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 therewithin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preserving and transporting biological samples using dry ice are labor-intensive, costly, and prone to temperature gradients, leading to sample degradation, while cryogenic liquid nitrogen-based systems require significant handling and are expensive.
Innovation Solution
A carbon dioxide (CO2) snow charger system that generates CO2 snow blocks in-situ within a container using a meshed conduit and CO2 snow charger, eliminating the need for manual loading and maintaining dry ice inventory, and providing improved packing density and extended cooling duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional insulated boxes with manual dry ice loading are used, then sample preservation is achieved, but labor intensity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates dry ice within the container using a CO2 storage tank and nozzle assembly, eliminating the need for manual dry ice loading. The装置 self-regulates the dry ice generation process through pressure-differential controlled valves, making the preservation system self-servicing and reducing labor intensity while maintaining sample preservation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The CO2 storage tank is pre-filled with carbon dioxide before the container is needed. The system is prepared in advance with all components (nozzles, valves, insulation) installed, so that when sample preservation is required, the dry ice generation begins immediately without manual intervention for loading dry ice, thus reducing operational complexity
2Reliability
If conventional insulated boxes with manual dry ice loading are used, then sample preservation is achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and reuses CO2 gas that sublimates from the generated dry ice. The CO2 storage tank is refilled from external sources rather than requiring continuous purchase of new dry ice, reducing operational costs. The insulated container design is reusable across multiple shipments, eliminating the need to discard and replace containers after each use
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of CO2 from gaseous storage in the tank to solid dry ice through controlled expansion and cooling in the nozzles. This phase change allows the same CO2 material to serve multiple functions (storage medium, cooling agent, preservative), reducing the need for additional materials and lowering operational costs while maintaining sample preservation
3Temperature
If conventional insulated boxes are used, then initial cooling is achieved, but temperature gradients develop during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The container interior is divided into multiple zones with separate nozzle assemblies distributed throughout the space. Each nozzle generates dry ice locally in its vicinity, creating multiple distributed cooling sources rather than a single centralized source. This segmentation ensures uniform temperature distribution and prevents temperature gradients during transport while maintaining consistent initial cooling across all sample locations
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the container receive customized cooling based on local requirements. The nozzle assembly in each region generates dry ice according to the thermal load and insulation characteristics of that specific zone. This local quality approach ensures optimal temperature uniformity in each section while maintaining overall temperature stability throughout the container, preventing sample degradation
4Reliability
If expedited delivery methods are used to maintain cold temperature, then sample preservation is improved, but logistical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container system autonomously monitors and maintains its cooling capacity throughout transport without requiring external logistical intervention. The pressure-differential controlled valves automatically regulate CO2 flow based on internal temperature and pressure conditions, eliminating the need for manual dry ice top-ups or temperature monitoring by logistics personnel, thus reducing logistical complexity while ensuring sample preservation
Solution Approach 2:
The dry ice generation operates continuously throughout the entire transport duration, providing uninterrupted cooling. The system maintains a steady state of dry ice production that matches the sublimation rate, ensuring continuous temperature stability without gaps in cooling coverage. This continuous action eliminates the need for multiple delivery stops or intermediate dry ice additions, simplifying logistics while maintaining sample preservation
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 simplifies the preservation and transport of biological samples by automating the generation of CO2 snow blocks, reducing labor and costs, and maintaining consistent temperatures for extended periods, thus minimizing sample degradation.
Implementation Method 1
A carbon dioxide (CO2) snow charger system that generates CO2 snow blocks in-situ within a container
Implementation Method 2
a meshed conduit, said meshed conduit comprising porous openings sufficient for CO2 off-gas to pass through the openings into an internal passageway of the meshed conduit, but substantially block entry of particles from the CO2 snow block
Implementation Method 3
maintaining consistent temperatures for extended periods, thus minimizing sample degradation
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
This invention relates to a novel kit, transportable apparatus and method for generating in-situ C02 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 C02 snow block. The apparatus is capable of preserving the sample during transport. The invention also includes a specially designed C02 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 C02 snow block within a container that can be also used for transport.