Bioprocess Bag Support Housing for Ground-Level Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for loading flexible bioprocess bags into bioreactor housings are ergonomically poor and cumbersome, requiring operators to access the internal space of the bioreactor, climb ladders, or use movable parts that complicate cable and tubing management.
Innovation Solution
A support housing design with a side wall and a tiltably translatable supporting part that allows the flexible bioprocess bag to be loaded in a horizontal orientation, enabling easy placement and connection of tubes and cables at floor level, with the supporting part translating to a vertical orientation for secure positioning within the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators load flexible bioprocess bags into traditional bioreactor housings by accessing internal space or using ladders, then the bag can be positioned for operation, but ergonomic strain and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting part is designed to be tiltably translatable between horizontal and vertical orientations, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the loading interface. This enables operators to access the bag at ground level during loading, then the supporting part tilts to position the bag vertically for operation, resolving the ergonomic contradiction without requiring ladders or complex internal access mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The tiltably translatable supporting part acts as an intermediary mechanism between the horizontal loading position and vertical operating position. It mediates the transition by providing a movable interface that can accommodate the bag in both orientations, eliminating the need for operators to directly access internal spaces or use ladders while maintaining proper bag positioning for operation
2Productivity
If the supporting part remains in vertical orientation for direct bag insertion, then the bag is ready for operation, but operators must access elevated internal spaces causing ergonomic problems
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting part is first positioned in horizontal orientation to enable preliminary actions of bag placement and connection at ground level. This preliminary configuration allows operators to work ergonomically before the bag is ready for operation, then the supporting part tilts to vertical orientation to achieve operational readiness, separating the loading and operating phases spatially
3Ease of operation
If movable parts are added to enable horizontal loading position, then ergonomics improve, but cable and tubing management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cable and tubing connections are merged with the supporting part structure itself. The supporting part provides integrated connection points and routing paths that move with the tilting mechanism, so cables and tubing are routed through or along the supporting part rather than requiring separate management systems. This combining approach maintains loading convenience while avoiding additional complexity for fluid and electrical connections
Data Source
AI summary
A support housing for a flexible bioprocess bag, the housing comprising at least one side wall having a first segment and a second segment, the first segment movable in relation to the second segment between an open and a closed position, wherein at least a supporting part of the housing is translatable from an operating position to a bag loading position, wherein the supporting part comprises one or more retainers for holding the flexible bioprocess bag upon re-translation of the supporting part to the operating position and movement of the first segment to the closed position, and wherein the first segment comprises a first drive unit for connecting and driving a first mixing unit in the flexible bioprocess bag.