Bioreactor Bag Suspension Layout for Gravity Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bioreactor bag harvesting methods are inefficient, requiring manual manipulation and prolonged time to completely drain the contents, due to the design of standard bag ports which do not facilitate easy gathering of cells at the harvesting port.
Innovation Solution
A harvesting device with fixing portions at both longitudinal ends of the bioreactor bag and a harvesting port between them, allowing for adjustable positioning of the bag so that the harvesting port is at the lowermost point, enabling efficient drainage by gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual manipulation and standard bag port design are used for harvesting, then the harvesting process can be performed with simple equipment, but the time required to completely drain the contents is prolonged and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor bag is pre-formed with fixing portions at both longitudinal ends and a harvesting port positioned between them, enabling the bag to be suspended in a specific orientation before harvesting begins. This preliminary configuration allows gravity to immediately act on the contents, accelerating drainage without requiring manual manipulation during the actual harvesting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvesting device enables the bioreactor bag to drain its own contents automatically through gravity once suspended in the correct position. The fixing portions and harvesting port design allow the bag to self-regulate the drainage process without continuous operator intervention, significantly reducing both time and labor requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard bag port design is used, then manufacturing the bioreactor bag is simple, but gathering cells at the harvesting port is difficult and complete removal of liquid is problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The bioreactor bag is divided into functional segments: fixing portions at both longitudinal ends for suspension, and a harvesting port positioned between them for drainage. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, making the harvesting operation straightforward while maintaining simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing portions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for suspending the bag, enable proper orientation of the harvesting port, and facilitate easy attachment to the harvesting device. This multi-functionality simplifies both manufacturing and operation without requiring complex additional components.
3Device complexity
If operator manually squeezes and re-positions the bag for harvesting, then equipment complexity is minimized, but operator interaction time increases to around 10 minutes or more
Solution Approach 1:
The bag is pre-configured with fixing portions and a harvesting port in optimal positions, allowing it to be immediately suspended in the correct orientation for drainage. This eliminates the need for operators to spend time manually re-positioning and squeezing the bag during harvesting, significantly improving productivity while keeping equipment simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The harvesting system allows the bag to drain its contents automatically through gravity once properly suspended, eliminating the need for continuous manual squeezing and re-positioning. This self-draining capability reduces operator interaction from 10 minutes or more to a brief initial setup, thereby enhancing productivity without complex equipment.
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
The device simplifies the harvesting process, reduces residual volume in the bioreactor bag, and minimizes operator interaction, allowing for more productive bioreactor processes.
Implementation Method 1
the bioreactor bag can be arranged and fixed in a harvesting arrangement in which the bioreactor bag hangs between the first fixing device and the second fixing device with the harvesting port being positioned substantially at the lowermost point of the bioreactor bag
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a harvesting device (100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) for harvesting a content of a bioreactor bag (102) and to a method for harvesting a content of a bioreactor bag (102). The harvesting device (100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) comprises: a first fixing device (104) for fixing one of the fixing portions (112, 114) to the harvesting device (100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d), a second fixing device (106) for fixing the other of the fixing portions (112, 114) to the harvesting device (100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d), a base (108), and an adjusting device (110) coupling the first fixing device (104) and/or the second fixing device (106) to the base (108). The adjusting device (110) is configured to selectively allow changing an arrangement of the first fixing portion (112) and/or the second fixing portion (114) relative to the base (108) or fixing the arrangement of the first fixing portion (112) and/or the second fixing portion (114) relative to the base (108).