Pre-Assembled Filtration Test Setup for Bioprocess Sensor Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bioprocess engineering filtration test systems require complex manual assembly and connection of numerous components, including sensors, filters, and fluidic and electrical connections, which complicates handling and setup.

Innovation Solution

The system is pre-configured with pre-assembled components and integrated circuits, including filters, valves, and sensors, to simplify setup and reduce the number of manual assembly steps, with options for single-use disposable components and magnetic or force-locking fixation, and includes pre-configured data receiving instruments for sensor data processing and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual assembly and connection of numerous components is required, then the system can be highly customizable and adaptable, but the handling and setup become complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecustomizabilityVSAvoidhandling
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration test system is divided into modular components (filtration test section, data receiving instrument, sensors, filters, valves) that can be independently selected and pre-assembled. This segmentation allows the system to be customized for different filtration tests while reducing the complexity of manual assembly, as each module can be prepared separately and then easily integrated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Components such as the filtration test section, sensors, filters, and valves can be pre-assembled into complete test units before actual use. This preliminary assembly reduces the complexity of on-site setup and handling, while still allowing customization by selecting different pre-assembled units for specific filtration test requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If numerous components require manual connection, then the system can be flexible and adaptable to different test requirements, but the setup time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration test section and associated components are pre-assembled into complete test units that are ready for immediate use. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces setup time while maintaining adaptability, as different pre-assembled units can be selected based on specific test requirements without requiring time-consuming manual assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-assembled filtration test section is designed to be universally applicable to different filtration test configurations. By integrating multiple functions (filtration, sensing, valve control, data acquisition) into a single pre-assembled unit, the system maintains adaptability to various test requirements while eliminating the need for time-consuming manual connection of numerous components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple manual connections are required, then the system can be customized for specific tests, but the risk of contamination and assembly errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecustomizationVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration test section and components are pre-assembled in a controlled manufacturing environment where contamination risks are minimized. This preliminary assembly ensures proper connections and reduces the opportunity for contamination or assembly errors during actual test setup, while still allowing customization through selection of different pre-assembled units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The filtration test section can be designed as a disposable single-use component that is pre-assembled and sealed. This eliminates the need for repeated manual connections and cleaning, thereby reducing contamination risk and assembly errors while maintaining the ability to customize by selecting different disposable test sections for specific filtration tests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4001896B1Biotechnical filtration test system
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
  • EP4001896B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4001896B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4001896B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a bioprocess engineering, in particular biopharmaceutical, filtration test system for filtering a liquid test medium (M) within a filtration test in a filtration test section (2) of the filtration test system (1), which leads from a feed container (3) for receiving the test medium (M) to be filtered to a fluid outlet (4) for the filtered test medium (F), wherein the filtration test system (1) is configured to acquire sensor data as test data for at least one filter (6) during the filtration test, on the basis of which the filter of a target system can be selected and/or dimensioned according to predetermined scaling criteria. It is proposed that the filtration test system (1) be at least partially pre-configured in terms of programming and/or circuitry, at least partially in terms of fluid technology, and/or at least partially in terms of sensors.