Flexible Bioprocess Container Installation With Lift-Assisted Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single-use bioproduction systems face challenges in safe and efficient installation of flexible containers, alignment, peripheral attachment, drive connection, and tube management, requiring multiple operators and leading to potential operator injury and process failures.

Innovation Solution

A bioprocessing container installation system with a rigid housing, lift system, and moveable platform that allows single-operator installation, includes a cable slack detection system, and facilitates easy attachment of peripherals and drive connections, along with a tube management plate for centralized tube handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple operators are used to install flexible containers and attach peripherals, then installation safety and completeness improve, but labor cost and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation safetyVSAvoidnumber of operators required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service installation through automated lifting mechanisms, guide rails that automatically align the flexible container, and automated peripheral attachment devices that secure tubes and sensors without manual intervention, allowing a single operator to complete the installation safely and efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary devices including automated lifting mechanisms, guide rails, and robotic arms that mediate between the operator and the installation tasks, performing the complex and dangerous tasks of lifting, aligning, and attaching components while the operator simply initiates the sequence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If operators manually align and attach peripherals to the flexible container, then installation precision can be achieved, but installation time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary alignment actions through guide rails and positioning mechanisms that pre-align the flexible container and peripherals before final attachment, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and reducing installation time while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment and attachment operations with automated mechanical systems including guide rails, robotic arms, and automated fastening devices that achieve precise alignment and attachment instantly without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If operators reach into the rigid housing to manipulate tubes and drive components, then peripheral attachment can be completed, but operator safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperipheral attachment capabilityVSAvoidoperator injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary devices including robotic arms and automated manipulation systems that act as intermediaries between the operator and the hazardous interior of the rigid housing, performing the dangerous tasks of reaching in to manipulate tubes and drive components while the operator remains safely outside

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service peripheral attachment where automated mechanisms perform the manipulation and securing of tubes and drive components without requiring operators to reach into the hazardous environment, eliminating the safety risk while maintaining operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If conventional coupling systems are used for drive shaft connections, then ease of connection is maintained, but tensile load support capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling easeVSAvoidtensile load support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple connection functions into a single integrated coupling system that combines the ease of quick connection with the strength of tensile load support through a unified design that integrates both coupling and anchoring features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling system uses composite construction combining rigid structural elements for tensile strength with flexible or quick-connect mechanisms for ease of operation, creating a hybrid connection system that achieves both requirements simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12467030B2Methods of installing a flexible bioprocess container in a bioprocessing system

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

A method of installing a flexible bioprocess container in a bioprocessing system having a rigid housing with an interior compartment and extending between a top and an opposing base. The method includes coupling a first surface of the flexible bioprocess container to a moveable platform positioned within the interior compartment of the rigid housing; coupling a second surface of the flexible bioprocess container to the base of the rigid housing; and moving the movable platform relative to the rigid housing and toward the top of the rigid housing so as to at least partially expand the flexible bioprocess container within the interior compartment of the rigid housing.