Transportable container, charger system, method and kit for generation of carbon dioxide snow block in-situ within the transportable container for preservation of items stored there within
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preserving and transporting biological samples during clinical trials face challenges such as labor-intensive dry ice handling, temperature gradients, and high costs associated with cryogenic liquid nitrogen-based systems, leading to sample degradation and logistical complexities.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide (CO2) snow-making kit that generates CO2 snow blocks in-situ within a container using a meshed conduit and CO2 snow charger, allowing for automated on-demand production, improved packing density, and extended cooling duration, reducing the need for on-site inventory and simplifying operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional dry ice systems are used with manual loading, then sample preservation is achieved, but labor intensity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates CO2 snow blocks using an integrated CO2 cylinder and snow-making mechanism within the container, eliminating the need for manual loading of pre-prepared dry ice. The device self-generates the cooling agent on-demand, reducing labor intensity while maintaining sample preservation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The CO2 cylinder and snow-making components are pre-installed within the container structure, prepared in advance for automatic operation. This preliminary configuration enables the system to generate CO2 snow blocks automatically when needed, without requiring manual intervention during the preservation process
2Temperature
If conventional insulated boxes with dry ice are used, then cooling is provided, but the boxes are not reusable and must be discarded, creating waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and reuses the CO2 cylinder and snow-making components within the container structure. After the CO2 is depleted, the entire unit with integrated components can be refilled and reused multiple times, eliminating the need to discard the container and reducing waste compared to single-use insulated boxes
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the storage vessel for samples and as the housing for the CO2 generation system. This universal design allows the same structure to provide both preservation functionality and automated cooling agent generation, extending the container's usable life and reducing waste
3Reliability
If dry ice is manually loaded into insulated boxes, then sample transport is enabled, but assembly and loading are labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates CO2 snow blocks using an integrated CO2 cylinder and snow-making mechanism within the container, eliminating the need for manual loading of pre-prepared dry ice. The device self-generates the cooling agent on-demand, reducing labor intensity while maintaining sample preservation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and generation method of the cooling agent from pre-formed dry ice blocks requiring manual handling to on-demand CO2 snow block generation through controlled sublimation. This parameter change in the cooling agent delivery method automates the process and improves assembly efficiency
4Temperature
If conventional dry ice systems are used, then cooling is maintained, but significant cost and inconvenience are associated with maintaining sufficient supply
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates CO2 snow blocks using an integrated CO2 cylinder and snow-making mechanism within the container, eliminating the need for manual loading of pre-prepared dry ice. The device self-generates the cooling agent on-demand, reducing labor intensity while maintaining sample preservation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The CO2 cylinder and snow-making components are pre-installed within the container structure, prepared in advance for automatic operation. This preliminary configuration enables the system to generate CO2 snow blocks automatically when needed, without requiring manual intervention during the preservation process
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
The system provides reliable and reproducible sample preservation with extended cooling duration, reducing sample degradation and logistical complexities, while offering cost and convenience advantages over traditional dry ice and liquid nitrogen-based methods.
Implementation Method 1
A CO2 snow charger operably or integrally connected to or penetrated through the meshed conduit, the CO2 snow charger configured to selectively direct CO2 fluid into the snow chamber
Implementation Method 2
The internal meshed conduit volume configured to receive a meshed conduit; said meshed conduit comprising porous openings sufficient for gas to pass through, but for the CO2 snow block to remain substantially within the snow chamber
Implementation Method 3
multiple insulated container walls at least partially surrounding the first region and the second region
Implementation Method 4
multiple insulated container walls at least partially surrounding the first region and the second region
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a novel kit, transportable apparatus and method for generating in-situ CO2 snow block within the apparatus. An item such as a biological sample can be stored and transported within the same apparatus that is employed for creating the CO2 snow block. The apparatus is capable of preserving the sample during transport. The invention also includes a specially designed CO2 snow charger system including a charger and meshed conduit. The charger system is operated in accordance with the methods of the present invention to create the in-situ CO2 snow block within a container that can be also used for transport.