Bioprocessing Configuration Using Unit Compatibility and Objective Ranking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bioprocessing systems face challenges in efficiently configuring suitable combinations of bioprocessing units to achieve desired functionalities and substance outputs, with existing solutions being time-consuming and cumbersome, and lacking in selecting appropriate consumables and maintenance schedules.

Innovation Solution

A method and configuration system that optimizes bioprocessing systems by recommending optimized combinations of bioprocessing units, consumables, and utility supplies based on desired functionalities and substance outputs, using requirement and unit data to select and rank suitable configurations through an objective function, which can be performed on a computer or in a cloud-based environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used to identify suitable bioprocessing systems from the vast selection of bioprocessing units, then the desired system functionality can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual configuration methods with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms and objective functions to evaluate bioprocessing unit combinations, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual search process while maintaining reliable system functionality identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The configurator system enables automated self-evaluation of bioprocessing configurations by automatically assessing unit compatibility, performance metrics, and system functionality without requiring extensive manual intervention, thus reducing configuration time while ensuring reliable functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a partial bioprocessing system has been selected and needs to be complemented with additional units, then the existing selection can be built upon, but identifying compatible additional units remains complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complementabilityVSAvoidunit selection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of compatibility between existing bioprocessing units and potential additional units before final configuration, allowing users to build upon partial selections efficiently by automatically assessing which additional units will work well with the existing configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The configurator dynamically adjusts its evaluation based on the existing partial system configuration, adapting the search and assessment process to work with what has already been selected rather than starting from scratch, thereby reducing time while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If comprehensive evaluation of bioprocessing units is performed including consumables, utilities, and maintenance, then complete system suitability can be determined, but the complexity of the configuration process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem suitabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the evaluation of bioprocessing units with their associated consumables, utilities, and maintenance requirements into a single integrated configuration process, allowing comprehensive system suitability assessment without requiring separate complex evaluation steps for each component category

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The configurator system performs multiple evaluation functions simultaneously - assessing unit performance, compatibility, consumable requirements, utility needs, and maintenance schedules - within a single unified platform, thereby determining complete system suitability without proportionally increasing user-facing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11714387B2Method for optimization of a bioprocessing system

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 CYTIVA SWEDEN AB

AI summary

The present invention relates to a computer implemented method (600) for optimization of a bioprocessing system (100) formed by interconnected or interconnectable bioprocessing units and configured to provide a desired system functionality, the method comprising obtaining (610) requirement data of a bioprocess, the requirement data being at least indicative of the desired system functionality, and indicative of a desired substance resulting from the operation of the bioprocess system, obtaining (620) unit data indicative of characteristics of a plurality of bioprocessing units, generating (630) at least one optimized or suitable bioprocessing system configuration capable to provide the desired system functionality, the bioprocessing system configuration comprising a selection of bioprocessing units from the plurality of bioprocessing units selected using the requirement data, the unit data and an objective function dependent on the requirement data and the unit data. The invention extends to a configuration system (500).