Biocontainer Bag Support System With Hinged Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large and unwieldy biocontainer bags pose challenges in handling, transportation, and setup due to their size and bulkiness, particularly when equipped with tubing and connectors.
Innovation Solution
A support system for biocontainer bags featuring a base plate with opposing sides and hingedly connected side walls, including straps for carrying, which allows for easier handling and transportation by providing a high and low point axis for improved drainage and minimizing tubing creasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large biocontainer bags (1000 L or more) are used, then processing capacity is improved, but handling and transportation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple components: a base plate, hingedly connected side walls with upper and lower portions, and carrying straps. This segmentation allows the large bag to be supported and maneuvered through coordinated movement of separate structural elements rather than requiring the entire bag to be handled as one unwieldy unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the operator and the large biocontainer bag. By providing a rigid base plate and hinged side walls that can be positioned around the bag, the support system mediates the interaction, allowing operators to handle the bag through the support structure rather than directly manipulating the large, unwieldy bag itself.
2Quantity of substance
If large biocontainer bags are transported, then processing capacity is improved, but transportation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure segments the transportation function into distinct components: the base plate provides a stable foundation, the hinged side walls can be folded or positioned to accommodate the bag shape, and the carrying straps enable manual or mechanical transport. This segmentation reduces transportation complexity by allowing each component to perform its specific function efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged connections between side wall portions allow the support structure to dynamically adapt its configuration during transportation. The side walls can be folded, raised, or positioned differently depending on the transport mode (manual carrying, mechanical handling), enabling the same support structure to handle various transportation scenarios without increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If biocontainer bags are handled manually, then flexibility is improved, but tubing creasing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure provides localized support at critical points: the base plate supports the bottom of the bag, the side walls support the sides, and the carrying straps are positioned to support the bag without concentrating force on the tubing. This localized support distributes handling forces away from the tubing, preventing creasing while maintaining handling flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves as an intermediary that distributes handling forces throughout the bag structure rather than concentrating them at specific points. When operators handle the bag through the support structure, the forces are mediated and distributed across the base plate and side walls, preventing localized stress on the tubing that would cause creasing.
4Productivity
If biocontainer bags are set up quickly, then productivity is improved, but setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with pre-configured components that can be rapidly assembled: the base plate is pre-formed with appropriate dimensions and opening positions, the side walls are pre-attached via hinges, and the carrying straps are pre-positioned. This preliminary configuration allows operators to quickly deploy the support structure without complex assembly steps, improving setup speed while keeping the actual setup process simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
Supports for biocontainer bags and systems, and methods of using the supports and systems, are disclosed.