Bioreactor Agitator Blade with Adjustable Angle of Attack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioreactors face challenges in achieving multiple agitation properties simultaneously during continuous processes, as the properties of the culture medium can change, leading to uneven viscosity distribution and limited adaptability in fluid delivery.
Innovation Solution
An agitator design that incorporates a movable agitator blade capable of switching between two different angular positions, allowing it to function as both a sloping blade agitator and a disc agitator, thereby adapting to changing medium properties and agitation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single agitator type is selected for continuous process operation, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to changing medium properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator blade is designed with a movable mounting system that allows dynamic adjustment of the blade angle relative to the agitator shaft. The blade can be positioned at different angles (e.g., radial, axial, or intermediate angles) to adapt to changing medium viscosity and agitation requirements during continuous operation, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitator is designed to perform multiple agitation functions (radial mixing, axial flow, suspension) using a single blade structure that can be repositioned. By adjusting the blade angle, the same agitator can handle different medium properties and process requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized agitators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the agitator blade is made movable to change angles, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator blade assembly is segmented into separable components: the blade itself, the mounting bracket, and the adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, simplifying production while enabling angular adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows adjustment of geometric parameters (blade angle, position) without changing the fundamental structure or material properties. Simple mechanical adjustment mechanisms enable parameter changes during operation, avoiding complex manufacturing requirements while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If agitator units are not exchanged during operation to avoid contamination, then process continuity is maintained, but adaptability to changing conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The agitator blade incorporates an in-situ adjustment mechanism that allows operators to change blade angles or positions without removing the agitator unit from the bioreactor. This dynamic adjustment capability enables adaptation to changing medium properties while maintaining continuous operation and avoiding contamination risks associated with agitator exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitator system includes self-adjustment capabilities where the blade configuration can be modified during operation through integrated adjustment mechanisms, eliminating the need for external intervention or agitator replacement to adapt to process conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An agitator for a bioreactor includes an agitator shaft having an agitator unit with an agitator blade receiving portion and at least one agitator blade arranged on the agitator blade receiving portion. The at least one agitator blade is movable between a first angular position and a second angular position, wherein the at least one agitator blade is oriented at a first angle of attack in the first angular position and at a second angle of attack in the second angular position.