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17. December 2019

Cryopreservation: freezing cold job for parallel robots

match | Extreme temperatures are a problem not only for humans. Even classical robots go on strike when it’s freezing cold. For automated cryopreservation, the institute match is developing a parallel robot with flexure hinges that is able to handle specimens at ultra-cold temperatures below -130°C.

Cryopreservation is the process in which biological material is frozen and stored at temperatures below -130°C. Automating such systems is very challenging, because the use of classical serial handling robots is nearly impossible due to the extreme temperatures. However, parallel robot structures allow the drives to be located outside the cold area, so that just passive components like hinges and arm limbs are exposed to low temperatures.
The Institute of Assembly Technology (match) is conducting research regarding the design of a robot-assisted handling and storage system for ultra-cold working environments. The researchers developed a cascaded flexure hinge (see Figure 1) und investigated by simulations how it performs under cryogenic conditions. To minimise unwanted deformations of the hinge like wings bending open (see Figure 2), the researchers have been testing various geometrical adjustments (see Figure 3).
The conclusion: Parameter optimisation reduces undesirable deformation of the hinge by up to 98% without limiting flexibility and without exceeding the maximum bearable stress in the hinge.

by Philipp Jahn

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At a glance

  • Robot used in cryopreservation
  • Automated handling of specimens at temperatures below -130°C
  • Use of monolithic flexure hinges
  • Structural optimisation and simulation of the deformation behaviour using FE analysis
match_Kryokonservierung_Bild1_01
Prototype of cascaded flexure hinge. (Photo: Philipp Jahn, match)
match_Kryokonservierung_Bild2_01
Unwanted effect: wings bending open. (Photo: Philipp Jahn, match)
match_Kryokonservierung_Bild3_EN
Possible geometrical adjustments. (Photo: Philipp Jahn, match)
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Dipl.-Ing. Philipp Jahn

+49 (0)511 762-18250

jahn@match.uni-hannover.de

www.match.uni-hannover.de

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