Systems, apparatus and methods to pick and/or place specimen containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for retrieving and placing specimen containers in cryogenic environments often expose multiple containers to non-cryogenic temperatures, and manual labor is required, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in handling and tracking.
Innovation Solution
A system with a pick and place head, driven by motors, that allows precise retrieval and placement of specimen containers within a cryogenic storage tank, utilizing secondary reservoirs for cooling and recharging with cryogenic fluid, and a radial array of storage locations that pivot for access, enabling automated and efficient handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional methods are used to retrieve and place specimen containers, then manual labor is required and multiple containers are exposed to non-cryogenic temperatures, but automation and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system that uses a pick and place head mounted on a robotic arm. The system incorporates sensors, controllers, and automated navigation to locate, grasp, and transport specimen containers between storage locations and processing areas, eliminating manual labor while maintaining precision through automated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized pick and place head as an intermediary component between the robotic arm and specimen containers. This intermediary mechanism includes grippers, sensors, and cooling features that enable precise engagement with containers while minimizing thermal exposure, thereby bridging the gap between automated movement and careful handling requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If specimen containers are closely spaced to maximize storage density, then storage capacity increases, but accessibility and risk of exposure to non-cryogenic temperatures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pick and place head to the exterior of the cryogenic storage environment, allowing it to retrieve containers through openings without bringing the entire storage environment to non-cryogenic temperatures. The system selectively removes only the specific container needed for processing, leaving other containers maintained at cryogenic temperatures in their closely spaced storage positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary cooling of the pick and place head before it enters the cryogenic storage environment. The robotic arm and its end effector are pre-cooled to match the cryogenic temperature of the storage locations, preventing thermal shock to containers during retrieval and minimizing the time containers are exposed to non-cryogenic temperatures during the transfer process.
3Productivity
If manual handling is used, then flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity and potential for error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors, cameras, and identification readers on the pick and place head that provide real-time feedback to the control system. These sensors detect container positions, verify container identities through RFID or barcode scanning, and confirm successful retrieval or placement. This feedback loop enables automated tracking and verification, improving both productivity and reliability by eliminating manual errors in identification and recording.
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
Reduces exposure of specimen containers to non-cryogenic temperatures, automates the process, and improves tracking and handling accuracy while minimizing manual labor.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of the pick and place head is placed in a secondary reservoir of a liquid cryogenic fluid to cool the portion of the pick and place head
Implementation Method 2
A portion of the pick and place head is placed in a secondary reservoir of a liquid cryogenic fluid to cool the portion of the pick and place head
Data Source
AI summary
A system, device and method to pick and/or place specimen containers may include a pick and/or place head, a first secondary reservoir, and optionally a second secondary reservoir which hold cryogenic fluid in a liquid form, above a main reservoir of cryogenic liquid, to cool the pick and/or place head and/or to cool or recharge the specimen containers during transfer operations. Storage locations may be arrayed in wedge-shaped sets spaced above cryogenic liquid of the main reservoir of a cryogenic storage tank at one or more levels, and pivotal about a central axis via a motor and control system. A gap (e.g., wedge shaped gap) between two successively angularly adjacent sets of storage locations of the sets of storage locations at an upper level provides access to the storage locations of the sets of storage locations at a lower level. Cryogenic liquid temperatures and levels in reservoirs are monitored.