Systems and methods for shipping cryogenically-frozen materials
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cryogenic dewars and shipping containers lack features to protect the lid from cracking, securely stack during transport, prevent coolant escape, and ensure safe transit of frozen materials, while also lacking data logging capabilities and appropriate documentation.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic dewar with a lid that can house a data logging system and features for controlled coolant escape, combined with a shipping case that allows secure stacking, uses shock-absorbing linings, and includes load-bearing handles and a reliable closing mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional cryogenic dewars use simple lid structures, then manufacturing is easier and cost is lower, but the lid cracks during transit when load is applied or dewar falls
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is constructed using composite materials including a rigid outer shell and an energy-absorbing core layer. This composite structure provides both the strength needed to resist cracking under load or impact and a controlled complexity that manages the trade-off between durability and manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid incorporates an energy-absorbing core layer positioned between the outer shell and internal components. This cushioning element is pre-installed to absorb impact energies before they can crack the lid structure, preventing failure during transit without requiring complex active protection systems.
2Reliability
If traditional shipping containers use heavy foam inserts for protection, then the dewar is well protected from vibrations and impacts, but shipping costs increase due to increased weight and volume
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly distributing heavy foam insulation throughout the shipping container, the design applies localized shock-absorbing elements only where impacts and vibrations are most likely to occur during transit. This targeted approach maintains protection reliability while minimizing unnecessary weight and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The shipping container uses advanced shock-absorbing materials with superior energy absorption characteristics per unit weight compared to traditional foam. By changing the material parameters (density, elasticity, energy absorption capacity), the design achieves equivalent or better protection with reduced overall weight and volume.
3Reliability
If traditional shipping containers use flimsy clamps for closing, then the container is easier to open and close, but the dewar can spill out during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The closing mechanism incorporates curved or rounded structural elements that distribute locking forces more evenly across the container opening. This geometric design provides robust security against accidental opening during transit while maintaining smooth operation surfaces that do not complicate the closing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing mechanism is designed with self-latching features that automatically engage when the container is closed, providing secure locking without requiring complex manual operations. The mechanism serves itself by using the closing motion to trigger the latching action, ensuring reliability while maintaining ease of use.
4Loss of information
If traditional dewars lack data logging capabilities, then the device is simpler and cheaper, but there is no way to track and verify environmental conditions during transit
Solution Approach 1:
The dewar lid is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a structural protective element and as a housing for the data logging system. By integrating the sensor and data storage functions into the existing lid structure, the design captures environmental condition information without adding separate complex subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces manual environmental monitoring with electronic sensors and digital data logging capabilities integrated into the dewar. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with electronic systems enables automatic tracking and verification of temperature and other conditions throughout transit.
5Reliability
If traditional dewars lack coolant escape prevention features, then the dewar structure is simpler, but unregulated coolant escape occurs during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The dewar incorporates self-regulating pressure relief features that automatically control coolant vapor escape without requiring external intervention or complex control systems. The design uses the inherent physical properties of the coolant and container to self-regulate pressure and prevent uncontrolled escape during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant containment system utilizes controlled phase change parameters to manage vapor pressure and escape rates. By designing the containment structure to accommodate and regulate the phase transition characteristics of the coolant, the system maintains reliable containment while allowing controlled vapor release to prevent pressure buildup.
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 safe and efficient transport of frozen materials by protecting the dewar lid, preventing coolant escape, enabling secure stacking, and providing data logging and documentation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a shock-absorbing lining disposed on an inner surface of the one or more walls and configured to accept a cryogenic shipping container
Implementation Method 2
a lid configured to reversibly engage with the insulated housing such that the lid forms a seal over the insulated housing when the lid is engaged with the insulated housing
Implementation Method 3
an insulated housing including: a cavity for containing the frozen material
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to shipping cases, dewars, and systems for transporting a frozen material. More specifically, the embodiments described herein include and/or enable dewar lid protective systems, data logging enablement, controlled coolant escape, efficient stacking options during transport, spill protection to ensure safe and effective transport of frozen samples and materials among other things. An exemplary use for the systems described herein includes reliable shipping for frozen materials at specified environmental conditions which can be tracked and verified.