Adjustable Spectroscopy Cell for Bioreactor Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectroscopy measuring cells for containers, such as bioreactors, are costly due to the use of optically transparent windows like sapphire glass and quartz, are not suitable for single-use applications, lack validation capabilities, and have fixed optical path lengths that cannot be varied during measurements.
Innovation Solution
A container with a spectroscopy cell featuring adjustable optical areas that can be set at different distances, allowing for variable optical path lengths and enabling high-quality spectroscopic measurements by optimizing the path length based on wavelength and light absorption/scattering properties, using cost-effective materials and allowing for reuse of the spectroscopy cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If costly optically transparent windows (sapphire glass, quartz glass) are used in spectroscopy measuring cells, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and single-use applicability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by providing a spectroscopy cell that can be integrated into single-use container walls, eliminating the need for expensive, reusable optical windows. The cell is designed to be discarded with the container after one use, avoiding the high manufacturing costs and cleaning requirements of reusable sapphire or quartz windows while maintaining adequate measurement precision for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from expensive optical glasses (sapphire, quartz) to more economical materials that can be integrated into disposable container walls. This parameter change maintains the essential optical functionality while dramatically reducing manufacturing cost, enabling single-use applications that were previously economically unviable.
2Device complexity
If fixed optical path length is used in spectroscopy cells, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different measurement conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the optical path length to be varied during the measurement process. Instead of a fixed path length determined at production time, the system allows dynamic adjustment of the distance between optical areas, enabling adaptation to different measurement conditions such as varying sample concentrations, wavelengths, and absorption characteristics while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Device complexity
If no reference medium can be introduced into the measuring gap, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement validation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the measuring gap into distinct regions that can be independently filled with different media. This allows the introduction of a reference medium in a separate region from the sample medium, enabling validation and calibration of the measurement system without significantly increasing overall device complexity. The segmented structure permits independent optimization of sample measurement and reference validation functions.
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
Enables cost-effective, high-accuracy spectroscopic measurements in bioreactors and mixing containers by varying the optical path length and allowing for single-use disposable containers, while maintaining the ability to reuse the spectroscopy cell, and providing validation capabilities through reference spectra.
Implementation Method 1
for the purposes of carrying out a spectroscopic measurement, at least one optical area has a light-transmissive embodiment
Implementation Method 2
a spectrum resulting therefrom is registered
Implementation Method 3
as a function of an absorption and/or scattering of differing strengths of the light
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect relates to a bioreactor and/or mixing container that includes an outer wall and a spectroscopy cell arranged in and/or on the outer wall. The spectroscopy cell includes a first optical area and a second optical area arranged opposite the first optical area. The first optical area and the second optical area can be set at at least two different distances from one another. A specimen-receiving area is located between the first optical area and the second optical area.