Bioreactor Support Structure with Adjustable Agitator Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-use bioreactors are often designed to work with specific support structures and container configurations, limiting flexibility and efficiency when different container designs need to be used, as they require separate support structures for different agitator motor configurations, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The development of bioreactor support structures with multiple agitator motor positions, adjustable agitator motors, removable spacers, and interchangeable port and probe configurations, along with multiple exhaust filter heating blankets, allows for the use of a single support structure with various container designs, enabling flexibility and efficiency in bioprocess operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate support structures are used for different agitator motor configurations, then compatibility with specific container designs is ensured, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with multiple agitator motor positions and configurations, allowing a single support structure to accommodate different container designs (top-mounted, bottom-mounted, and intermediate-position agitators). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate support structures for each container type, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements, such as removable spacers and adjustable-position agitator motors, that allow the system to dynamically adapt to different container configurations. This dynamic capability enables the same support structure to serve multiple functions across different operational scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple agitator motor positions are provided, then versatility with container designs is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular segments, including removable spacers and independently positionable agitator motors. This segmentation allows each component to be independently configured and adjusted, providing versatility while keeping the overall system manageable and not excessively complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitator motor position is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the same support structure to accommodate top-mounted, bottom-mounted, and intermediate-position agitators. This dynamic positioning capability provides versatility without requiring entirely separate support structures for each configuration.
3Productivity
If a single support structure is used with multiple container designs, then cost and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple container designs through integrated features such as multiple agitator motor positions, removable spacers, and adjustable configurations. This universality improves productivity by eliminating the need to switch between different support structures, while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional capabilities (top-mounted agitator support, bottom-mounted agitator support, intermediate-position support, removable spacers, various port configurations) are merged into a single integrated support structure. This consolidation improves efficiency by allowing one structure to perform multiple functions, while the modular architecture prevents excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are bioreactor support structures configured to be used with containers having different designs, and methods for making and using such bioreactors. The support structures described herein may include two or more agitator motors and control systems or an adjustable-position agitator motor, a removable spacer and/or lid, multiple configurations for ports and probes, and multiple exhaust filter heating blankets. Also described herein are methods of manufacturing a multi-agitator motor or adjustable-position agitator motor bioreactor, as well as methods of modifying an existing support structure to be used with a container not originally designed to be used with the existing support structure, and methods for operating these bioreactors.