Adjustable Probe Holder for Flexible Biotech Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

In biotechnological systems, probes used for measuring properties of biological media in disposable containers face alignment issues due to the flexible nature of the container walls, leading to inaccurate measurements and potential damage to the container or probe.

Innovation Solution

A probe holder with adjustable mounting base and probe arrangement means that allows for variable positioning of probes in the direction of extension, accommodating the expansion and contraction of flexible container walls, ensuring consistent alignment and reducing mechanical stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the probe is fixed to the system at a predetermined position, then the probe can be easily positioned initially, but the flexible container wall expansion causes the probe orientation to change, leading to measurement distortion and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInitial probe positioningVSAvoidMeasurement accuracy and probe safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The probe holder incorporates a movable component that can adjust its position along the probe extension direction in response to container wall expansion. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the probe to maintain its correct orientation and distance from the medium despite the flexible container's dimensional changes, thereby preserving measurement accuracy and preventing probe damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows the probe position parameter (distance and angle relative to the container) to change adaptively as the container expands. The movable component enables the probe to shift its position dynamically, maintaining optimal measurement conditions despite changes in the container's physical state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the probe position is made adjustable to accommodate container expansion, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveProbe alignment accuracyVSAvoidProbe holder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe holder uses a simple movable component design that allows linear adjustment along the probe extension direction. This dynamic element provides the necessary adaptability for maintaining measurement accuracy while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The probe holder is divided into a fixed component (attached to the system) and a movable component (holding the probe). This segmentation allows the movable part to independently adjust to container expansion while the fixed part remains stable, achieving measurement precision without requiring the entire structure to be complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3380600B1Probe holder and method for positioning a probe
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
  • EP3380600B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3380600B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3380600B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A probe holder (1), for positioning at least one probe (50) such that the probe (50) at least partially engages in a system (100) for biotechnological uses, comprises a holder base (10) for positioning the probe holder (1) on the system (100) for biotechnological uses and at least one probe positioning means (20), which is designed to position the at least one probe (50) such that the probe (50) extends in a probe extension direction (S; S1, S2, S3, S4). The probe positioning means (20) is positioned on the holder base (10) such that the position of the probe (50) is variably adjustable in a probe extension direction (S; S1, S2, S3, S4).