Bioprocess Machine Digital Controller for Automated Fluid Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The setup and operation of biotechnological fluid treatment installations are cumbersome due to the need for extensive cleaning and maintenance of reusable components, and existing disposable solutions lack flexibility in automating treatment processes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a bioprocess machine with a biotechnological fluid treater and a digital controller, along with a machine helper, enables machine-to-machine communication and pairing over a network, allowing for automated reconfiguration and enhanced flexibility by providing and consuming capabilities for modifying physico-chemical or biological properties of the fluid, even during batch processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reusable components (stainless steel pipes, tanks, filter housings) are used in biotechnological fluid treatment installations, then the installation can be used multiple times, but extensive cleaning and maintenance operations are required before and after each treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies disposable single-use components (bags, circuits, filter elements) that are discarded after one treatment cycle, eliminating the need for cleaning and maintenance operations while maintaining productivity. These disposable components are replaced rather than cleaned, solving the contradiction between reusability and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If disposable components are used to avoid cleaning operations, then ease of operation is improved, but flexibility in automating treatment processes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal digital controller that can manage multiple disposable components and treatment processes through standardized interfaces. The controller provides multi-functional capabilities including process control, monitoring, and automation across different treatment types, restoring flexibility and adaptability while maintaining the ease of operation provided by disposable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated treatment processes where the digital controller automatically manages the disposable components without requiring manual intervention for setup or operation. The automation capability allows the system to configure and execute treatments autonomously, compensating for the reduced adaptability that might otherwise result from using disposable components.
3Extent of automation
If machine helper is added to enhance automation capability, then extent of automation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional communication and pairing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a machine helper as an intermediary device that facilitates communication between the digital controller and external systems or additional components. The helper manages complex communication protocols and pairing operations, shielding the main controller from complexity while enabling enhanced automation capabilities through standardized intermediary interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to biotechnological fluid treating, such as biopharmaceutical liquids in order to obtain products such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines or recombinant proteins, and particularly to a system for treating a biotechnical fluid, having a bioprocess machine and at least one bioprocess machine helper, configured to connect to each other and each comprising a controller, in turn comprising a machine-to-machine communication tool configured for connecting to a network