
A spirally ascending/descending cryogenic storage apparatus, comprising a cryogenic storage tank, the temperature in the cryogenic storage tank being continuously maintained at a certain deep cryogenic range. A driving component and a rotating storage rack are provided within the cryogenic storage tank. Multiple shelf boxes can be stored in the circumferential direction of the rotating storage rack. The driving component can drive the rotating storage rack to spirally ascent or spirally descent in the cryogenic storage tank. An access opening is provided on the cryogenic storage tank. The multiple shelf boxes can rotate to a position corresponding to the access opening with the movement of the rotating storage rack. The cryogenic storage tank is a liquid nitrogen tank. Liquid nitrogen is provided at the bottom part within the liquid nitrogen tank.