Bioprocess Sensor Positioning for Reliable Foam Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioprocess engineering units lack a standardized method for optimally positioning fill level sensors, leading to potential foam-related issues that can cause pressure fluctuations and production losses.
Innovation Solution
A sensor positioning system with a positioning aid device that guides users to align and fix sensors at predetermined vertical and circumferential positions based on an allocation list, ensuring optimal sensor placement for specific bioprocess applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fill level sensors are positioned without a standardized method, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to suboptimal sensor placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal sensor positions in a database before actual bioprocess operations. The system pre-determines positioning parameters based on container geometry and sensor type, so that during operation, users simply need to retrieve and apply pre-computed positioning data rather than performing complex calculations or adjustments in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary between the container geometry data and the sensor positioning decision. The computer automatically retrieves container dimensions, calculates optimal sensor positions using stored algorithms, and provides precise positioning guidance to the user, eliminating the need for manual calculation or trial-and-error positioning
2Reliability
If fill level sensors are positioned manually based on user experience, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability deteriorates due to variability in positioning quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using measured container dimensions (diameter, height, wall thickness) as input to automatically determine optimal sensor positioning. The system continuously adapts positioning recommendations based on actual container geometry measurements rather than relying on fixed pre-set values, ensuring reliable foam detection for each specific container instance
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically determining optimal sensor positions based on container geometry without requiring user expertise. The computer autonomously retrieves container data, calculates positioning parameters using stored algorithms, and provides ready-to-use positioning instructions, making the system reliable even for users without specialized knowledge
3Productivity
If sensors are not positioned optimally, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to foam-related production losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing optimal sensor positions in a database before actual bioprocess operations. The system pre-determines positioning parameters based on container geometry and sensor type, so that during operation, users simply need to retrieve and apply pre-computed positioning data rather than performing complex calculations or adjustments in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary between the container geometry data and the sensor positioning decision. The computer automatically retrieves container dimensions, calculates optimal sensor positions using stored algorithms, and provides precise positioning guidance to the user, eliminating the need for manual calculation or trial-and-error positioning
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates reliable and standardized sensor positioning, reducing foam-related issues and minimizing production losses by ensuring accurate sensor placement.
Implementation Method 1
a technical storage medium or analog print medium with an allocation list in which a plurality of bioprocess engineering applications are respectively allocated a predetermined vertical position and/or circumferential position of the positioning aid
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor positioning system for a bioprocess engineering unit, wherein a container is provided for receiving a biological medium which, when installed, extends in the axial direction from an upper container end to a lower container end, wherein a holder is provided for holding the container when installed, wherein a sensor is provided for fixing to the container. A positioning aid device for positioning the sensor to be fixed is provided on the container, the positioning aid device has a positioning aid that can be applied directly to or near the container on the holder, which can be brought into different vertical positions and/or circumferential positions relative to at least one reference point provided on the container and/or holder, and the positioning aid device has a technical storage medium or analog print medium with an allocation list.