Flexible Bioprocess Container Installation With Lifted 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, often 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 cable and tube management systems, and a failsafe mechanism for secure alignment and attachment, along with a centralized tube management system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional hoist systems are used to install flexible containers, then operators can lift and position the containers, but multiple operators are required and operator safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation operationVSAvoidoperator injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible container is equipped with an integrated hoist attachment mechanism that allows it to self-lift and self-position within the rigid housing, eliminating the need for external hoist systems and multiple operators. The container's own structure provides the lifting capability through integrated cables and attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The hoist attachment mechanism is nested within the flexible container structure itself, with cables and attachment points integrated into the container walls. This nested design allows the lifting system to be part of the container rather than a separate external system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If operators manually attach peripherals and manipulate tubes inside the rigid container, then connections can be made, but the process is time-consuming and prone to failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperipheral attachmentVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Peripherals such as tubes and sensors are pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the flexible container before it is installed in the rigid housing. This preliminary assembly allows for quicker installation and reduces the time operators need to spend manipulating components inside the confined space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible container is designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized peripheral mounting points that accommodate various tube sizes and sensor types, allowing for rapid attachment and reducing the complexity of peripheral connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If flexible containers are installed without alignment safeguards, then installation can proceed quickly, but misalignment leads to faulty installations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Mechanical alignment safeguards such as guide rails, alignment pins, and interlocking features replace manual alignment procedures. These mechanical guides ensure that the flexible container automatically aligns with the rigid housing during installation, preventing misalignment without requiring operator skill or time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the position and orientation of the flexible container are continuously monitored during installation, providing real-time information to guide the operator in making minor adjustments to achieve proper alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If single-use systems are implemented to reduce labor and increase sterility, then production costs decrease, but new issues arise in installation and operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions previously requiring separate systems are merged into the flexible container itself, including hoist attachment, peripheral mounting, alignment features, and tube management. This integration reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining the benefits of single-use disposable containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260062662A1Methods of installing a flexible bioprocess container in a bioprocessing system

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 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.