Bioreactor Control Mapping for Flexible Task Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bioreactor control systems are inflexible, requiring cumbersome custom programming and increased error risk when reconfiguring device mappings, and are limited by predefined device templates, which complicates the adaptation of control system configurations for different processes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of process task objects with map values that allow input values to be pulled from dynamically determined source locations, enabling flexible configuration by changing input map values rather than rewriting source code, thus allowing any device output to be logically connected to any other device input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If predefined device templates are used in bioreactor control systems, then device configuration is standardized and easier to implement, but the system becomes inflexible and requires cumbersome custom programming when reconfiguring device mappings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of configurationVSAvoidflexibility of device mapping

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines source locations for input values at runtime based on map values, rather than using fixed predefined mappings. This allows the device mapping configuration to be changed flexibly by updating map values without requiring custom programming, resolving the contradiction between standardized configuration and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter that defines device mappings from fixed template assignments to configurable map values. By storing and using map values that identify source locations, the system can adapt device mappings by changing these parameter values rather than rewriting source code, thus achieving both ease of configuration and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom programming is used to reconfigure device mappings, then specific process requirements can be met, but error risk increases and programming time is extended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoiderror risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of writing custom programming code for each configuration, the system uses map values that copy or reference existing source locations. This eliminates the need to create new programming logic while still achieving custom configurations, thereby reducing error risk while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The map value acts as an intermediary between the process task object and the actual data source. Rather than directly programming the connection, the system uses the map value as a mediator that identifies the source location, reducing programming complexity and error risk while maintaining customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If predefined device templates are used, then system structure is simplified, but adaptation to different processes becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidreconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining the structure with standardized device templates, but also pre-configuring the ability to change mappings through map values. This allows quick adaptation to different processes by simply updating map values without requiring structural changes or extensive reprogramming, thus reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining simple system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If extensive custom programming is required for reconfiguration, then precise control can be achieved, but operational efficiency decreases and production downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical system of custom programming with a data-driven approach using map values. Instead of modifying programming code to achieve precise control for different processes, the system substitutes this with the ability to dynamically change map values, thereby maintaining control precision while significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing production downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11530382B2Methods and apparatus to implement flexible bioreactor control systems

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 GLOBAL LIFE SCIENCES SOLUTIONS USA LLC

AI summary

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed herein to implement flexible bioreactor control systems. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a processor coupled to a memory, the processor programmed to determine whether the map value included in the process task object is a valid map value, the process task object to correspond to a task executed by a bioreactor, a control device or a measurement device of the bioreactor control system configuration, in response to determining the map value is a valid map value, decode the map value to identify the source location of a first input of the process task object, pull a value from the source location to update the input value of the process task object, and facilitate execution of the process task with the input value.