Bioprocess Digital Model Updating for Plug-and-Play Component Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of plug and play components in biotechnology is hindered by the lack of standardized interfaces, leading to frequent upgrades and revalidation of equipment, which is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method where the process control system automatically detects the removal and replacement of electronic components, communicates with new components, retrieves their digital representations, and updates the digital model, allowing for seamless integration and operation of bioprocesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If plug and play components are used without standardized interfaces, then component replacement and upgrades are possible, but integration complexity and revalidation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal standardized interface (IEEE 1451 compliant) that enables different sensor types and manufacturers to be integrated through a common communication protocol. This universal interface layer allows the system to handle various component types without increasing integration complexity, as all components communicate through the same standardized mechanism regardless of their specific function or origin.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary that manages the standardized interface between the diverse sensor components and the control system. This mediator translates and coordinates communications according to the IEEE 1451 protocol, reducing integration complexity by centralizing the interface management logic in the controller rather than requiring custom integration code for each component type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new sensors and components are developed and sold, then equipment capability and flexibility improve, but hardware and software upgrades become burdensome and revalidation is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embraces single-use disposable sensors that are inexpensive and designed for limited use cycles. These disposable components can be replaced without requiring expensive revalidation processes, as the standardized interface ensures compatibility is maintained. The low cost of these short-living components makes frequent replacement economically viable without burdening the upgrade process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and identification of new components through the standardized interface before full integration is required. The controller automatically detects new sensors, retrieves their digital representations, and pre-configures them according to the IEEE 1451 standard, reducing the time and effort needed during actual upgrade operations by having the integration framework ready in advance.
3Ease of operation
If standardized interfaces like IEEE 1451 are implemented, then plug and play capability improves, but implementation complexity increases for some components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements IEEE 1451 compliance selectively at the controller level rather than requiring full implementation in every sensor component. The controller provides the complex standardized interface functionality, while simpler sensors can communicate through this standardized channel without needing to implement the full protocol stack themselves. This partial implementation approach maintains plug and play capability while reducing individual component complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a bioprocess arrangement to perform repetition of a bioprocess, wherein the bioprocess arrangement comprises a replaceable electronic component, wherein a process control system controls the bioprocess arrangement, using a digital model. The replaceable electronic components are removed and replaced by new electronic components, the process control system automatically detects the removal of the electronic components, automatically detects the presence of the new electronic components and retrieves digital representations of the new components, the process control system derives from the digital representations of the replaceable components and the new components a functional relationship, the process control system replaces the digital representations of the replaceable components with the digital representations of the new components based on the functional relationship thereby updating the digital model, and, that the process control system controls the bioprocess arrangement to perform the bioprocess based on the updated digital model.