Bioprocessing Vessel Carrier With Movable Wings for Protected Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for flexible bioprocessing vessels do not adequately address the challenges of transport, installation, and deployment within rigid support structures, particularly for large vessels, and lack protection for tubing and connectors during these processes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a base portion and a top plate with movable wings and apertures for securing tubing, which forms a storage cavity for transportation and transforms into a planar configuration for installation within a rigid support structure, ensuring protection and organized deployment of flexible bioprocessing vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing packaging solutions are used for flexible bioprocessing vessels, then the vessels can be transported, but the tubing and connectors lack protection during transport and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging apparatus includes a base portion with a cavity that receives and protects the flexible vessel, tubing, and connectors. The tubing is routed through apertures in the base portion and secured within the cavity, creating a nested arrangement where smaller components are protected within the larger packaging structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion acts as an intermediary structure between the flexible vessel and the external environment. It provides a rigid support structure that protects the vulnerable tubing and connectors while allowing the flexible vessel to be properly positioned and secured during transport and installation.
2Ease of operation
If the flexible vessel is raised into position within the rigid support structure, then the vessel can be deployed for use, but the film may contact and stick to the interior surface of the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging apparatus pre-positions the flexible vessel in a collapsed or partially expanded state within the rigid support structure before final deployment. This preliminary positioning allows the vessel to be gradually inflated and deployed without suddenly contacting the interior surface, reducing the risk of sticking.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging apparatus allows the flexible vessel to transition dynamically from a collapsed state during transport to an expanded state for use. The base portion can be selectively removed or reconfigured to allow the vessel to expand and deploy smoothly within the rigid support structure, preventing contact and sticking with the interior surface.
3Ease of operation
If a hoist or lift mechanism is used to raise large vessels, then the vessels can be positioned for use, but existing packaging solutions do not include suitable lifting surfaces that remain attached during use
Solution Approach 1:
The base portion of the packaging apparatus serves multiple functions: it protects the vessel during transport, provides a lifting surface for hoisting, and remains attached to the vessel during use. The base portion includes attachment mechanisms that allow it to serve as both packaging and a permanent support structure for lifting operations.
4Productivity
If the flexible vessel is transported in a compact form, then transportation is efficient, but the vessel requires complex packaging to maintain its compact form and protect its components
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging apparatus is divided into functional segments: a base portion for support and protection, apertures for tubing routing, and a cavity for vessel containment. This segmentation allows the packaging to be designed efficiently for compact storage while maintaining protection for all components during transport.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transporting and installing a flexible bioprocessing vessel includes a base portion for attachment to a bottom panel of the vessel, the base portion having first and second wing portions selectively movable relative to the base portion between first and second positions. The apparatus includes a top plate for attachment to a top panel of the vessel. The apparatus includes a front panel connected to a front end of the base portion, the front panel including a plurality of apertures configured to secure and protect tubing and/or connectors extending from the vessel. In the first position, the first and second wing portions are operatively connected to first and second sides of the top plate forming a storage cavity for the vessel. In the second position, the first and second wing portions are disconnected from the first and second sides of the top plate.