Disposable Bioreactor Fastening Element with Self-Locking Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of one-way fastening elements in disposable bioreactors poses a risk of contaminating the medium within the container, as these elements are not designed for reuse and can lead to contamination when removed or reused inadvertently.

Innovation Solution

A fastening element with a socket and a fixed element, featuring a safety element with a movable rest area and a slide-up element, which secures the fastening element to the connection element of the process tank, preventing accidental disconnection and reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fastening element is used to mount a sensor on a connection element of a process container, then the sensor can be positioned for measurement, but the fastening element can be accidentally loosened or removed, leading to contamination risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of fastening elementVSAvoidstructure of fastening element

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arm is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to flex during assembly and then lock into position. This dynamic element provides secure attachment without requiring complex multi-component locking mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element incorporates a self-locking mechanism where the locking arm automatically engages with the connection element upon assembly. This self-service feature ensures secure attachment without requiring additional securing steps or complex external locking devices, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If a disposable fastening element is used to reduce costs, then material costs are reduced, but the risk of contamination increases due to potential reuse or improper removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost of fastening elementVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element incorporates a self-locking mechanism that prevents accidental removal or reuse before the process is complete. This preliminary protective action addresses the contamination risk inherent in disposable elements, allowing cost reduction while mitigating the harmful effect of potential misuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element is designed as a disposable component made from cost-effective materials, maintaining the economic advantage of single-use elements. Combined with the self-locking feature, it provides an affordable solution that prevents contamination from improper removal or reuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the fastening element is designed for single-use only, then contamination from reuse is prevented, but the assembly process becomes more critical to ensure proper attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of reuseVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The self-locking mechanism performs the securing action automatically during the assembly process itself, rather than requiring a separate locking step. This preliminary action ensures proper attachment is achieved as part of the basic assembly, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable single-use functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening element performs its own locking function automatically upon assembly, eliminating the need for additional securing operations. This self-service capability simplifies the assembly process while ensuring the element is properly secured for single-use operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4317398B1Fastening element for mounting on a connecting element of a process container

Publication Date: 2025.04.30 EXNER & TOTTEWITZ BESITZ

Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~3d
Figure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a fastening element (14) for arrangement on a connection element (6) of a process vessel (8), in particular a reactor, preferably a bioreactor, especially preferably a disposable bioreactor, with a nozzle (1) and with a fixing element (2), wherein the nozzle (1) has a sensor opening for inserting a sensor into the nozzle (1) and a measuring window (5) on a side opposite the sensor opening, and wherein the fixing element (2) is designed to arrange the nozzle (1) on the connection element (6) of the process vessel (8).It is essential that the locking element (2) has at least one locking arm (7) with a movable locking area in order to form a locking connection with the connecting element (6) of the process vessel (8) and that the locking element (2) has at least one locking element (3) slidably arranged on the locking element (2), wherein the locking element (3) and the locking element (2) are designed to interact in such a way that in an insertion position (E) of the locking element (3) the locking area of the at least one locking arm (7) is movable and in a locking position (S) of the locking element (3) movement of the locking area of the at least one locking arm (7) by the locking element (3) is prevented.