Bioprocess Component LED Indicators for Assembly and Process Status

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bioprocess systems face challenges in efficiently assembling and monitoring components due to errors and time-consuming processes, particularly with single-use components, which can lead to critical situations requiring quick understanding and reaction.

Innovation Solution

A flexible and cost-effective solution involving light emitting elements, such as LEDs, placed next to or on system components to provide graphical user interface feedback for assembly and process information, reducing the need for constant reference to electronic user interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If visual feedback is provided only through a distant user interface, then system complexity is reduced, but time is lost in locating and responding to warnings or errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to locate and respond to warnings/errorsVSAvoidcomplexity of display arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the display from a 2D remote interface to a 3D spatial arrangement where indicators are physically distributed throughout the bioprocess system. Light emitting elements are placed directly on or near system components, creating a spatial mapping between the physical system and its status indication, eliminating the need for users to physically move between locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The display function is segmented and distributed across multiple independent light emitting elements rather than centralized in a single interface. Each component or subsystem can have its own indicator, allowing parallel monitoring of multiple parameters and enabling localized feedback without requiring a complex centralized display system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If assembly instructions are consulted repeatedly from manuals or user interfaces, then assembly precision can be maintained, but productivity decreases due to repeated interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly correctnessVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements immediate visual feedback through light emitting elements that change state based on assembly correctness. Sensors detect whether components are properly assembled and provide real-time confirmation through illuminated indicators, eliminating the need for repeated manual checks while maintaining high assembly precision through continuous automated monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of assembly correctness automatically during the assembly process itself, rather than requiring post-assembly verification. The sensors are positioned to detect proper component placement as it occurs, providing immediate feedback that guides the assembly process without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If remote electronic process control is used, then device complexity is minimized, but ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent movement between system and interface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of monitoring system stateVSAvoidcomplexity of integrated display system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the monitoring function directly with the physical system by integrating light emitting elements and sensors into the bioprocess equipment. The display and control functions are combined with the process equipment itself, creating a unified system where monitoring information is co-located with the components being monitored, eliminating the need for separate remote interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach significantly reduces time and cost overhead in identifying errors or warnings, enhances ease of use, and allows for quick visualization of assembly correctness and process states, improving operational efficiency during bioprocess operations.

Implementation Method 1

The display component comprises a light emitting element arranged separate from the monitored system component and arranged next to or on the monitored system component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting element (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP4407022A1Bioprocess system for a bioprocess operation with a display arrangement for displaying system information about the bioprocess system
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
  • EP4407022A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4407022A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4407022A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a bioprocess system for a bioprocess operation with a display arrangement (21) for displaying system information about the bioprocess system (1), wherein the bioprocess system (1) comprises system components (6) comprising at least one monitored system component (22), wherein the system components (6) can be assembled into an assembled state in which the bioprocess system (1) is operational for the bioprocess operation and can be disassembled into a disassembled state in which the bioprocess system (1) is not operational for the bioprocess operation, wherein the bioprocess system (1) comprises a control arrangement (24) and the display arrangement (21) comprises at least one display component (25), wherein in an assembled state of the bioprocess system (1) during a bioprocess operation the control arrangement (24) displays process information via the display arrangement (21) and/or wherein during assembly of the bioprocess system (1) the control arrangement (24) displays assembly information via the display arrangement (21), wherein the process information and/or the assembly information concern at least the monitored system component (22) and wherein the display arrangement (21) comprises at least one display component (25). It is proposed that the display component (25) comprises a light emitting element (27) arranged separate from the monitored system component (22) and arranged next to or on the monitored system component (22) and that the control arrangement (24) is configured to display via the light emitting element (27) the process information and/or the assembly information relating to the monitored system component (22).