Temperature-Monitored Handheld Carrier for Biological Sample Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Biological samples face temperature fluctuations and cellular damage during transfer between temperature-controlled storage environments due to exposure to ambient temperatures, lacking continuous temperature monitoring and tracking, which can cause samples to rise above critical temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A handheld carrier with integrated sample identification and temperature sensing capabilities, along with a temperature-controlled container, enables continuous monitoring and tracking of sample temperatures during transfer, handling, and storage, displaying identification and temperature data to users and logging it remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If samples are transferred between temperature-controlled storage environments using open trays or basins, then the transfer process is simple and fast, but the sample temperature rises rapidly causing cellular damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature-controlled transfer vessel as an intermediary between storage environments. This vessel maintains a controlled temperature during transfer, acting as a mediator that protects samples from ambient temperature exposure while enabling movement between storage locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer vessel creates a protected environment that isolates samples from the ambient atmosphere. By maintaining a controlled temperature environment within the vessel during transfer, the system prevents harmful thermal exposure while allowing rapid transfer operations.
2Ease of operation
If samples are processed in open basins or cryocarts exposed to ambient environment, then accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but temperature control is lost causing significant temperature rise
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer vessel uses a closed container structure that flexibly encloses samples during transfer. This shell provides thermal isolation while maintaining ease of handling and accessibility, allowing operators to access samples without exposing them to ambient temperatures.
3Reliability
If continuous temperature monitoring is implemented during transfer, then temperature control and sample integrity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer vessel incorporates integrated temperature monitoring that automatically tracks and records sample temperature throughout the transfer process. The system self-monitors without requiring external intervention, providing continuous temperature data and alerts while maintaining simplicity through automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system provides real-time temperature feedback during transfer operations. Temperature sensors continuously measure sample temperature and provide feedback to control systems, enabling automatic adjustments or alerts when temperature thresholds are approached, ensuring sample integrity through closed-loop monitoring.
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 minimizes temperature changes during sample transfer, maintains sample integrity by ensuring temperatures remain below critical levels, and provides a comprehensive thermal history of samples, enhancing the reliability of biological sample handling and storage processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least the carrier includes an integrated sample identification and temperature sensing capability configured to monitor a thermal history of one or more samples during transport, handling and storage
Data Source
AI summary
A portable temperature-controlled container for receiving and housing one or more handheld carriers, each handheld carrier configured to transfer samples to and from a temperature-controlled storage environment, the handheld carrier including a handle and a tray portion, the tray portion configured to be slid into a port of a rack or tower provided in the temperature-controlled storage environment in order to withdraw a sample located in the port, the portable temperature-controlled container including a housing having an opening forming an internal cavity configured to receive one or more handheld carriers, and a lid configured to substantially close the opening, where the housing includes a recess configured to receive the handle of the handheld carrier such that closing of the lid substantially seals the internal cavity when the one or more handheld carriers are placed in the housing.