Adjustable Impeller for Bioreactor Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mixing systems for biological fluids, such as bioreactors, require multiple transfers to different sized bags for homogeneous mixing, which is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and increases the risk of contamination and material costs.
Innovation Solution
A mixing system with an adjustable impeller assembly that can be manually or automatically positioned, tilted, and moved within a single flexible container of varying sizes, allowing for optimal mixing and suspension of solutions across a wide range of volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple transfers to different sized bags are used for homogeneous mixing, then mixing quality is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The impeller assembly is designed to be dynamically adjustable within the flexible container, allowing it to be repositioned, tilted, and oriented to optimal positions for mixing different volumes of solution. This dynamic adjustability enables a single container to replace multiple fixed-size containers, eliminating transfer time while maintaining mixing quality across varying volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing system is designed as a universal solution where a single flexible container with an adjustable impeller can handle multiple volumes and mixing requirements. The impeller assembly can be positioned and oriented to accommodate different solution volumes, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for multiple specialized containers.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple transfers to different sized bags are used for homogeneous mixing, then mixing quality is improved, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible container with adjustable impeller serves multiple purposes across different volume requirements, replacing the need for multiple disposable bags. This universal design reduces material consumption and cost while maintaining the ability to achieve homogeneous mixing across various volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system reduces waste by eliminating the need to discard multiple single-use bags. The reusable flexible container with adjustable impeller can be cleaned and reused, recovering material resources and reducing disposal costs associated with multiple discarded bags.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple transfers to different sized bags are used for homogeneous mixing, then mixing quality is improved, but risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single reusable flexible container with adjustable impeller eliminates multiple transfer operations between different bags, thereby eliminating the contamination risks associated with each transfer. The universal design maintains mixing quality while improving reliability by reducing exposure to contamination at each transfer step.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the impeller within the sealed flexible container allows for effective mixing without opening or transferring between containers. This maintains the closed system integrity, reducing contamination risk while achieving homogeneous mixing through adaptive impeller positioning.
4Device complexity
If fixed position impeller is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different volumes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The impeller assembly is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing it to be repositioned, tilted, and oriented to optimal positions for mixing different volumes of solution. This dynamic feature enables the system to adapt to varying volumes without requiring multiple fixed-position impellers, balancing complexity with versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller assembly is segmented into adjustable components that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation allows for flexible configuration to accommodate different volume requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure compared to using multiple complete mixing systems.
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 enables efficient, homogeneous mixing of biological fluids within a single container, reducing processing downtime, material waste, labor costs, and the risk of contamination, while maintaining sterility and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
An impeller is disposed within the flexible bag and is used to mix or suspend the solution within the bag
Implementation Method 2
In some embodiments, the impeller is mounted to the bottom of the bag and is magnetically driven
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid mixing system includes a support housing having an interior surface bounding a chamber. A flexible bag is disposed within the chamber of the support housing, the flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment. An impeller is disposed within the chamber of the flexible bag. A drive shaft is coupled with the impeller such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the impeller. A drive motor assembly is coupled with the draft shaft and is adapted to rotate the drive shaft. An adjustable arm assembly is coupled with the drive motor assembly and is adapted to move the drive motor assembly which in turn moves the position of the drive shaft and impeller. An electrical controller can control movement of the adjustable arm.