Bioreactor Temperature Sensor Tray Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioreactor temperature sensors are affected by ambient temperature, leading to unreliable measurements and requiring invasive methods or complex calibration, which can contaminate the bioreactor content and complicate handling.
Innovation Solution
A bioreactor system with a base station housing a tray for a bioreactor bag, featuring a temperature sensor with a thermally conducting and insulating layer to minimize ambient temperature influence, where the sensor is positioned through an opening in the tray to contact the bioreactor bag surface, allowing for reliable and easy handling without affecting circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature sensors are provided outside the bioreactor, then noninvasive measurement is achieved, but ambient temperature affects the measured temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tray as an intermediary component between the temperature sensor and the bioreactor bag. The tray provides a thermally isolated platform that allows the sensor to contact the bioreactor bag surface without being directly exposed to ambient temperature, thereby mediating the thermal interaction and improving measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional invasive mechanical temperature measurement systems with a noninvasive optical or contact-based sensing system positioned through the tray opening. This substitution eliminates the need for penetrating the bioreactor bag while achieving reliable temperature measurement through the tray interface
2Reliability
If invasive temperature measurement is used, then reliable temperature measurements are achieved, but the bioreactor content may be contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The tray serves as a sterile barrier and intermediary platform that allows temperature sensing without breaking the sterile seal of the bioreactor bag. The sensor contacts the outer surface of the bioreactor bag through the tray opening, enabling measurement while maintaining containment and preventing contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing function is extracted from the bioreactor interior and relocated to the exterior surface through the tray interface. This extraction allows the measurement function to be performed outside the sterile environment while still obtaining accurate temperature data from the bioreactor system
3Reliability
If temperature sensors are integrated into the tray, then ambient temperature influence is reduced, but the tray structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the base station housing the control system, the tray providing structural support and positioning, and the temperature sensor as a separate measuring element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the tray maintaining its primary function while accommodating the sensor through a simple opening
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
This configuration provides reliable temperature measurements with minimal ambient temperature influence, simplifies calibration by focusing on the base station, and maintains bioreactor integrity by keeping the tray uncomplicated and uncalibrated.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor with a thermally conducting and insulating layer to minimize ambient temperature influence
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor with a thermally conducting and insulating layer to minimize ambient temperature influence
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
A bioreactor system comprising a base station (11; 17) comprising a control system, a tray (31; 41) arranged to be provided on the base station (11; 17) and arranged to house a bioreactor bag, wherein said base station (11; 17) comprises at least one temperature sensor means (1) and in that said tray (31, 41) comprises at least one opening (33; 43a, 43b) for receiving said temperature sensor means (1) such that it will contact a surface of a bioreactor provided in the tray.