Transportable container-structure for cryoconservation of biological materials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cryoconservation installations face challenges in maintaining the integrity and safety of cryo-materials during prolonged shutdowns or disasters, leading to risks of damage or loss due to complex logistics and temperature control issues during transfer.

Innovation Solution

A transportable container-structure with a cryogenic compartment and distribution line for cryogenic fluids, equipped with sensors, air renewal units, and remote monitoring systems, allowing for mobile storage and maintenance of cryo-materials, and enabling secure transportation on vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cryo-materials are transferred to another cryoconservation installation during maintenance or disaster, then the installation can be repaired or recovered, but the logistics and handling complexity increases significantly, creating risks of material damage or loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecryo-material safetyVSAvoidlogistics and handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the cryoconservation system into a fixed installation and a mobile container unit. The mobile unit can be detached and transported independently, allowing the fixed installation to be repaired while the mobile unit maintains cryo-material storage. This segmentation eliminates complex transfer logistics by providing a standalone backup storage solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile container unit is prepared in advance as a ready-to-deploy backup system. It is pre-equipped with cryogenic fluid tanks, distribution lines, and monitoring systems, so that when the fixed installation fails, the mobile unit can immediately take over without requiring complex setup or material transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of repair

If the cryoconservation installation is shut down for maintenance, then the technical default can be fixed, but the cryo-materials must be transferred which involves complex logistics and handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation maintenanceVSAvoidmaterial transfer operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into fixed and mobile components. The mobile container unit can remain in place or be relocated independently while the fixed installation undergoes maintenance. This eliminates the need to transfer cryo-materials during routine maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile container unit acts as an intermediary backup system between the fixed installation and the ultimate destination of cryo-materials. During maintenance, it serves as a temporary storage solution, eliminating the need for direct transfer to distant facilities and simplifying operational procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a Disaster Recovery Plan is triggered and cryo-materials are transferred, then the damaged installation can be recovered, but significant risks of deterioration or loss occur during transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecryo-material integrityVSAvoidtransfer time and risk exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile container unit is pre-positioned and pre-equipped with all necessary systems (cryogenic fluid storage, distribution lines, temperature control, monitoring) before a disaster occurs. This allows immediate deployment and minimizes the time cryo-materials are exposed to transfer risks during disaster recovery operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile container serves as an intermediate storage solution that can be deployed locally at or near the damaged site. This eliminates the need for long-distance transfer of cryo-materials to remote facilities, reducing exposure time to deterioration risks while still enabling recovery operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the safe and continuous cryogenic storage of biological materials during maintenance or disaster scenarios by providing a self-sufficient, mobile solution that maintains optimal temperature and atmosphere conditions, reducing the risk of material deterioration or loss.

Implementation Method 1

A transportable container-structure for cryoconservation of biological materials comprising a container with a main compartment or cryoconservation room, in which cryogenic reservoirs for storing the biological materials are arranged and fluidly connected to a distribution line that provides a cryogenic fluid, such as LN2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

provides a cryogenic fluid, such as LN2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP3719421A1Transportable container-structure for cryoconservation of biological materials
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 AIR LIQUIDE SANITA
  • EP3719421A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3719421A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3719421A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention concerns a transportable container-structure (1) for cryoconservation of biological materials comprising a container (4) comprising a main compartment (2) containing cryogenic reservoirs (21) for storing biological materials, and at least one distribution line (64) for distributing a cryogenic fluid to the cryogenic reservoirs (21). The main compartment (2) is dimensioned for receiving at least 4 cryogenic reservoirs (21) and one or several mechanical freezers (22). The invention also concerns a vehicle, such as a truck, comprising a truck bed, and a transportable container-structure for cryoconservation of biological materials according to the invention positioned on and fixed to said truck bed, thereby allowing a transportation of the container-structure on said truck.